Showing posts with label health and wellness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label health and wellness. Show all posts

International Community Health Services announces appointment of new CEO Kelli Nomura

Sunday, September 18, 2022

Kelli Nomura CEO of ICHS
SEATTLE, Wash. — The board of directors of International Community Health Services (ICHS) is pleased to announce the selection of Kelli Nomura, MBA, MHP as the health center’s CEO. She will begin the role effective Nov. 7, 2022.

“We are very excited to have Kelli at the helm of ICHS,” said Board President Gildas Cheung. 
“Her strong leadership abilities and passion for patient advocacy and behavioral healthcare will ensure that everyone in our communities, including the most vulnerable, will continue to have access to quality, affordable health services.”

Nomura brings to ICHS over 35 years of experience in the behavioral healthcare industry. 

She has served as director of the King County Behavioral Health and Recovery Division, where she provided visionary leadership to achieve accessible quality behavioral health services to low-income residents. 

She has developed strategic collaborations and alliances with the Health Care Authority, managed care organizations, providers and community members to strengthen the mental health and substance use services continuum of care to produce desired outcomes for patients, stakeholders and the community.

ICHS is Washington state’s largest Asian and Pacific Islander nonprofit health center providing comprehensive health care to all those who need affordable care, especially immigrants and refugees. An ICHS board member for over 10 years, Nomura has chaired board committees and workgroups such as community relations and advocacy and strategic planning.

Nomura succeeds Teresita Batayola, who will continue to serve as President to facilitate a smooth transition for Nomura. ICHS is grateful for the hard work of the CEO search committee and for the unanimous endorsement by the ICHS board of its recommendation to appoint Nomura as CEO. ICHS also thanks the community for its engagement in this process that included surveys and input from 34 community leaders and participation in the interview process.

“I am thrilled about Kelli [Nomura] leading ICHS into its next chapter in serving our communities,” Batayola said. “She has the depth and breadth of experience to ensure ICHS gets to the next level of service and growth.”

International Community Health Services (ICHS) is a nonprofit community health center providing culturally and linguistically appropriate health services to improve the wellness of King County’s diverse people and communities. 

Since its founding in 1973, ICHS has grown from a single storefront clinic in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District with deep roots in the Asian Pacific Islander community, to a regional health care provider employing over 600 people and nearly 30,000 patients at 11 clinic locations, including Shoreline. 

For more information, please visit: www.ichs.com



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King County and State acquire behavioral health treatment center in North Seattle, preserving sixty-four treatment beds

Friday, September 16, 2022

King County and State purchase behavioral health center in north Seattle

King County Executive Dow Constantine announced today the County is in the final stage of purchasing Cascade Hall, a 64-bed residential treatment center in north Seattle. The purchase will preserve approximately 25 percent of King County’s mental health residential treatment beds at a time when economic pressures are causing providers to close behavioral health facilities. 

The purchase will allow the facility to continue providing mental health residential care to dozens of clients.

The facility is currently owned and operated by Sound, a behavioral health provider. 

In early 2022, Sound informed King County of its intent to sell Cascade Hall. Together, King County and Sound developed a plan to secure the building long-term and ensure continuity of care for clients. 

In 2023, the County will begin a new partnership with Community House to continue operating the building and ensure ongoing access to behavioral health treatment. King County worked closely with both Sound and Community House to prevent the loss of important mental health treatment capacity and continue serving the community.
 
“Everyone should have access to the care they need, where and when they need it— especially in a moment of crisis. The behavioral health system has long been underfunded, and we cannot afford to lose treatment facilities like this one,” said Executive Constantine.

“Today’s success should also be a warning – too many community behavioral health facilities lack funding for basic maintenance and upkeep. We need dedicated funding from our state and federal partners to keep these treatment facilities open and expanding. I appreciate the State’s partnership in saving this facility, especially the leadership from Senator Frockt and Representatives Callan and Macri.”




