October 2022 Newsletter! | HEAT/DDPHE Resources

What 6 Community Based Organizations are a part of the CDC Health Disparities Grant in Denver? Check them out below

Refugee Immigrant Migrant Team of Denver Health Lowry Clinic

Inner City Health October COVID-19 Updates Want to know what is happening with COVID in Colorado? Read this recent article--It highlights vaccination drives throughout Colorado and weekly sites added. For COVID-19 updates across the state, click here for information in your county. It may feel like COVID is over, but the last two years have shown us that there can be a seasonal spike in cases as we head into colder months and spend more time indoors. Now is a good time to remember the basics and double down on preventative actions to empower you and your family to stay healthy. CDC isolation quarantine protocols, click here CDPHE Emergency Preparedness guidelines, click here Vaccination Sites in Denver County: Ball Arena 1000 Chopper Circle, Denver, CO, 80204 12:00-8:30pm Vaccine types: Pfizer 12+, Omicron Moderna 18+, Pfizer 12+, Pfizer 5-11 years, Pfizer 6 months - 4 years, Moderna 12+, Moderna 6 - 11 years, Moderna 6 months - 5 years, Novavax, flu Scheduling link: Denver Metro - Mobile COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic (mobilevax.us) https://www.comassvax.org/appointment/en/public_portal/index

REMINDER – The federal public health emergency is still in places. This is extended through October 13, 2022 and likely longer as there has not yet been notice of it ending. What does this mean? Many Coloradans were able to qualify and/or retain enrollment in Medicaid (Health First) and CHP+ plans that they may not have otherwise qualified for. It is important that community members understand they may need to take steps to continue their health coverage. The following may be helpful.

Update their contact info in PEAK
Sign up for our COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Updates and follow us on social media.
Watch for and respond timely to notices
We will post more information, resources and tools online:
For members at HealthFirstColorado.com and Facebook.com/HealthFirstColorado.
For partners and stakeholders at co.gov/HCPF/COVID

REMINDER – Most Pharmacies, Clinics, and Community Events have reformulated the booster that provides greater protection against Omicron variant. Worried about the Flu shot? Getting a Flu and Covid vaccine shot at the same time will save you time and energy and set you up for a healthier winter. Most clinics have the Flu dose available along with booster shots, so if possible, check in with them first. If you don’t have a Healthcare provider, you can still get a Flu and Covid shot for free. Check out the 365 Health calendar and make sure the time and date include a Flu shot.

COVID-19 Vaccine Locations - 9Health365 (365health.org) If you plan to get vaccinated at a community event Find Weekly Vaccination sites here

If I get a severe case of COVID does my employer still need to cover my sick time? Time to test? Treatment? Care for others?

The short answer is YES, but it’s complicated… The continued Public Health Emergency designation means that the Healthy Families and Workplace Act (HFWA) is still in place. This means that your employer must provide 80 hours in full since January 2021 for any of the previously mentioned situations. – A couple of things to note-

· It is 80 hours for full time employees only

· 80 hours coverage in total for both 2021 and 2022. If you have already exhausted it you are not provided with more

· The requirement to provide COVID-related public health emergency leave will be in effect through at least November 10, 2022

· Employers cannot require documentation from employees to show that leave is for COVID-related needs

· Leave must be paid for time on leave, and at the same pay rate the employee earns during time worked.

· Leave can’t be counted against employees as absences that may lead to firing or other negative action.

Please check CDLE website for any updates or call303-318-8441

- Do you have concerns that an employer is illegally violating/withholding or denying PHE Leave. Reach out to the HEAT team for connection with legal representation

What does COVID look like in my area? If you are interested in seeing the COVID-19 Dashboard in your area, it is updated daily on the CDPHE website here. DDPHE Positive Test COVID-19 Resource Line for food delivery and resources 720-865-5767

Wondering how to support your local school with ordering COVID-tests? Fill out this form through CDPHE. Click here MonkeyPox Check out Monkeypox Forum on the community platform! It is updated here Printed resources:

DDPHE has created a monkeypox fact sheet as well as palm card that can be shared with people you serve. The palm card has Denver-specific information about testing and treatment. DDPHE has a limited number of printed palm cards available which organizations can request by contacting ddphe_epi@denvergov.org.

See Events Page for Events happening in October. https://www.covid19communityresources.org/forum/community-events Don't see your event? Feel free to e-mail Diana Lizmi or Austin Collins to add to the Community Platform! Diana.Lizmi@Denvergov.org Austin.Collins@Dhha.org