HIV Community Partner Letter on COVID-19

Community MessagesOrganizational Updates
Written By Dustin Vance

March 21, 2020 | Portland, OR

Dear Community Members,

We are reaching out to you in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic to let you know we are here for you.  We understand that social distancing, while a necessary part of stopping the spread of coronavirus, has a real impact not only on the services we are able to provide at this time, but also the lives of you and your loved ones.  

 We are working hard to ensure that you get the services you need.  While we cannot provide our services in person at this time, we are maximizing telehealth, telemedicine, telephone, and email- based modes of interaction, your total health and wellbeing is important to us. During this time we can still help to get you insured, housed, and to keep you connected to care and support, mental health, psychiatry, and to ensure continuous access to your medications.  If you have any concerns about the services or benefits you normally receive or would like information on what services are being provided, we encourage you to call or email your healthcare providers, medical case managers, housing case managers, community mental health providers, peer support, or navigators to ensure that you do not experience any interruption. For those who are in the unfortunate place of losing income and insurance through your employer contact your medical case manager asap so that we can ensure you do not go without access to medical care and medications. 

Above all, the safety and security of you and your family is our greatest concern. Routine hygiene procedures should be emphasized during this time. For more information please visit the CDC website that outlines the prevention and treatment options currently available.

 We know you are inundated with information about COVID-19 and that information seems to change every day.  It can be incredibly stressful to process it all. Prioritize your health and well-being by taking breaks from the news, caring for your body, and connecting with others through phone and social media. Remember how resilient you are.  

Please find answers to your COVID-19 & HIV frequently asked questions in both English and Spanish.  We recommend the following websites for up to date and accurate information: Multnomah County, Oregon Health Authority, or 211 for general questions about Coronavirus.

We will continue to monitor the rapidly changing situation regarding COVID-19 and provide regular updates to our community, partner organizations, and staff as information becomes available. 

We are a resilient community. We are united and coordinated in our efforts to support you and each other during this difficult time. Together we will find new ways to care for one another and ensure services remain available in the middle of this pandemic. What will remain unchanged is our commitment to supporting all Oregonians living with and impacted by HIV.

 

Call us, we can help,

Cascade AIDS Project, EOCIL, EMO HIV Day Center, HIV Alliance, Multnomah County HIV Clinic, Oregon Health Authority, Our House of Portland, Quest Center, Ryan White Part A, The Partnership Project

Dustin Vance https://www.crossfade.co
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