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6/24/2022 Additional resources OHA COVID-19 vaccine website: covidvaccine.oregon.gov OHA Facebook  Safe+Strong website Ask a Black Doctor on The Numberz REACH webpage and REACH Facebook Vaccinating children under 5 Q1: Now that vaccines have been authorized for children under 5, what should parents know? First of all, it might be helpful for folks to remember the decision was made this past weekend and Monday was the Juneteenth holiday. So the vaccine may be in some clinics today, but it may take a few days for the vaccine to make it to all pediatricians and clinics. The safest thing for parents to do is call their pediatrician, or call the local county health clinic, first and ask them if they have the vaccine yet. Secondly, there are two vaccines available for children under 5. Both went through clinical trials that lasted several months and involved thousands of children. Both vaccines were proven to be safe and effective. The two vaccines are the Pfizer-BioNTech and the Moderna. The Pfizer vaccine is for children 6 months old to under 5 years. It is three doses.  The Moderna vaccine is for children 6 months old to under 6 years. It is two doses.  Q2: What else do we know about the safety and effectiveness of vaccines for children under 5?  In addition to the clinical trials, the FDA, the CDC and the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup, along wth two independent advisory committess, reviewed the vaccine trials data. They all agreed that the vaccines are safe and effective. Q3: Why is it important to vaccinate children under 5? Parents and caregivers should be aware that while rates of severe COVID-19 are lower in children, children can still get infected and become very sick. The rate of hospitalization for COVID-19 for children under five soared during the Omicron peak earlier this year. It was five times higher than during the Delta wave of 2021, according to the CDC.  The vaccine can help protect children from getting infected, becoming sick, and potentially ending up with long Covid. Q4: How can I tell if my child is experiencing a side effect from a vaccination they received?  Common side effects include redness or pain at the site of vaccination. Some people might also experience tiredness or fever. These are often signs that the immune system is responding to the vaccine.  Sometimes people might have other symptoms following vaccination. These might or might not be related to receiving the vaccine. If your child has symptoms following vaccination, discuss with your healthcare provider.  Q5: Is it safe to vaccinate my child under 5 if they already had COVID-19?  Yes. Vaccination can increase protection from COVID-19 infection, even in someone who has already been infected. Evidence shows that vaccines are safe in this setting, and the benefits outweigh any risks. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about COVID-19 vaccines. Q6: Can you share some tips for helping keep young children calm during vaccination? Sure!  If your child is age 2 or younger, ask your child’s health care provider to give them a sweet solution – usually glucose or sucrose – a minute or two before the shot. Something sweet can help reduce the pain response. Breast feeding can calm or relax the child and has some sweetness to reduce pain. Ask for a pain-relieving ointment. The ointment can block pain signals, but it takes a little time to work, so ask in advance. The cooling spray can be given right before. Be honest and calm. We know kids are smart so take the time to explain what is happening and what to expect. For example, they will feel a pinch, but it will go away fast. Use helpful words like pressure or poke rather than pain or shot. A calm voice can be reassuring even for babies. Bring something that a child finds comforting – a favorite toy or boo

Additional resources OHA COVID-19 vaccine website: covidvaccine.oregon.gov OHA Facebook  Safe+Strong website Ask a Black Doctor on The Numberz REACH webpage and REACH Facebook 50th Anniversary Celebration of Juneteenth  Celebrating Juneteenth and Holiday Safety  Q1: What is June 19th or “Juneteenth” and why is it so important nationally this year? Juneteenth, or “Freedom Day” is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. It was on June 19, 1865 that Union soldiers, led by Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger, landed in Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that all slaves were free.  This holiday is considered the “longest running African-American holiday” and has been called “America’s second Independence Day.” Q2: What is the significance of this year’s Juneteenth celebration in Oregon? Oregon Senate Approves Juneteenth as Official State Holiday 50th anniversary celebration of Juneteenth will be in person this year, after having to go virtual during pandemic. After so much grief and hardship, it is time to provide some healing and celebration, and take this as an opportunity to celebrate all the amazing work done by the REACH program: Over 150 partners have collaborated in this work.  