L.A. County Public Health Expands Access to "Test to Treat" Program
 Because the efficacy of therapeutics requires rapid access to starting treatment, Public Health is expanding access to therapeutics across L.A. County by launching the Public Health “Test to Treat” Tele-health Services and adding additional “Test to Treat” locations.
Two oral COVID-19 oral therapeutics (Paxlovid and Molnupiravir) are available in LA County which have been found effective against Omicron subvariants BA.1 and BA.2. These therapeutics are for use in children and adults who weigh at least 88 pounds, test positive for COVID-19, have mild to moderate symptoms, and are at high risk for progressing to severe disease. These two therapeutics must be started within five days of a patient experiencing symptoms.
Residents currently have the option of accessing these medications by going to one of 58 Test to Treat sites in the county, one of the 26 DHS-Fulgent Testing sites, or one of three Public Health vaccination sites (Market Street Center in Santa Clarita, Obregon Park in East Los Angeles, and Ted Watkins Memorial Park in South Los Angeles).
Residents can find current “Test to Treat” locations in LA County at: ph.lacounty.gov/covidmedicines.
Beginning this week, residents having difficulty accessing medications or a “Test to Treat” location have several additional options.
Individuals can contact our Public Health Call Center seven days a week from 8:00 am - 8:30 pm at 833-540-0473. Call center staff will answer questions and connect patients to services as needed. Telehealth services are available seven days a week to screen patients for eligibility and determine which medication, if any, would be appropriate for the patients. Medications are then shipped to the patient’s home overnight or the patient is referred to a nearby Test to Treat site to ensure timely access.
Public Health has also partnered with Healthvana and 26 Department of Health Services-Fulgent testing sites located in under-resourced communities hard-hit by the pandemic. This pilot project allows patients who test positive at one of these sites to receive a test result text from Healthvana, and if symptomatic, the text directs them to contact the Public Health Call Center to report their result. These patients will then be routed to a Public Health telehealth visit for screening.
Patients testing positive at one of the Public Health vaccination sites will also be routed for a telehealth visit with overnight shipment of medications.
COVID-19: Reducing the Risk, Keeping Safe & Preventing Spread
 Understanding how the COVID-19 virus is spread is important. It will help you to assess your risk and take steps to protect yourself in different situations.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has provided information to help people understand who is most at risk of getting infected and sick from COVID-19 and which situations are riskier. They outline what steps people can take to stay safe and slow the spread of COVID-19.
To learn more, visit publichealth.lacounty.gov
Saturday, April 9, 2022
What is Your COVID-19 Risk Level?
English: Do you know your risk level for COVID? Here are some of the factors that can determine higher personal and family risk for COVID. Those at higher risk can take precautionary steps such as mask wearing, avoiding non-essential gatherings, and getting vaccinated, boosted, and tested. (Graphic)
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Free Income Tax Preparation Pop-Up Services
English: @LACountyDCBA has partnered with @MAOF to complete ITIN applications and prepare taxes for free. These services are available to all LA County residents, regardless of immigration status. Join us Mon. 4/11 from 11AM-7PM at Lennox Library, or Tues. 4/12 from 11AM-7PM at Florence Firestone Community Leaders. #FreeTaxPrep (Graphic)
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Sunday, April 10, 2022
AB 2179 Extends State Tenant Protections
English: AB 2179 extends State tenant protections until June 30 only for people who have applied for emergency rental assistance. If you’re a tenant in LA County*, you must pay rent or risk being evicted starting April 1. Learn more at DCBA.lacounty.gov/noevictions
*Some cities still have non-payment of rent protections
(Graphic)
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2nd Boosters Are Now Available at LA County Vaccination Clinics
English: 2nd boosters are now available at LA County vaccination clinics to residents 50+ who were boosted at least 4 months ago. If you or someone you know needs assistance with getting to an appointment or needs homebound service, call (833) 540-0473 or visit VaccinateLACounty.com (Graphic)
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In Case You Missed It
Breathe: LA County's Guaranteed Income Program Now Accepting Applications
 Breathe: LA County’s Guaranteed Income Program is now accepting applications through April 13.
The program will award 1,000 randomly selected qualifying residents $1,000 a month for three years. Other guaranteed income programs have proven to disrupt longstanding cycles of poverty and economic inequity by enabling participants to self-determine the budgetary strategies that will most benefit themselves and their families.
Residents who apply during the open enrollment period (March 31 – April 13) will be randomly selected by a research team from the University of Pennsylvania’s Center for Guaranteed Income Research, which is partnering with the County to design and implement the program. Direct monthly payments will be distributed via a debit card to selected residents and will come without strings or conditions, allowing participants to spend the money as they see fit to meet their needs.
LA County’s three-year financial commitment is believed to be the longest for a program of its size and scope and will allow the University of Pennsylvania researchers to study the longer-term impacts of this additional income on recipients’ economic well-being. Additionally, the program will provide $36 million in direct payments to participants over the three-year duration.
Residents interested in applying can find more information at: breathe.lacounty.gov, including a map to help determine whether they live in a qualifying community.
To view the motion which led to the creation of Breathe: LA County's Guaranteed Income Program, visit: http://file.lacounty.gov/SDSInter/bos/supdocs/158342.pdf
To learn more about who is eligible for this program, visit: https://breathe.lacounty.gov
For program information in Spanish, visit: https://respira.lacounty.gov
Additional Resources
Access our full Social Media Toolkit here.
The County of Los Angeles appreciates your continued partnership in responding to COVID-19 questions and needs of residents. For additional information, please visit:
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