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Puget Sound Kidney Centers prepares for leadership change

Monday, September 12, 2022

Harold S. Kelly is retiring as President / CEO
Puget Sound Kidney Centers
For over a quarter century, Mr. Harold S. Kelly has expertly led the Puget Sound Kidney Centers (PSKC), and this past summer he announced to the PSKC Board and staff his plan to retire.

Under Mr. Kelly’s leadership as President / CEO, PSKC grew from a small, community-based, nonprofit provider of dialysis to a high-quality regional health care organization operating 11 centers in six counties with five more kidney center projects pending throughout western Washington. 

PSKC has been steadfast in its mission to enhance the quality of life of those with kidney disease through life-sustaining dialysis care, education, and community support, and over the years, PSKC has been recognized as an outstanding employer as well.

A fierce advocate for patient-centered care, Kelly is recognized for his dedication to improving the health and wellness of those diagnosed with kidney disease. He is also well known for his strategic priority of building and operating high quality kidney centers in locations convenient for the patients. 

Additionally, he led the creation and introduction of PSKC’s Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patient education program, recognized as one of the most comprehensive education programs on CKD in the nation. He also established the PSKC Foundation, an organization that assists in fund-raising for the PSKC patients in need.

Despite the many recent challenges facing the healthcare industry, Kelly’s steady leadership has positioned PSKC to remain a strong and successful business for many years to come. 

A long-serving PSKC board member, Don Senter, observes, 

“Our faith in a young Mr. Kelly was well founded as we watched him grow in experience, determination, and wisdom, guiding PSKC to the strong, well-respected organization it is today. Throughout his career as the leader of PSKC, his top priority has always been the welfare of the patients."

In 2021, due in large part to Kelly’s ongoing commitment to patients and staff, PSKC celebrated its 40th anniversary, and through his diligent efforts, PSKC will continue to ensure that quality nonprofit dialysis care is available for all patients in need.

Thomas DeBord, incoming President / CEO
Puget Sound Kidney Centers
To succeed Kelly in 2023, the board has hired Thomas DeBord as the incoming President and CEO.

DeBord brings a wealth of experience in healthcare that will serve PSKC well into the future. DeBord has served as Chief Operating Officer of Overlake Medical Center since 2015. 

In this capacity he has overseen the day-to-day operations of the hospital, including numerous patient care services, and regulatory compliance. 

Also, DeBord has had primary responsibility for the planning and implementation of Project FutureCare, Overlake's major campus renewal project that was announced in early 2016 which includes a new patient bed tower, cancer center, cardiovascular operating rooms, and a new behavioral health unit. 

In accepting the appointment, DeBord states, “I am grateful to succeed Mr. Kelly. PSKC is highly respected for its quality of care, and I am honored to be selected to lead the organization in the future. I look forward to joining the PSKC team.” 

Over the next several months Kelly and DeBord will work closely together to ensure a smooth leadership transition for PSKC.

PSKC Corporate offices are in Everett. One of their dialysis centers is now located on 44th in Mountlake Terrace, WA.




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UW Med: Start the school year by getting your kids vaccinated

Friday, September 2, 2022

As students return to classrooms, pediatrician Dr. Beth Ebel says this is a sensible time for children to receive a booster COVID-19 vaccination, if they’re eligible.

“Getting this (current) third dose, or the booster dose, has been shown to provide better protection against the Omicron variant that we're going to see as kids get back to school,” said Ebel, a professor of pediatrics at the University of Washington School of Medicine. 
“It's time for your kid to get the booster if he or she is above 5 years of age.”

On August 31, 2022 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized two new booster vaccines [fda.gov] engineered to target Omicron variants along with the original strain of COVID-19. Both are awaiting final emergency authorization from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) before they become available.

Older children may soon be eligible to receive one of the revamped booster vaccines, as the CDC is considering Pfizer-BioNTech's formulation for people ages 12 and up. The updated Moderna formulation will be available only to adults.