The REACH program was pivotal in the establishment of the first drive-thru vaccine clinic in Multnomah County. Vaccinated more than 22,309 people. (Not including data from January and February - where they held multiple clinics vaccination of 500+ people) Q3: What are the key events happening this weekend to celebrate Juneteenth in Oregon? Wattles Boys and Girls Club Health FairThey will be providing plant starters from Black farmers, vaccines, food, and games. 50th anniversary celebration of Juneteenth in North PortlandTalk about the displacement in Vanport and Albina and the importance of taking up space there. Gresham celebrationsBecause of the displacement due to redlining, gentrification, etc., a lot of the Black community is now in Gresham. The celebration in Vance Park in Gresham is hoping for a huge turnout and is put on by  Play Grow Learn, a fantastic organization that “is dedicated to healthy opportunities for sheltered and underserved youth in the community to play, grow, and learn. Initially aimed to support homeless youth, with the extended mission to serve all disenfranchised youth and families.” There will also be an afterparty in Downtown Rockwood  Q4: During our Juneteenth events, we will be asking questions from the REACH team and some of the long-standing partners in the African American and African Immigrant and refugee communities of Multnomah County the following questions and we thought it would be great to ask these of all of you! What does Black Joy, Liberation and Healing look like to you? What’s your special message to anyone about the Juneteenth celebration? Name the challenges you encountered during COVID and how did you get through those?   Share your responses with REACH Facebook or Ask a Black Doctor on The Numberz. Q5: Is it safe to gather in large groups for holiday events this weekend? What are COVID cases looking like? With summer arriving, school out, and many of us enjoying the warmer weather, events like Juneteenth will bring people, families and communities together. Statewide, COVID-19 cases appear to be leveling. Test positivity has not changed much lately and was 11.7% on June 13. During the last month, daily reported case counts also have leveled, from a rolling seven-day average of 1,401 cases a day on May 17, to 1,487 reported on June 13. However, these numbers are likely an undercount because many people are using at-home tests and not reporting the results. We also know many others are not getting tested.  So if you are out and about, you will be exposed to COVID-19.

Additional resources OHA COVID-19 vaccine website: covidvaccine.oregon.gov OHA Facebook  Safe+Strong website Ask a Black Doctor on The Numberz REACH webpage and REACH Facebook 50th Episode Milestone Q1: What are the best practices for living with COVID-19?  Getting vaccinated and boosted is the best way to protect ourselves from the risk of severe disease, hospitalization and death.  Monitor the spread of the virus in your community. Follow local public health partners who inform residents about COVID-19 trends in their areas.  If you have underlying medical conditions, are immunocompromised, or live with someone who is, consider minimizing time in indoor gatherings and wearing a highest quality mask in indoor public settings. And if you are at high risk, consider making a plan now for how you will get tested and receive treatment in case you get COVID.  Q2: What is the latest information on booster eligibility for children 5-11?  The Federal Drug Administration, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup recently authorized a single booster dose of the pediatric Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 through 11. That means: Children ages 5 through 11 who are not immunocompromised should get a booster dose at least five months after receiving the second dose in their primary vaccine series. Children ages 5 through 11 who are immunocompromised (and who have received a third primary series dose) should get a booster dose at least three months after receiving the third dose in their primary vaccine series. Boosters have been shown to increase antibodies against Omicron in children 5–11 to 36 times the level they had after the second dose.  But you can’t get a booster until you’ve gotten a vaccination so it’s really important is to get that primary vaccine series to kids who haven’t had it yet. Q3: What is the latest information on when vaccines may become available for children for under 5? We don’t have a date just yet but we do know that the FDA’s vaccine advisory committee is scheduled to meet June 15 to consider requests for an Emergency Use Authorization, or EUA, for children under 5. So we expect to learn more sometime later this month. Document accessibility: For individuals with disabilities or individuals who speak a language other than English, OHA can provide information in alternate formats such as translations, large print, or braille. Contact the Health Information Center at 1-971-673-2411, 711 TTY or [email protected].

