A Message from the CEO: 10/14/20
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and recent wildfires, along with distance learning and reopening policies, have put a great strain on many people. Members of our communities and staff have been impacted both directly and indirectly. Northern Valley Indian Health is committed to continuing to provide excellent patient care to our communities despite these challenges.
Flu season is upon us and flu shots are being offered at NVIH clinics. It is suspected that this flu season might be harder than previous flu seasons, due to COVID-19. If there are no medical contraindications, I urge everyone to obtain their flu shot as soon as possible. It is important to be protected from influenza and the complications it might cause with COVID-19.
Beginning soon, our Dental Team will be using Powered Air-Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) as an enhanced safety measure. These respirators are simply an important part of promoting health and safety in our clinics during the COVID-19 pandemic. This innovative addition improves the quality and compassionate care that we strive for in serving our patients. Your support and understanding is highly appreciated. If you have any questions, please contact us today.
Inder Wadhwa
CEO, Northern Valley Indian Health
A Message from the CEO: 08/31/20
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are now experiencing several fires throughout California and our service areas. Patients and employees are being impacted and we are aware that some have been evacuated. The air quality continues to decline making it more difficult for all. This time is reminiscent of the devastating fires experienced in the recent past. I'd like to thank everyone for continuing to stay positive and supportive of each other during this difficult time. NVIH is a strong team and we are proud to serve as a valuable asset to our communities.
With the school year beginning, I would like to take this opportunity to remind you that it is important to stay on track with your child's immunizations. Children need to be protected against vaccine-preventable diseases. Well-child visits and vaccinations are essential services and help make sure children are protected. To make an appointment, please contact your health clinic today.
Lastly, however very importantly, we must continue to follow precautions in light of COVID-19. I would like to remind everyone that masks save lives. I encourage you to do your part to help slow the spread of COVID-19 by making sure that you wear a mask to protect yourself and your loved ones. It is also important to maintain social distancing and follow good hygiene practices such as regular hand washing. We will get through this together and we look forward to seeing you soon.
Inder Wadhwa
CEO, Northern Valley Indian Health
A Message from the CEO: 07/31/20
It is important we all remember that COVID-19 is not gone. Most people with COVID-19 have mild symptoms and can recover at home while monitoring their health. They are instructed to stay at home to self-isolate, and avoid further contact with others. The CDC has recently updated their guidelines about when people with COVID-19 can safely be around others again. The health and safety guidelines surrounding COVID-19 are constantly evolving as we learn more about it. The information below is current as of Friday, July 31, 2020.
If you have or had COVID-19 and showed symptoms, you can be around others again once you meet ALL the of the following:
- Your symptoms have improved
- It has been at least 10 days since your symptoms first appeared
- It has been at least 24 hours with no fever, without using fever-reducing medication
If you have or had COVID-19 and did not show symptoms, you can be around others again once you meet ALL of the following:
- It has been at least 10 days since you were tested
- You did not develop symptoms
Individuals with weakened immune systems or more severe symptoms may need additional time or care. It is important to talk to your doctor about your health and what is right for you!
Please monitor your local, state, and national public health agencies for the most up-to-date information. You can read more about the CDC guidelines here.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your health clinic. We look forward to seeing you soon.
Inder Wadhwa
CEO, Northern Valley Indian Health
A Message from the CEO: 07/24/20
COVID-19 has changed many aspects of our lives, but it should not stop annual check-ups and on-going care. NVIH is committed to providing regular Medical, Dental and Behavioral Health services to our community. Maintaining your health is an important way to reduce your risk of serious illness from COVID-19.
We also want you to know the health and safety of our patients and staff members remains our top priority. We encourage patients to schedule telehealth appointments whenever possible. For in-person appointments, we ask that you help us ensure a safe and clean environment for everyone in our clinics.
During in-person appointments, please:
- Wear a clean face mask or covering
- Practice social distancing
- Use proper hand washing
- Answer health screening questions honestly
- Have only the patient (and a parent/caregiver if needed) at the appointment
- Call to schedule appointments
Help us to help you!
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your health clinic. We look forward to seeing you soon.
Inder Wadhwa
CEO, Northern Valley Indian Health
A Message from the CEO: 06/15/20
Our Medical, Behavioral Health and Dental Clinics are Open and Ready to Provide Care
At NVIH, we are sensitively aware that this continues to be a challenging time for our communities. We realize that now, more than ever, your health and safety are our top priority.
We are carefully resuming our normal services such as Medical, Dental and Behavioral Health visits. We want to ensure that we can meet the care needs of our community while maintaining a safe environment and are prepared to make necessary changes as needed. Although we prefer to provide telehealth services to ensure unnecessary exposure, NVIH is also currently providing in-person medical appointments wherever needed. We are also resuming our Dental services for established patients.
We recognize that you might have concerns about scheduling an appointment. Please remember that regular health screenings, check-ups and vaccines are essential and delaying care for an underlying condition can be harmful to your health.
Here is what we are doing at our health clinics to keep you safe:
- Implementing increased cleaning and disinfecting protocols
- Conducting health screenings for all patients and staff before entering clinics
- Requiring masks or face coverings for all patients and staff
- Practicing social distancing throughout each clinic
Our patients and their healthcare are extremely important to us. With changes in the new processes, and in order to meet the new requirements, we ask for your help in serving you effectively. Your cooperation, patience and support in following and implementing these health and safety measures will be very helpful as we navigate your care management.
Appointment Scheduling is Getting Easier
NVIH dental and medical clinics are changing the way appointments are scheduled, making it easier for you to see your provider when you need to!