At this time, the CDC recommends that children 5 and older get one COVID-19 booster after completing their primary two-shot series. Some children over age 12 and who are moderately or severely immunocompromised are eligible for two booster shots.

Now is also a good time to ensure that children's routine immunization schedules are up to date, Ebel said, as many children have missed vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I see vaccines as freedom and as getting back to school, reclaiming our lives, and what we have lost for the last couple of years,” she said. 
“Part of the path to that is to get covered for your vaccines so we prevent these easily preventable illnesses and keep our children well.”


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Steps you can take now to prepare for wildfire smoke

Thursday, September 1, 2022

DIY Filter Fan
OLYMPIA – Washington state is in the midst of wildfire season and, although it’s been a mild season to date, it is important to be prepared and ready to protect yourself and your family from wildfire smoke before the smoke hits.

When it does get smoky outside, the Washington Department of Health says that the best way to protect everyone, including pets, is to stay inside and keep indoor air as clean as possible.

Steps you can take now to be smoke ready:
  • Check current and forecasted wildfire and smoke conditions on the Washington Smoke blog, which monitors air quality across the state.
  • Buy a HEPA portable air cleaner, which will filter out smoke and help create a cleaner air room you can spend time in when it’s smoky outside. You can also make a DIY box fan filter as a lower cost option. It’s key to plan ahead and buy supplies in advance because they often sell out quickly when it’s smoky out.
  • It can be difficult to stay cool inside when windows are closed. Be prepared by learning how to cool indoor spaces without air conditioning.

Sunrise over the Cascades August 13, 2021 
Photo by Mike Remarcke
Exposure to smoke from fires can cause several health problems that range from minor to severe. 

The worst symptoms often occur in people with pre-existing health conditions, but smoke is unhealthy for everyone. 

Symptoms include burning eyes, coughing, throat and nose irritation, headaches, fatigue, wheezing and shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, and chest pain.

For more information on how to protect yourself and those around you during wildfire smoke events, visit DOH’s Smoke From Fires webpage.



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More Washingtonians now eligible for free or discounted hospital care

Swedish Edmonds Hospital
Millions of Washingtonians are now eligible for free or reduced health care thanks to an update to Washington state law that took effect July 1, 2022. 

Washingtonians within 300% of the federal poverty level now qualify for charity care for their full out-of-pocket hospital bill. 

Those within 400% of the federal poverty level are eligible for reduced care.

This care has to be considered “medically necessary.” In Washington approximately 4 million people may fall into these groups.

"This is a large help for low-income consumers who are facing large hospital bills. Changing this law allows for more people to get help with the impact of these large medical costs," said Gov. Jay Inslee.

For more information about the new charity care law and how you can apply for coverage, visit the state attorney general’s website or the Washington State Hospital Association’s website.

Attorney General Bob Ferguson filed a lawsuit against the Providence Hospital chain, including five Swedish Hospitals, for failing to notify patients that they could be eligible for discounted care under state law. He recently expanded the suit to include the two collection agencies employed by Providence.

Washington’s charity care law protects Washingtonians from out-of-pocket hospital costs. The protections apply to both insured and uninsured patients. It requires all hospitals — for-profit and nonprofit, public and private — to forgive some or all of the out-of-pocket cost of essential health care for patients who qualify.
 
If you paid for medical services or are in collections for a medical bill from a Providence or Swedish hospital or Kadlec Regional Medical Center, and believe you may be eligible for charity care, contact Attorney General’s Office Investigator Bau Vang at 206-516-2989 or by email at bau.vang@atg.wa.gov



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Moving Through Cancer - a beginning exercise class for cancer survivors

Saturday, August 27, 2022

Exercise instructor Toshiko
A new class is being offered at the Shoreline - LFP Senior Center:

MOVING THROUGH CANCER Instructor: Toshiko Aramaki

This class is designed for cancer survivors. Participants are people who have completed their cancer treatment, have never taken exercise before and have a hard time starting exercise. 