Additional resources OHA COVID-19 vaccine website: covidvaccine.oregon.gov OHA Facebook  Safe+Strong website Ask a Black Doctor on The Numberz REACH webpage and REACH Facebook Rising Case Rates and Masking Recommendations Q1: I hear COVID cases and hospitalizations are rising. What’s the latest? Test positivity has risen from 7% on April 20 to 12.3% on May 23. Daily reported case counts have more than doubled as well, from a rolling seven-day average of 600 cases a day on April 20, to 1,692.4 reported on May 23.  And, we also know that most cases are not being reported to public health — both because testing is occurring at home and because some individuals do not get tested. So, our state and national trends all tell us significant disease transmission is occurring.  As for hospitalizations, they have increased recently, but OHA is optimistic the overall number of Oregon’s hospitalized patients with COVID-19 will not exceed our hospital system’s ability to care for them.  Modeling from Oregon Health & Science University projects that the number of COVID-19-positive patients in Oregon’s hospitals will peak at 321 around June 10. This is less than a third of the number we saw during the Delta and Omicron waves We will continue to watch COVID-19 hospitalizations closely and we are ready to respond to any future surges.  Q2: With cases rising, what can I do to protect myself and those around me? Being vaccinated and boosted is the best way to protect ourselves from severe disease.  One way to assess your risk is to monitor the spread of the virus in your community. Our local public health partners continue to inform their residents about COVID-19 trends in their areas. Multnomah County, for example, recently recommended its residents consider wearing masks for the next few weeks in school, work and other indoor settings. Finally, folks at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19 will face greater challenges, even if they have been vaccinated and boosted.  Those with underlying medical conditions, or who are immunocompromised, should consider contacting their health care providers now to make a plan to get tested and receive treatment — should they become ill. People who don’t have a health care provider can contact their local community health center or call 211.  OHA strongly encourages people with these risk factors minimize indoor social gatherings. We recommend wearing masks in these social settings, and choose the highest quality mask that fits them well. Q3: When do you anticipate cases will stop rising? Recent data show a slowing of the increase in reported cases, indicating we may be nearing the top of this current peak.  Q4: Now that my children go to school in-person, they seem to be getting sick more often. Why is this and how can we take care of ourselves at home? Oregon did see a late-season rise in flu cases – flu season generally peaks around late January or February – as people began removing their masks after mask requirements were lifted for indoor public places and schools on March 19, and as people resumed indoor activities. This made it easier to spread the influenza, and potentially other respiratory viruses such as the common cold, from person to person. Q5: What is the latest news on vaccinations and boosters for children? We do not know yet when vaccinations may become available for children from 6 months to five years of age.  However, the FDA, the CDC and the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup authorized a single booster dose for children ages 5-11 last week, so that means parents of children in that age group can now better protect their children ages 5-11 from serious illness from COVID by getting their childrn a booster. Document accessibility: For individuals with disabilities or individuals who speak a language o

Additional resources OHA COVID-19 vaccine website: covidvaccine.oregon.gov OHA Facebook  Safe+Strong website Ask a Black Doctor on The Numberz REACH webpage and REACH Facebook COVID and Cardiovascular Health Q1: What is the cardiovascular system? The cardiovascular system consists of your heart and blood vessels. It supplies your body’s organs with oxygen and nutrients so your organs can do their jobs. It makes sure that your body gets what it needs during exercise and during rest as well as keeping your temperature at a normal level. Blood vessels called veins carry carbon dioxide and other waste to organs that can get rid of it. Q2: What risks does COVID-19 pose on the cardiovascular system? A recent study shows that even a mild case of COVID-19 can increase a person’s risk of cardiovascular problems for at least a year after diagnosis. Researchers found the risk of heart failure increased by 72% in people who had recovered from COVID-19. The risk was elevated even for those under age 65, nonsmokers, and for those who didn’t have other risk factors such as obesity or diabetes. COVID may also cause myocarditis, which is inflammation of the heart muscle, and stress cardiomyopathy, which is a heart muscle disorder that affects the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively.  