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Community Response Team Newsletter
Public Health & Emergency Preparedness Updates
February 27, 2023

Dear Community,

Change is in the air. After a Public Health Emergency was declared in March 2020, we have lived for three years under that declaration, which has allowed the government to free up a certain amount of resources to help us through the pandemic. At the end of March, with the National Public Health Emergency coming to an end (and California declaring an end to the state’s Public Health Emergency at the end of February), we will start to see some changes on the horizon in how we access some of the resources we have grown accustomed to having available, such as free vaccines, testing, and healthcare benefits.

On the vaccines front, the County COVID and Flu vaccine pop-ups that have regularly come out to West Marin are winding down and are set to end operations by the end of March. With that said, some vaccine opportunities will still exist out here through local medical providers, such as The West Marin Medical Center. Currently, COVID vaccines will continue to be free of charge and will stay that way until the federal government stockpile dries up. That may be some months away, but nonetheless access is going to be more limited.

We have also gotten used to a steady supply of free rapid COVID tests in all areas of West Marin. This supply chain will start to dwindle. However, as of now, we have a well-stockpiled supply in West Marin and we can continue our free COVID test distribution efforts for at least the next few months. It is also not too late to order from the federal government at https://www.covid.gov/tests. You can also get reimbursed by insurance for up to 8 tests per month.

The current federal stockpile of COVID treatments looks good but later in 2023 is where we might start seeing changes in access and cost. Remember if you are infected with COVID, you can get free, safe, and effective treatment at any age. Contact your healthcare provider or if uninsured or cannot access your provider, Sesame Care will offer free telehealth services and prescriptions for COVID treatment.

One of the more immediate and impactful changes to the Public Health Emergency ending is for those with Medi-Cal. By March 31st, there will be no more automatic re-enrollment and California will resume its normal process to redetermine eligibility. Learn more about the end of the continuous coverage requirement.

For those needing medical care of all sorts, and are under or uninsured, know that The Ritter Center's Street Medicine and the SPAHR Center will be bringing their healthcare services to West Marin again this month to Point Reyes Station (March 2) and Bolinas (March 30). Please see the details below. Learn more about the services they bring here.

On a topic that has only increased in its severity since the pandemic started, The SPAHR Center is hosting a frank discussion about the fentanyl crisis on March 15, 22, and 25. This will include Narcan training which is open to teens, parents, and other concerned adults. In-person and Zoom options are both available. Learn more here.

Lastly, as we turn our efforts into pandemic recovery, know that there are financial assistance opportunities in West Marin. West Marin Community Services has financial assistance if you or your family have lost income due to COVID infections. Learn more in English and Spanish. Also, Community Action Marin and Health and Human Services are having a financial assistance event in Bolinas on March 2nd. Learn more in English and Spanish.


Take care and stay safe,
The West Marin Community Response Team

For flyer in Spanish click here
Public Health Officer, Dr. Matt Willis introduces the new dashboard and reviews local numbers as of the morning of February 17
COVID Vaccination Opportunities

Point Reyes Station
West Marin Medical Center
11150 State Route 1, Point Reyes Station California
Every Thursday
9:30 AM - 12:30 PM (walk-ins welcome)
Mobile Vaccinations are available for those with mobility concerns, please call 415 663 1082

For other opportunities visit GetVaccinatedMarin.org

Free Take-Home COVID Rapid Testing
West Marin Locations


If you are symptomatic please test and retest 2-3 days after symptoms start. This is important since the initial test can sometimes be negative, then turn positive in the coming days.
 
If you have tested positive, whether by rapid take-home test or PCR, please do not come to testing distribution for a take-home test until day 5 from your initial positive test result. If you were exposed, please do not test until at least two days after the exposure and test again on day five. Remember to report your test with a self-test reporting form.
 
Where Address Day Time
Bolinas
Community Center
14 Wharf Street
Bolinas, CA 94924
Thursday
(or Upon Request)
11 AM - 1 PM
Inverness Firehouse 50 Inverness Way
Inverness, CA 94937
Monday – Friday Call ahead for an appt.
415 669 7151
West Marin
Community Services
11431 Highway 1
Point Reyes Station, CA 94956
Mondays and Fridays 11 AM - 12 PM
San Geronimo Commons by SGVCC 5800 Sir Francis Drake Blvd
San Geronimo 94963
Thursdays 11 AM - 2 PM
Tomales Town Hall 27150 Highway 1
Tomales, CA 94971
Thursdays 2 - 3 PM

West Marin Community Services and San Geronimo Valley Community Center distribute tests and masks to local organizations. If you are a business in need of tests or masks, please get in touch with Seamus Tomkins at 415-663-8361 ext. 302

Steps to take if you test positive for COVID 19

  1. Isolate to prevent infecting others
  2. Seek Treatment
    • Option A: Contact your medical provider
    • Option B: If you can't reach them within 24 hours, speak to someone over phone or video call for free

There are safe and effective treatments for COVID 19 and they work best when started early. Seek treatment even if your symptoms are mild. Learn more in English and Spanish

Financial Assistance Workshop

Community Action Marin and Health and Human Services are hosting a workshop and providing applications for those seeking rental assistance, utility, wood, propane and water assistance. Learn more in English and Spanish

Bolinas
Bolinas Fires Station
Thursday, March 2
2 PM - 6 PM
100 Mesa Rd. Bolinas CA 94924
 

Re-enroll in Medi-Cal to Maintain Coverage

As California’s pandemic State of Emergency ends later this month, low-income residents are at risk for losing health insurance if they do not re-enroll in Medi-Cal. Starting in April, normal renewal requirements will resume. Medi-Cal beneficiaries should update their contact information  so alerts about renewals are not missed. Learn more about the end of the continuous coverage requirement. Medi-Cal recipients can also contact Marin Health & Human Services Medi-Cal or call 1-877-410-8817

Ritter Medical Outreach Team & SPAHR

The Ritter Center's Mobile Medical Care and the SPAHR team will have a few visits in West Marin this month. Learn more about their services here.

West Marin Community Services
11431 Hwy 1 (Mesa Rd. side of the building)
Point Reyes Station CA 94956
March 2
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Bolinas Community Center
14 Wharf Rd
Bolinas CA 94924
March 30
10:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Marin Lifesaving Skills Training

Marin Health and Human Services presents a 90 minute class to learn:
  • Hands only CPR
  • Automated External Defibrillator
  • Stop the Bleed
  • Narcan
Check out upcoming classes in Marin County here
Flyer available here
Teens Can Narcan

Join the SPAHR Center for a frank discussion about the fentanyl crisis and how the non prescription drug supply is being contaminated. Also includes training on how to use a Narcan. Open to teens and adults both on March 15, 22 at 6 PM and March 25 at 11 AM at the SPAHR Center or on Zoom

Learn more here

For more local information on COVID, Medical Providers, Disaster Councils and Disaster Preparation, See our Quick Links page

Please forward this message to contacts who would like to subscribe to our email newsletter. Help us keep West Marin informed about COVID-19, public health threats, and emergency readiness.
 
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Copyright © 2023 Community Response Team (West Marin) c/o West Marin Community Services, All rights reserved.


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