This class will change your idea of exercise and show you what to do and what to avoid to help you become more active each day.

Toshiko is a certified Cancer Exercise Trainer from ACSM (American College of of Sports Medicine). She has been teaching exercise to cancer survivors for almost 14 years.

Day: Monday 
Time: 1:00 to 2pm 
Cost: FREE

Day: Wednesday 
Time: 10am to 11am 
Location: on ZOOM ONLY

Before you sign up for the class, you need to speak with Toshiko. Please call the Center at 206-365-1536 to leave your name and phone number. Toshiko will call you to discuss the class.

In order to participate in this class, you need to:
  • be familiar with Zoom
  • get a medical release from your doctor
  • sign a liability release from Shoreline Lake Forest Park Senior Center
  • send all these forms by mail or Email to a specific address
Call the Center at 206-365-1536 or stop by the front desk to leave your name and phone number.

Toshiko will contact you to talk about the class and registration

The Senior Center is located at 18560 1st Ave NE #1, Shoreline WA 98155


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Coast Guard medevaced patient from cruise ship 50 miles off Neah Bay

Thursday, August 25, 2022


Coast Guard medevaced a patient from a cruise ship
US Coast Guard Pacific Northwest reported that their Port Angeles aircrew medevaced a 50 year old male who reportedly suffered a heart attack aboard a cruise ship 200 miles offshore enroute to Alaska.

Aircrew met the ship 50 miles off Neah Bay, picked up the patient and transported him to Port Angeles. His condition was stable when he was transferred to Emergency Services. He was taken to Harborview in Seattle.

The cruise ship was not identified.


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Executive Constantine proclaims a Local Public Health Emergency for Monkeypox

Friday, August 19, 2022

Monkeypox
King County Executive Dow Constantine issued a proclamation today declaring monkeypox a public health emergency in King County. 

As of August 18, 2022 there are 272 cases of confirmed monkeypox in King County and over 14,000 confirmed cases of monkeypox in the United States. 

This is following the U.S. monkeypox emergency declaration on August 4, 2022. The King County proclamation will be effective immediately.

This local emergency proclamation allows Public Health – Seattle / King County to be more flexible with procurement, hiring and contracting protocols in order to respond effectively.

"We are fortunate to have one of the best public health organizations in the nation right here in King County, and today’s action ensures they will have all the tools needed to take on the challenge of monkeypox," said Executive Constantine. 
"The health of our community is paramount, and responding quickly and nimbly to monkeypox will help keep more of us safe."


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King County Council approves $5 million in funding for youth mental health

Thursday, August 18, 2022

The King County Council on Tuesday approved a proposal to allocate $5 million in Mental Illness and Drug Dependency (MIDD) funds to help and support young people with mental and behavioral health conditions.

The measure was sponsored by King County Councilmembers Rod Dembowski, Jeanne Kohl-Welles, Girmay Zahilay, and Reagan Dunn.

“It’s clear to any parent across this country and here in King County that the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated an existing youth mental health crisis,” Dembowski said. 

“Many of the necessary steps to slow the spread of COVID-19 disproportionately harmed our young people. We’ve seen drastic increases in suicides, attempted suicides, and mental-health related ER visits. I am proud that the Council acted and look forward to expeditiously getting these funds into the community to help our young people.”

The funding will be split into two main areas, both putting priority on youth services: $2 million will go to behavioral health providers with prioritization of school-based services, mental health first aid for youth, and suicide prevention for youth. 

The remaining $3 million will fund behavioral health providers, prioritizing children and youth behavioral health services providers, by using levy funds to adjust the amounts of their existing contracts to account for increased costs such as the effects of inflation.

According to the CDC during the first year of the pandemic, mental health-related emergency department visits among adolescents aged 12–17 years increased 31%. In addition, suicide attempts increased with both genders of youth aged 12-17, with an over 50% increase in girls attempting suicide.