Most serious of all is the possibility of the immune system releasing proteins called cytokines that attack the invading virus but also can damage healthy tissues. Such a “cytokine storm” can be difficult to survive. Other COVID-19 related heart problems include coronary artery disease a (buildup in arteries that limits blood flow) and heart attacks. A diagnosis of heart failure after COVID-19 is rare.  But if you have shortness of breath, palpitations, chest pain or leg swelling after COVID-19, you should contact a health care provider. People who had recovered from COVID-19 were also 52% more likely to have had a stroke. Q3: How does COVID-19 affect my cardiovascular system once I am infected? When COVID first began, we thought of it as a lung disease. But, what we found is that the virus gets into the cells of the body by binding to a receptor called ACE2. ACE2 is a protein found throughout the body, including in cells in the lungs. When we breathe the virus in, it attaches to ACE2 and is able to enter our bodies. ACE 2 is also present in nerve cells, the stomach, the intestines, the heart, and the lining of blood vessels throughout the body.  When the virus binds to the ACE2 in a blood vessel it can trigger blood clotting. That's why COVID-19 can cause clotting throughout the body.  Q4: How does forming blood clots from COVID harm my health? Blood clots that form in veins is a condition called venous thromboembolism or VTE. Clots can form in a leg or elsewhere, then may break free and move to the lungs, blocking their blood supply, or what is known as a pulmonary embolism, which is a serious and often fatal condition. Older stroke patients who have a history of COVID-19 are more likely to develop dangerous blood clots in the veins than those who did not.   Research suggests there is a 64% higher risk of VTE among stroke patients with a history of COVID-19 hospitalization, and a 21% higher risk among those who had COVID-19 but weren’t hospitalized. Black stroke patients had the highest rate of VTE compared to other racial and ethnic groups.  Q5: I have high blood pressure; how can I stay healthy if I get COVID-19? Nearly half of U.S. adults have high blood pressure, or hypertension, which means the measurement of the pressure of blood pushing against blood vessel walls is consistently too high. Patients taking common types of blood pressure medicines who contract COVID-19 should continue treatment unless otherwise advised by their health care provider.  People taking corticosteroids, oral birth control, immunosuppres

Additional resources  OHA COVID-19 vaccine website: covidvaccine.oregon.gov  OHA Facebook  Safe+Strong website  Ask a Black Doctor on The Numberz  REACH webpage and REACH Facebook Diet and Nutrition Q1: Why does nutrition matter during the COVID-19 pandemic? People who don’t eat a healthy diet are at a greater risk of various bacterial, viral, and other infections. And, chronic or severe infections can lead to nutritional disorders. Therefore, it is important for all of us to pay attention to what we eat during the pandemic. In a recent large study, researchers asked 593,000 adults (mostly middle-aged and older) what they ate in February 2020, and then followed their health for the next six months. Scientists found that people who reported eating more fruits, vegetables, and legumes had a 9% lower risk of getting COVID and a 41% lower risk of developing severe COVID during the study period, compared with people who reported eating fewer fruits and vegetables. Q2: Is there a recommended diet for people with COVID-19? The best way to prevent COVID-19 is to get vaccinated and wear a mask in higher- risk situations. There isn’t any particular diet or food that can prevent COVID-19 or decrease the severity of symptoms. But all the basics of eating healthy are still important. OHA 3900 (9/28/2021) Eat fruits, vegetables, legumes (lentils and beans), nuts and whole grains (such as oats, wheat and brown rice), and potatoes and yams. Eating several servings of fruit and vegetables a day is important. Foods from animal sources (such as meat, fish, eggs, and milk) are good sources of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Chicken and fish are better choices than red meat because they are generally lower in fat. Water is the best choice for drinking fluids. But you can have other drinks that contain water, such as unsweetened tea or coffee.  