Resources for Patients in Rural Communities, Long COVID Discussion Group, Kiosks with Free Tests

Dear POP Partners,

More than 20 percent of Washingtonians live in rural communities, which often have peaceful environments, access to natural spaces, and strong community connections but are associated with health inequities such as shorter life expectancy, higher rates of illness and death, and lower COVID-19 vaccination rates.

Here are some upcoming events and learning opportunities to support those of you who live and/or work in rural parts of the state:

• Project ECHO sessions for primary care providers serving rural communities, focused on addressing adolescent substance use. Sessions began February 15, but those interested can still register to participate.
• CMS’s Rural Health Open Door Forums on February 29, April 25, and May 30. February’s forum will address issues related to rural health clinics, critical access hospitals, and FQHC’s, in addition to other topics relevant to rural providers.
• Building Trust, Enhancing Care: Cultural Humility in Health Care, a webinar from the National Council of Urban Indian Health on March 7.
• Long COVID & Fatiguing Illness Recovery Program ECHO, a monthly webinar-style ECHO session, happening next on March 14.
• A new funding opportunity to support telehealth technology to provide behavioral health services in primary care settings- applications are due March 22.
• The Northwest Rural Health Conference in Spokane, March 25-27.

Here are some resources to support you in encouraging your patients who live in rural communities to get up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations:

• COVID-19 Vaccine Resources from the National Rural Health Care Association, including talking points for community messengers.
• Vaccine confidence campaign materials, including social media posts and customizable templates, from the National Rural Health Resource Center.
• Misbelief: How Loneliness and Social Isolation Lead to Mistrust in Healthcare, a webinar recording from Wisdo Health.
• COVID-19 educational resources for farmworkers in several languages from the National Center for Farmworker Health.
• From the CDC- New Public Health Communications Guide: Reaching Rural Americans and COVID-19 Vaccination Field Guide Addendum: Rural Considerations for Vaccine Confidence and Uptake Strategies.

• COVID-19 Vaccination in Rural Areas from the Rural Health Information Hub.

Long COVID Interest Group

Dr. Anita Chopra from the UW Post Covid Rehabilitation and Recovery Clinic will lead new virtual Long COVID discussion groups, intended to empower physicians with the latest research and management strategies. The discussions are on the last Wednesday of each month and are associated with the Washington Chapter of the American College of Physicians.

Health care providers in Washington are welcome to attend and can request information or register using this form.

Test to Treat Kiosks

The Washington State Department of Health is launching a community testing initiative in collaboration with local health jurisdictions and tribal nations to offer free flu and COVID-19 tests to underserved communities across the state. Kiosks with free tests and other health care supplies will be placed in food banks, libraries, schools, and other community spaces. Visit DOH’s Testing Kiosks page to view existing and pending kiosk locations.

Upcoming POP Webinars

All events are from noon to 1:00 p.m. PT.

We hope you know how deeply appreciated you are, and that you have an amazing week!

Power of Providers (POP) Team  

Prevention and Community Health Division  

Washington State Department of Health  

360-236-2662 | powerofproviders@doh.wa.gov