The King County MIDD is a countywide 0.1% sales tax generating nearly $70 million annually, specifically for programs and services for people living with or at risk of mental and behavioral health conditions.

“Investing in mental health, especially for young people, is absolutely crucial,” Kohl-Welles said. 



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AG Ferguson argues Idaho’s near-total abortion ban violates federal law

Wednesday, August 17, 2022

Attorney General Bob Ferguson today joined a coalition of 21 attorneys general to file a friend of the court brief supporting the U.S. Department of Justice’s lawsuit challenging Idaho’s restrictive new abortion law. The law is set to go into effect later this month.
 
The lawsuit asserts that because Idaho’s law does not have adequate exemptions for emergency, lifesaving care to protect the health of pregnant people, it violates the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA). 

EMTALA requires hospitals to provide emergency care to all patients. Patients cannot be turned away or denied care until they are stabilized. In some cases, such lifesaving care may include abortion care — for example, when a patient is experiencing an ectopic pregnancy, a miscarriage or other pregnancy complications.

Ferguson argues that Washington’s health care system will be further strained by an influx of patients traveling to Washington for health care that will be prohibited in Idaho. Ferguson also argues that Idaho’s restrictive new law denies Washingtonians federally required emergency care if they are in Idaho as students, workers or visitors.

"We are already seeing a significant influx of Idahoans seeking abortion services in Washington, and that will only increase with this new, restrictive law,” Ferguson said. 
“What happens in Idaho directly impacts Washington. Not only is Idaho’s near-total ban on abortion wrong, it violates federal law.”

Ferguson also joined a second friend of the court brief today defending EMTALA in a case filed by the state of Texas and several anti-abortion organizations challenging the federal government’s ability to enforce the federal law in Texas.

Texas’ lawsuit seeks to block enforcement of guidance from the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the Department of Health & Human Services reminding hospitals of their obligations under EMTALA.

More information here



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Executive Constantine announces coalition to tackle behavioral health crisis in King County

Monday, August 15, 2022

King County Executive Dow Constantine

King County Executive Dow Constantine, joined by local politicians, the KC Sheriff and leaders in behavioral health and crisis response, announced a coalition to develop a response to the degrading state of behavioral health care in King County.

The coalition will develop a broad policy proposal alongside Executive Constantine’s budget this fall that will prioritize behavioral health, increase resources, strengthen the workforce, and call on local agencies, jurisdictions, and service providers to develop solutions in partnership.

“The health of our families and communities - and the well being of valued service providers - depends on creating solutions to meet the rising need for behavioral health care and provide timely support for people in crisis,” said Executive Constantine. 

“An ongoing pandemic, long-standing racial injustice, increasing levels of fatal drug use, and underfunding of human services have left people to fend for themselves, in homes and on the street, or consigned them to jails and emergency rooms. This newly formed coalition will work with all sectors, in all corners of the county, to confront this crisis with the urgency and scale required.”

More information here



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Yoga in the garden: Thursday, August 25, 2022

Sunday, August 14, 2022

Yoga in the garden: 
Thursday, August 25, 2022 at 10am

Join us for a 1- hour yoga class in the Dunn Gardens with Michelle Quigley Pearson on August 25th on the Great Lawn! 

This class is great for all skill levels with an emphasis on movement and breath work. 

Be sure to bring your yoga mat, a bottle of water, and please arrive early so class can begin promptly at 10am.

Pricing
  • Members: $10
  • Not-Yet-Members: $15
Ticket Link https://dunngardens.org/event/august-10th-yoga-in-the-gardens/

Dunn Gardens is at 13533 Northshire Rd NW, Seattle, WA 98177



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Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal was in Shoreline Wednesday to tour ICHS clinic

Representative Jayapal and ICHS leadership stand in front of the ICHS Shoreline Medical / Dental Clinic. L-R: Lakshmi Deepa Yerram, ICHS Chief Medical Officer, Representative Pramila Jayapal, Teresita Batayola, ICHS CEO and President, and Nga Vo, ICHS Interim Director of Clinic Operations.