Keep processed foods to a minimum because they are typically high in sugar, fat, and/or salt. Q3: Cases have been increasing lately. Is it safe to eat out in restaurants? If you are vaccinated and boosted then you have already taken the most significant step to reduce your risk of serious illness from COVID-19. Although cases are currently relatively low in Oregon, the pandemic is not over, so it’s still important to keep an eye on trends. You can check case counts and hospitalizations in your county on OHA’s data dashboards and CDC’s community levels. What is safe is an individual decision, so it's important to understand your level of risk and make decisions that you feel are in the best interest of your health and the health of your loved ones. For example, if you or someone you live with are at high risk due to medical conditions or age, consider ordering take-out or cooking at home. If you decide you want to eat out, you can still consider how to minimize your risk of exposure to COVID-19. Many restaurants offer outdoor seating, which generally provides better ventilation. You can also plan your visit to find a restaurant that is not typically crowded or go at a less busy time. Q4: Any advice for breastfeeding mothers during COVID ? Being vaccinated and boosted is the best thing you can do to protect your health and the health of your baby. The COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective during pregnancy and breastfeeding. If you are in isolation for COVID-19 and have a newborn, there are a few things you can do to reduce the chance of spreading the virus to your baby:  Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before holding or caring for your newborn. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.  Wear a well-fitting mask whenever you are within 6 feet of your newborn.  Keep your newborn more than 6 feet away from you as much as possible.  Consider using a breast milk pump and having a healthy caregiver feed the baby. The caregiver should wear a mask when caring for the baby. OHA 3900 (9/28/2021) Q5: Are

Additional resources OHA COVID-19 vaccine website: covidvaccine.oregon.gov OHA Facebook  Safe+Strong website Ask a Black Doctor on The Numberz REACH webpage and REACH Facebook Long COVID and Emerging Variants Q1: I have heard people talking about long-term COVID. What is that? Long-term COVID goes by many names. Some people call it post-COVID syndrome, long COVID or long-haul COVID. It is formally known as PASC, or post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2. It is a post-viral syndrome and refers to conditions that people experience 28 days or more after first being infected with COVID-19.  Post-viral syndromes occur from a range of infections, and long-term COVID can be different types and combinations of health problems for different lengths of time. Symptoms persist in an estimated 10% to 30% of COVID-19 patients and can happen to anyone who has had COVID-19, even if the illness was mild, they had no initial symptoms or they no longer test positive for the virus or antibodies.  Long COVID has potentially affected up to 23 million Americans. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and experts around the world are working to learn more about short- and long-term health effects of COVID-19, who gets them, and why.  Q2: How can I prevent having long-term COVID? The best way to prevent post-COVID conditions is to prevent COVID-19 illness. Get vaccinated and boosted. If you are high risk, consider wearing a well-fitted mask – preferably an N95 mask – to help protect yourself and others. Q3: When should I see a doctor about post-COVID symptoms? Long-term COVID doesn't usually come with one symptom—there's often a cluster of symptoms. There are many symptoms and they affect many organ systems. Don’t ignore loss of smell, depression, anxiety or insomnia. Any symptom that interferes with your daily life is worth a call to your doctor. If you experience new chest pain, difficulty breathing, bluish lips or any other sign of a life-threatening problem, seek emergency medical care. It is also important to talk to a health care provider because another condition could be masquerading as long COVID. In spring 2021, Oregon Health & Science University launched a Long COVID Program designed to coordinate care and learn about the long-term effects of coronavirus. OHSU's criteria for Long COVID referrals is 28 days from hospital discharge, or three months when not hospitalized. If you have questions or want to learn more, please call the program at 833-647-8222 weekdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Q4: Is long COVID considered a disability? As of July 2021, “long COVID” can be considered a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504, and Section 1557, if it substantially limits one or more major life activities. “Major life activities” include activites such as caring for oneself, eating, sleeping, breathing, concentrating, thinking, interacting with others and working. “Major life activities” also refers to the operation of a major bodily function, such as the immune system, cardiovascular system, neurological system or circulatory system, or the operation of an organ. Q5: How do I know if I have long COVID or not? Because data on COVID-19 and its long term effects only date back to the past two years, experts are still learning what long COVID is and how it affects people. There is no one way to test for long COVID. It is possible to have many of the symptoms of long COVID, but they could be caused by something else.  To be sure, talk to a health care provider. Health care providers may use COVID-19 antibody tests to confirm previous infection, then rule out other conditions. Treatment is based on a patient’s specific symptoms and may include therapeutics, such as steroids or anti-inflammatory medication. Trials are underway to test new therapeutics for long COVID patients. Accor

