A Message from the CEO: Important COVID-19 Vaccine Update (12/23/20)
As many of you know, the COVID-19 vaccine is now being administered throughout the country. Initially, vaccine supplies will be very limited. NVIH will soon start receiving the vaccines. As per the guidelines, at first, the vaccine will be given to healthcare workers and residents and staff of long-term care facilities. The next phase will be for essential workers and high-risk individuals. We plan on administering vaccines to our patients in order of priority as soon as we can.
The COVID-19 vaccination is one of the most important tools to end the COVID-19 pandemic and there are many reasons to get vaccinated. It is important to remember that COVID-19 vaccines will not give you COVID-19. The vaccines are meant to prevent you from getting COVID-19 and from spreading it to others. It is still recommended to follow the social distancing norms and other recommendations such as wearing masks even after getting the vaccine.
Thank you for your patience and understanding while we work to coordinate our vaccination distribution plans. In the meantime, we encourage you to continue to stay safe by wearing a mask, staying at least 6 feet away from others, avoiding crowds and washing your hands often. We will continue to update our patients as we learn more.
On behalf of our team at NVIH, we wish you a happy and healthy holiday season!
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.