On Wednesday, August 10, 2022, ICHS was welcomed Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal to the ICHS Shoreline clinic.

ICHS leadership toured the Congresswoman around the clinic, showcasing the ways that ICHS' integrated care model provides care to our patients.

Our CEO and President, Teresita Batayola, then awarded Representative Jayapal the 2022 Certificate of Recognition for her tireless advocacy on the national stage for #CommunityHealthCenters and expanding health care equity.

Thank you Representative Jayapal for celebrating #NationalHealthCenterWeek with us! #NHCW2022 #ValueCHCs



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Get your babies vaccinated at the Senior Center Friday August 19, 2022

By Diane Hettrick

You can get your babies vaccinated against COVID-19 on Friday, August 19, 2022 at the Shoreline - LFP Senior Center.

Actually you can bring the whole family. They'll have vaccines for 6 months old to adult. You can get a first shot or a booster.

You can sign up for a time slot, and I suggest doing so for the littlest members of your family. If you can't get appointments at the same time for all family members, get as close as you can. Walk-ins had no trouble getting into the last clinic and this one should be fine, too.

You can use the QR codes in the flyer or the links below to pick a time slot:

Pfizer 6mo. to 4 yrs and Moderna 6 mo. to 5 yrs visit:

Adults and Children Ages 5 and Older visit:

Seems like summer just got here, but it's already time to plan for back to school. This clinic will cross a few items off your list.

Other info:
  • Everything is free and everyone is welcome, regardless of immigration status.
  • For information about safety visit: kingcounty.gov/vaccine
  • For questions about accommodations call 206-477-3977 or email: Publichealthaccommodations@kingcounty.gov


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UW Medical Center named state’s top hospital for 11th year

Monday, August 8, 2022

Photo courtesy UW Med
The University of Washington Medical Center is the No. 1 hospital in Washington state and in the Seattle metropolitan area, according to U.S. News and World Report. 

It is the 11th consecutive year that the hospital, one of three in the UW Medicine healthcare system, has earned both distinctions in the publication’s annual "Best Hospitals" rankings.

In seven adult specialty areas, UW Medical Center also was ranked among the top 50 hospitals nationwide:
  1. rehabilitation medicine (No. 5)
  2. diabetes and endocrinology (No. 7)
  3. ear, nose, and throat (No. 24)
  4. urology (No. 26)
  5. cancer with the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, formerly Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (No. 27)
  6. obstetrics and gynecology (35)
  7. orthopedics (47)

“Our U.S. News rankings highlight the outstanding work of UW Medicine’s 39,000-plus faculty, staff, students and trainees in support of our mission to improve the health of the public,” said Dr. Tim Dellit, interim CEO of UW Medicine and interim dean of the UW School of Medicine. 

“We are dedicated to offering patients high quality care and making important discoveries that lead to new approaches for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of human disease.”

More information here



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Yoga in Dunn Gardens Wednesday August 10, 2022

Friday, August 5, 2022

Yoga at Dunn Gardens
Wednesday, August 10, 2022 @ 10am

Join us for a 1- hour yoga class in the gardens with Kathleen Meehan Lorenzo.

This class is great for all skill levels with an emphasis on movement and breath work.

Be sure to bring your yoga mat, a bottle of water, and please arrive early so class can begin promptly at 10am. 

Members: $10
Not-Yet-Members: $15




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Free webinar: caring for a loved one with dementia

Thursday, August 4, 2022

FREE WEBINAR FOR SENIORS WEDNESDAY AUGUST 10, 2022 at 2pm

Caring for a loved one with dementia can be emotionally, physically, and financially stressful. 

This workshop provides strategies for being an effective and successful caregiver. We will discuss strategies for self-care including maintaining social connections, diet, exercise, and brain-healthy activities for you and your family member with dementia. Local services and programs that can be helpful will also be shared.

𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿
David Troxel has become internationally known for his writing and teaching in the fields of Alzheimer’s disease & long-term care. He has co-authored (with Virginia Bell) six influential books and articles relating to dementia care, including his new book The Best Friends™ Approach to Dementia Care.


Sponsored by Ida Culver House



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Nationwide dialing code 988 suicide and crisis lifeline

Saturday, July 16, 2022

OLYMPIA -- 988 is the new, nationwide, three-digit dialing code for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. 

The 988 dialing code connects people via call, text, or chat, to the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL) where compassionate, accessible care and support are available for anyone experiencing mental health-related distress. 

988 is the newest addition to the state’s network of crisis center providers and will not replace any crisis call centers in Washington. 

The current NSPL number, 1-800-273-TALK (8255), will remain active along with the new 988 dialing code.

“Thanks to the many partner organizations and agencies who have made this resource possible,” said Governor Jay Inslee. “In the same way 911 transformed our ability to respond to emergency safety or health situations, 988 will transform our ability to connect people to help in behavioral and mental health crisis situations.”

Text messaging
In addition to activating a new dialing code for anyone experiencing suicidal or mental health-related crisis to call, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline also allows text messaging as part of increasing access to services for youth and individuals with different abilities. 

Contact on behalf of a loved one
People can also dial or text 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. 988 will be available 24/7 and is free and confidential.

250 languages
Call services will be available in Spanish, along with interpretation services in over 250 languages. Spanish speakers may reach the Spanish Language Line by pressing 2 after dialing 9-8-8 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Text and chat services are available in English only.

Veterans
Veterans and service members may reach the Veterans Crisis Line by pressing 1 after dialing 9-8-8 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255). 

Native and Strong Lifeline
Soon, Washington will also be able to launch a Native and Strong Lifeline, dedicated to serving Washington’s American Indian and Alaska Native individuals.

Deaf / hard of hearing
People who are deaf, hard of hearing, and TTY users should use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.

Background
Made possible through the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2020, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is the first of a series of expansions to NSPL services, and includes House Bill 1477 (E2SHB 1477)

Signed by Governor Inslee last year, the bill expands Washington’s Behavioral Health Crisis Response System and suicide prevention services and designates the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and Health Care Authority (HCA) as lead agencies, alongside a new 988 Coordinator position under the Governor’s Office. 

The multi-year phased rollout of changes includes increasing options for youth and adults to receive help while in crisis and strengthening the state’s ability to provide culturally, geographically, and linguistically appropriate services.

DOH and HCA expect an increase in call volume as estimated by Vibrant Emotional Health, the National Administrator of the NSPL and 988.

Staffing 
To meet the expected increase in call volume, NSPL crisis centers increased hiring and recruitment efforts, trained over 132 individuals to provide NSPL counseling and support for 988 programs, and anticipate hiring another 20 or so positions. Those interested in a career helping people in crisis can apply for a job with an NSPL crisis center.

For more information, visit the 988 webpage.



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CPR / First Aid certification class offered in hybrid format

Friday, July 15, 2022

CPR/First Aid certification with WestCoast Training and Shoreline Community College

Participants to gain or improve knowledge and skill proficiency in First Aid, CPR, and AED skills. 

You will learn how to help adult, child, and infant patients in emergency, including injuries and medical emergencies. 

This hybrid course is provided in partnership with WestCoast CPR Training and the Health and Safety Institute. Take a 4 hour self-paced online training course and then the training will conclude with a fun and interactive hands-on practice class at Shoreline Community College. 

The in-person portion will provide the opportunity to practice adult, child, and infant CPR, AED, and some basic first aid skills.

Upon successfully completing this course, participants will receive an adult, child, and infant CPR/AED and First Aid certification card valid for two years.

7/27 IN PERSON - Online course + 2 hours in person - Wednesday (1)
Fee: $109




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