Additional resources OHA COVID-19 vaccine website: covidvaccine.oregon.gov OHA Facebook  Safe+Strong website Ask a Black Doctor on The Numberz REACH webpage and REACH Facebook Mental Wellness and Behavioral Health Q1: Throughout the pandemic, I have sometimes found it hard to cope. What are some of the ways COVID-19 has affected our mental health? Many people have experienced anxiety, stress or depression during the pandemic. This has come from several factors, such as social isolation, economic stress or the loss of loved ones. Or even contracting COVID-19.  For example, a recent study of 154,000 COVID-19 patients in the Veterans Affairs health care system found that people who had COVID-19 were 39% more likely to be diagnosed with depression and 35% more likely to be diagnosed with anxiety than people who did not have COVID-19.  So, you are not alone. Many of us have experienced the effects of COVID on our mental health. Q2: What can I do to protect or improve my mental health during this pandemic? Great question! The good news is there are several things you can do to stay mentally fit during the pandemic, some of which are fun. For starters, find an exercise you enjoy. Try going for a walk, jogging or doing yoga. You can also prepare and eat healthy and well-balanced meals with lots of fresh fruits and veggies. Try to limit junk foods, caffeine and alcohol. Sleep is also important and staying connected to loved ones is critical. Finally, be sure to monitor how much news and social media you consume. Watching and hearing constant updates can worsen feelings of anxiety. Q3: I hear people talking about “mental health,” but I also hear them say “behavioral health.” What is the difference? Let me explain. Behavioral health is a term used to encompass mental health conditions, substance use disorders, problem gambling and other addictions. Behavioral health is a broader term than mental health. Mental health conditions, substance use disorders and problem gambling are more narrow classifications. The National Alliance on Mental Illness intentionally uses the terms “mental health conditions” and “mental illness/es” interchangeably. A mental illness is a condition that affects a person's thinking, feeling, behavior or mood. These conditions deeply impact day-to-day living and may also affect the ability to relate to others and live the life you want to live. It is not the result of one event. Genetics, environment, relationships during early life, life experiences such as traumatic events, and lifestyle influence whether someone develops a mental health condition. A stressful job or home life may make some people more susceptible. Biochemical processes and basic brain structure may play a role, too. Mental illness is no one’s fault. And for many people, recovery is possible, especially when you start treatment early and play a strong role in your own recovery process. Q4: What resources are available in the community to cover mental health issues and what type of services are offered? Your mental health is a priority. To find psychiatrists, counselors, therapists and nurses who specialize in behavioral and mental health services, contact the Mental Health Call Center at 503-988-4888. If you are on the Oregon Health Plan or Medicaid you can visit the Mental Health & Substance Abuse provider directory or call 503-988-5887. If you have no insurance you can contact agencies on the  County Contracted Addiction Services Provider Agency List. You can also call 211 for help. Another option is to visit your primary care provider. Finally, there are community-based organizations like Center for African Immigrants and Refugees Organization (CAIRO), African Family Holistic Health Organization and the Catholic Charities where support is also available.  Q5: How has COVID affected suicide rates in Oregon, especia

Additional resources OHA COVID-19 vaccine website: covidvaccine.oregon.gov OHA Facebook  Safe+Strong website Ask a Black Doctor on The Numberz REACH webpage and REACH Facebook Treatments for COVID-19 Q1: I have heard that some people can get treated for COVID-19. What treatments are available and how are they different from vaccines? Yes – treatments for COVID-19 are available for some people. Some treatments are given in the hospital, some are infusions and some are pills you can take at home. They are all in short supply and currently available to people who are high risk of severe disease.  Vaccines introduce your immune system to a protein from the virus, allowing you to build up antibodies without being infected. Vaccination can also boost any natural immunity a person may have from being previously infected.  When somebody with sufficient antibodies is exposed to COVID-19, they immediately fend off the virus, which prevents infection. As antibody levels drop, the virus may be able to infect the person but the immune system still has a decent chance to fight COVID-19 and prevent severe infection.  