Update for Week ending
August 15, 2009
H1N1 Reminder. Our Alicia Roberts Medical Center in Klawock over the past two weeks has had several laboratory-confirmed cases of novel H1N1 (swine) flu, including one that required hospitalization. These cases should serve a reminder that the novel H1N1 flu still is active in Southeast Alaska. SEARHC also has confirmed recent cases in Juneau, Haines, Kake and Hydaburg.
The CDC now recommends anybody with influenza-like symptoms should remain at home and stay away from others until they have gone at least 24 hours where they have been free of a fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit or lower) or signs of a fever without using fever-reducing medications. The new CDC recommendation means people with flu-like symptoms should stay away from camps, schools, day cares, businesses, mass gatherings and other community settings where people gather. To learn more about the new CDC guidelines, go to http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance/exclusion.htm.
Patients with basic flu symptoms do not need to see a health care provider unless they develop serious flu symptoms or they belong to a high-risk group for serious complications. Basic flu symptoms are a fever higher than 100 degrees and some or all of the following: headache, tiredness, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, diarrhea and/or vomiting. Patients with basic flu symptoms should stay home so they avoid spreading the flu to others. To learn how to take care of a sick person in your home, go to this CDC page, http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance_homecare.htm.
People with serious flu symptoms or those with a high risk for serious complications (pregnant women, people with chronic disease, young children, elders, etc.) should call their local clinic before heading into the clinic to be checked out. You will be given a mask to wear during your entire clinic visit so that we can limit the spread of germs and protect our other patients and employees. Feel free to call your local SEARHC clinic if you aren’t sure if you have basic or serious flu symptoms, so you know if you should stay home or go to the clinic.
Here are some additional ways you can help prevent the spread of airborne diseases such as the flu. Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available (for at least 15 seconds for both, or long enough to sing the ABC song). Use a tissue to cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and promptly throw away the tissue after you’re through using it. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow instead of your hands. After coughing or sneezing, wash your hands or use a hand sanitizer. Use sanitary wipes to clean surfaces where germs gather, such as computer keyboards, telephones, light switches, door handles and stairway banisters.
Updated information on the novel H1N1 (swine) flu can be found at http://www.pandemicflu.alaska.gov (state site), or at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/ (national site). The SEARHC site, http://www.searhc.org/h1n1/, also has information about the flu and how to prevent its spread.
Feds Lift Moratorium on Personal Care Assistance Applications – Waiver still stands. The State of Alaska, Senior and Disabilities Services again accepted applications for Personal Care Assistance on August 12th. CMS created the moratorium in late June due to concerns for how the State runs PCA services. We hope to hear more about the waiver program over the next few days.
ALERT Signs with Tuba City. SEARHC selected the ALERT suite of applications for its electronic health record (EHR). This last week, the ALERT website announced a signed agreement with the second largest Tribal Hospital in the United States – Tuba City. The Tuba City facility will use ALERT Paper Free Hospital.
Behavioral Health Access Point in Craig. We have signed our FY 2010 Comprehensive Behavioral Health and Treatment and Recovery grant agreement with the State of Alaska. Although, SEARHC has not been funded at the requested amount, we have received a slight increase that will allow us to open an access point in Craig. Services to be provided include mental health and substance abuse services, including screenings, assessment and treatment. Staff will also be available to assist in mental health emergencies.
Medevac Rates Going Up Across the Region. A Ketchikan Daily News article cited the rising costs of medevacs in the region. In some cases, the cost before any discounts for a medevac has doubled. The rising costs are affecting health insurance renewals for individuals in the Ketchikan area. Guardian Flight and Airlift Northwest are discussed in the article.
Raven’s Way Anniversary. On Thursday, we will be celebrating the Raven’s Way anniversary. There will be an event during the day on Thursday and a trip to the Biorka Island facility Thursday evening – weather permitting.
Kake Health Center Facility Completion. On Friday, we will be joining the Organized Village of Kake to celebrate the completion of the Kake Health Center renovation. The facility is beautiful. The second phase concluded this summer with renovated dental and behavioral health space.
Just a reminder. . . SEARHC frequently brings in traveling medical specialists to hold specialty clinics at our various facilities. Please click here to view our upcoming specialty clinic schedules.
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