We are moving to an Open Access Scheduling model. Under this new model, pre-scheduled visits will be offered up to three weeks in advance, and same day medical appointments will be available to patients on a first call-in basis. Our goal under this new model is for you to be able to be seen by our providers in a matter of days or weeks, not months.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your health clinic. We are here for you and look forward to seeing you soon.
Inder Wadhwa
CEO, Northern Valley Indian Health
Links and PDF files
- NVIH COVID-19 Testing for Native Communities
- What Tribal Members Need to Know About COVID-19
- Tips for Elders and Their Caregivers About COVID-19
- Elder Mental Health During COVID-19
- Stress and Anxiety Management for Providers During COVID-19
- Caring for Someone at Home During COVID-19
- CDC Healthbot
- Home Isolation
- Home Isolation (Spanish)
- CDC
- CDPH
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is NVIH providing in-person medical appointments?
NVIH is currently providing in-person medical in addition to telehealth visits. - Is NVIH providing non-emergency dental services?
NVIH has resumed providing dental services for established patients. - Is NVIH accepting new patients?
NVIH is always accepting new Native American patients. All other new patient appointments are subject to provider availability. Please call the clinic and staff will assist you in scheduling an appointment if available. - Can I schedule a video visit with my provider?
Video visits are available for medical and behavioral health appointments. Please call the clinic to set up an appointment. - What do I do if I have symptoms related to COVID-19?
If you are experiencing COVID-19 related symptoms, please call ahead. Staff will advise you on how to proceed. - What COVID-19 related safety measures are you implementing?
- Increased cleaning and disinfecting protocols, including thoroughly sanitizing rooms after each patient visit
- Mandatory health screenings for all patients and staff before entering clinics
- Requiring masks or face coverings in patient care areas for all patients and staff. If you do not have a mask or face covering, one will be provided to you.
- Practicing safe social distancing throughout each clinic
- Utilizing the appropriate PPE such as masks, gloves, gowns, etc. for all staff
- Is NVIH offering drive-thru COVID-19 testing?
At this time, NVIH is offering testing if needed to existing patients in the parking lot or designated room depending on the site. - Will I be required to wear a facemask when entering a NVIH health clinic?
Masks or face coverings are required in all NVIH patient care clinics. IF you do not have a mask or face covering, one will be provided to you. - How can I schedule an in-person appointment with a medical or dental provider?
Patients can call the clinic to schedule an appointment.
Televisits
Please review this video to learn how to download eClinicalWorks’ Healow app so you can participate in remote appointments with your provider.
Clinic code: JDAEBD
Proxy Access Request: English | Hmong
Android Play Store
iPhone App Store
Healow User Guide
New measures to address COVID-19
Northern Valley Indian Health (NVIH) has enacted several new measures to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) while continuing to provide patients with quality compassionate care. The measures are based on recommendations from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the Governor of California, and the California Dental Association. The COVID-19 situation is being continuously monitored by NVIH leadership and measures are subject to change.
All medical service clinics are open. However, non-vital medical appointments are being rescheduled or conducted via telephone or telemedicine when possible. All patients are evaluated and screened for COVID-19 symptoms and/or exposure prior to entering the buildings. Patients with COVID-19 symptoms and/or exposure will be escorted through alternate building entrances to limit exposure to staff and other patients.
Additional measures enacted include:
- Behavioral Health Providers remain available in our clinics and appointments are being conducted via telephone or telemedicine
- All Outreach and Community Health groups and events have been cancelled
- Patient transportation services have been cancelled to limit prolonged exposure and close proximity of patients and staff
Staff not involved with direct patient care have been asked to voluntarily stay home at this time to maintain social distancing. While NVIH serves patients in Butte, Yolo, Tehama, Glenn, and Colusa counties, there have only been confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Butte and Yolo counties. There have been no confirmed cases of NVIH patients or staff.
"The new measures enacted are both preventative and proactive," said Inder Wadhwa, Chief Executive Officer of Northern Valley Indian Health. "We are committed to helping prevent the spread of COVID-19, while continuing to provide quality compassionate care."
CTTP: Non-recurrent short term benefits announcment
Per the California Tribal TANF Partnership (CTTP) Tribal Liason:
Effective immediately, CTTP will be providing Non-Recurrent Short Term Benefits for Crisis Services due to COVID-19 outbreak. This assistance is available to current CTTP Participants and Community Members who have at least one eligible Native American/Alaska child residing in the home in the CTTP services areas.
Please see the CTTP Crisis Announcement and 300% Federal Poverty Guidelines for more information.
Coronavirus update from our Medical Director
Each day new information and updates are happening in regards to our communities and the Coronavirus illness, also referred to as COVID-19. In an effort to give you timely information, NVIH is providing you with the below links to help you stay up-to-date on the latest information and recommendations from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/nCOV2019.aspx
If you are currently experiencing symptoms of fever, cough, or shortness of breath you might need to be evaluated for possible coronavirus infection. Please call ahead to receive direction before going to a medical provider.
Remember, every person has a role to play to lessen the spread of this virus and to help prevent exposure to others. Much of protecting yourself and your family comes down to simple measures:
- Wear a clean face mask or covering.
- Washing hands with soap and water.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. If surfaces are dirty, clean them using detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
- Avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your inner elbow.
- Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
- Staying away from work, school or other people if you become sick with respiratory symptoms like fever and cough.
- Following guidance from public health officials.
Please consult with your health care provider about additional steps you may be able to take to protect yourself--remember to call ahead first.