Booster shots rebuild antibodies quickly, within a few days, even quicker than the original vaccination. This rapid rebuild also happens when an unvaccinated person previously infected with the COVID-19 virus gets their first vaccination. So be sure to get vaccinated and boosted, even if you have previously been infected with COVID-19. Treatments do not replace vaccination, which remains the most important step we can take to protect ourselves and our loved ones.  If someone can’t get vaccinated, there is a treatment available that helps the body fight the virus that causes COVID-19.  Treatment for COVID-19 must take place shortly after someone has tested positive. If you’ve tested positive for COVID or have symptoms, contact your doctor right away. Q2: Someone was telling me about the federal Test to Treat program. Is this a program for everyone? The Test to Treat program connects people that are at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19 with the right treatment. It provides people a place to go to get tested, receive a prescription for a treatment, and fill that prescription all at one location. The program is intended for people that do not have a doctor or who cannot easily get in to see their doctor. However, anyone can receive treatment at a Test to Treat site. To participate, a person can use the Test to Treat Locator to find a site, or call 1-800-232-0233. These sites receive their therapeutics from the federal government. OHA is working on adding additional sites that fit federal criteria to be a Test to Treat site.   Q3: If treatments support defense against COVID-19, why aren’t they available to everyone? There a few reasons why treatments are not available to everyone. First, vaccines have proven to be the best defense against COVID-19. Get vaccinated and then boosted. Also, don’t forget your flu shot. Secondly, because of nationwide shortages, treatments are not widely available. Finally, it is all based on eligibility. A healthcare provider determines eligibility based on your medical profile. They will consider things like if you cannot get vaccinated due to health conditions or if you had a bad reaction to the vaccine or if you need additional treatment due to a weakened immune system. Only a healthcare provider can assess if you are eligible. Q3: Are treatments safe?  Depending on your medical history, certain treatments are not recommended. To determine which treatment is right for you, consult your doctor. You should also always check that your information is from a trusted source. If you have questions about any medication, contact the FDA’s Division of Drug Information at 301-796-3400 or [email protected]. Q5: What are the names of the FDA approved or auth

Additional resources OHA COVID-19 vaccine website: covidvaccine.oregon.gov OHA Facebook  Safe+Strong website Ask a Black Doctor on The Numberz REACH webpage and REACH Facebook COVID-19 and other Chronic Disease+ Emerging Variants & New Booster Q1: The first week of April is Public Health Week and April is also National Minority Health Month. What’s that mean to us? These types of observances help us focus on important issues – in these cases public health in general and the health of communities of color, specifically. The theme of National Minority Health Month is “Give your community a boost!” which is a great reminder for people to protect themselves against COVID-19 by getting vaccinated and boosted. And also don’t forget to get your flu shot. Q2: I’ve heard that a second COVID-19 booster is approved. How is this different from the first booster? Yes. On March 29th, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its COVID-19 vaccination guidelines to include a second booster dose for some adults, and for immunocompromised people age 12 and older. Eligible people can get a Second booster dose four months or more after getting their first booster dose. Q3: I’ve also heard federal funding for COVID-19 treatment, testing and vaccination for uninsured people is going away? What’s happening? Congress did not pass the funding needed to continue to pay for COVID-19 testing, treatment or vaccinations for uninsured people. They are still discussing the funding package and we hope they will pass one soon.  If you are not insured, you might qualify for the Oregon Health Plan, which covers COVID-19 vaccines, boosters and additional doses. It also covers treatment and home tests. You can apply any time of the year. The best way to find out if you qualify is to apply. You can apply online, in person or through the mail. You can also get help applying for free. To learn more go to OHP.Oregon.gov and click Apply for OHP. You can also call 800-699-9075 or find a local community partner at bit.ly/ohplocalhelp for help. Q4: How would you define health equity? How does this affect the Black community? I would say health equity is when all members of society enjoy a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible. The pandemic has highlighted that health equity is still not a reality. COVID-19 has disproportionately affected Black people, putting us more at risk of getting sick and dying from COVID-19. While the mask mandate has been lifted and hospitalizations have dropped in the state of Oregon, the Black community is still very much struggling with the effects of COVID-19. Overall, Blacks and other ethnic minorities do not have equal access to health care. Issues such as lack of insurance, transportation, child care, or ability to take time off of work can make it hard to go to the doctor. It makes it hard to prevent and manage issues like chronic illness.  As I mentioned before, Oregon Health Plan can help bridge the gap for health care coverage. Besides COVID-19 related care, it covers regular check-ups, prescriptions, mental health care, addiction treatment, dental care and more. Q5: Speaking of chronic illness, my mother has high blood pressure and diabetes.  What are her risks if she catches COVID-19? People who are over 65 or who have chronic diseases like diabetes, cancer, or heart disease are more likely to get very sick with COVID-19. If you or a loved one have one of these conditions, talk with your doctor about how to protect against severe disease from COVID-19. Again, if you are able to get vaccinated then do so. Also, get all available boosters that you qualify for. You can visit multco.us/reach for information on upcoming vaccination sites.   I don’t have a chronic disease, but I am overweight.  Will this make me more sick if I get COVID-19? Obesity, smoking and even pr

Additional resources OHA COVID-19 vaccine website: covidvaccine.oregon.gov OHA Facebook  Safe+Strong website Ask a Black Doctor on The Numberz REACH webpage and REACH Facebook Spring Gatherings and Holiday Safety Q1: After two long years of being in the pandemic, I want to gather with family and friends, is it safe now? Nowadays many people are vaccinated or have recently recovered from COVID-19, so have a degree of immunity. COVID-19 cases are also fairly low, so we can get together. But we should still do so in ways that reduce our risk. If you are getting together indoors with a lot of people – and especially if you are doing so without a mask, you must accept that there’s a good likelihood of being exposed to COVID-19. If you’re in a room with 100 people, we assume that 2 will have COVID-19, but cases are creeping up a bit. So, keep that in mind. COVID-19 spreads through airborne particles. So if you are gathering indoors, good ventilation can help create a safer environment. Maybe consider keeping gatherings a little smaller so that people can spread out if they need to. As always, the best protection for everyone ages 5 and up is to get vaccinated and boosted and to also get your flu shot. Make an appointment or walk in to get that first shot, that second shot, and that booster shot. Vaccines still offer us our best protection and having all your recommended vaccine doses is the best way to protect yourself and the loved ones that you want to gather with this spring. Something else you can do to stay safe is move your gathering outdoors to celebrate those good times. If everyone is vaccinated and boosted, you can enjoy looking at people’s smiles in the sunlight. You can also use CDC’s COVID Data Tracker to learn if your community or the community where you are gathering has a high number of COVID-19 cases. That should help you decide what kind of safety measures to take. Q2: During some religious practices we eat and drink from the same utensils, should I be worried about getting COVID-19? Getting COVID from the surface of a glass or a fork isn't the easiest way of transmission. It's more being near someone who has COVID and breathing the same air. Using individual utensils could provide more safety. Wiping utensils in between use can also offer a layer protection.  Q3: You say to assess my own risk when gathering. How do I do that? To assess your risk, ask yourself if you are 65 or older, do you have other medical conditions or chronic disease like diabetes, lung disease or heart disease. Are you taking medications that reduce your immune system like high doses of steroids or chemotherapy to treat cancer? Do you have HIV that is not well controlled or an autoimmune disease?  If the answer is yes for you, someone in your household, or someone that you are visiting with then consider wearing a mask. If your health condition allows you to be vaccinated, make sure you are vaccinated and boosted and that you have your flu shot.   Q4: I really like to hug people when I have not seen them in a long time. Are we safe to hug again now? Many of us have missed hugging our loved ones. I think it is really important. So again, think about your own risks and the risks of the person you’re hugging. Are you both vaccinated? Are you at risk for severe disease? Are they? We know COVID spreads through the air, so if you are going to hug you might think about turning your head or wearing a mask. Q5: During the holidays, I like to travel to gather with family and friends. How can I stay safe? Getting vaccinated and boosted and your flu shot before you travel is a great start.  After that, I’d recommend you bring a high-quality, well-fitting mask, like an N95 or KN95, and plan on wearing that mask. The federal government still requires masks on public transportation, and in airports and on airplane