Today’s Washington Post reports more than 500 local, state and national health-care organizations are urging congressional leaders to ramp up federal funding for federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), which is set to expire after Nov. 17, according to a letter sent yesterday and shared with the newspaper’s “The Health 202” column by Advocates for Community Health (ACH). The strong, broad-based support for the letter demonstrates to Congress that organizations from all corners of our country deeply rely on these central community organizations. The signers represent 49 states and all U.S. territories. It was signed by 33 state primary care associations, 25 national organizations, and hundreds of community health centers, including LifeLong Medical Care. Key lawmakers in the House of Representatives and the Senate have hammered out bipartisan legislation that would reauthorize a pot of money making up roughly 70 percent of federal dollars for community health centers. However, the groups are pushing for final action on a primary healthcare package from the responsible Senate committee allocating $5.8 billion per year over the next three years for the facilities.
Cesar Chavez Day commemorated March 31st
Smithsonian Magazine identified Cesar Chavez’s most most enduring legacy as having given “people a sense of their own power.” Along those lines, this morning on KQED public radio, Erick Olvera shared why, for him and his friends and family, every day is a day to honor Cesar Chavez. Listen or read today’s “With a Perspective” by Erik Olvera.
César Chávez Day is commemorated yearly on March 31 and celebrates the life, legacy and birthday of César Estrada Chávez, a champion for social justice and founder of the United Farmworkers alongside Dolores Huerta. It is a day to celebrate the contributions of migrant communities to our country and highlight the need to advocate for migrant rights.
In 1962 Cesar Chavez established an organization that became the United Farm Workers. The union, which grew out of his own struggles as a child and adult picking cotton and grapes, negotiated hundreds of contracts to protect farmworker safety and wages in California.
COVID Levels Up: LifeLong Reinstating Some Measures for Staff
Contra Costa and Alameda Counties have moved into “Medium” community level (CDC Community Levels). In accordance with LifeLong Covid-19 Infection Control Protocol the following measures are bing re-instated:
- Masks to be worn at all times in shared spaces.
- Eating must occur in designated areas or outdoors.
Full All Staff Letter from Dr. Michael Stacey, Chief Medical Officer follows.
| Dear LifeLong Staff, Gathering with co-workers, friends and family is an important part of celebrating end of year holidays and traditions. I want to encourage you to find ways to connect with your friends and colleagues, while also reminding everyone to take precautions to limit the spread of COVID, Influenza and RSV. During this week many LifeLong locations will be taking a little time out of the work day to share food and socialize, unfortunately we are also seeing increasing rates of COVID. In order to make these gatherings as safe as possible, please consider the following measures as of December 14, 2022: – Wear masks while not eating. – If possible, move outdoors. People could collect food while masked indoors and then step outside to eat and socialize. – Make sure that indoor space being used for gathering has HEPA filters running. – Please do not come to work, or attend a social gathering if you have any symptoms that you think may be related to COVID, Influenza or RSV. – Wash your hands frequently. While designated holiday gatherings will still be allowed as an exception, with the above recommended precautions, please be aware that Contra Costa and Alameda Counties have moved into “Medium” community level (CDC Community Levels). In accordance with LifeLong Covid-19 Infection Control Protocol the following measures are bing re-instated: Masks to be worn at all times in shared spaces. Eating must occur in designated areas or outdoors. While it may not provide protection for this week’s activities, I strongly encourage everyone to get the bivalent COVID booster AND a flu shot, if you have not already done so. Thank you for all you do and I wish you happiness in whatever way you celebrate this season, Michael |
Required Employee Documentation
| Dear LifeLong Clinical, Dental, and Behavioral Health Staff, We need your help. Federal regulations require LifeLong Medical Care to report each year on up-to-date “clinical staff profiles” for our medical, dental, and behavioral health staff providing direct patient services. These staff profiles include: – CPR Certification – Physical Fitness Completion Forms – Vaccination Verification – Education Documentation – Communicable Disease Status – Valid Government Photo ID – Resumes Over the next three weeks, LifeLong’s HR Department will be asking you provide up-to-date documentation for any gaps in your personnel records. Please be on the lookout for these emails. It is imperative that you respond promptly to these requests. In the next few days, HR will send links for virtual CPR training in case you need an updated CPR certification. Thank you in advance for your attentiveness and patience during this reporting process. Respectfully, DL Poole |
Benefits 101: Health Reimbursement Account – June 28, July 26 or Aug 31 @ 2 pm
We want you to make the most of your employee benefits. Did you know that LifeLong pays out of pocket costs associated with your health plan?
Attend one of our virtual training sessions for a deep dive in how to review your benefit payments online and ensure your Health Resource Account (HRA) dollars are working for you!
At 2 pm on the fourth Tuesday in May through August, a representative from Felice, LifeLong’s Benefit Plan Administrator, will review LifeLong’s medical plan and HRA benefits. The session will cover logging into your Health Equity/WageWorks account, the HRA claims submission process, and an overview of benefits resources and support.
Each session will cover the same topics, so you only need to attend one. The first session was May 31. The remaining sessions will be June 28, July 26, and Aug 30.
These sessions are for questions about the program. If you have any specific questions about your individual account, please reach out to the Filice team by calling 888-860-1554 or emailing LifeLongBenefits@filice.com
LifeLong Medical Care Street Medicine’s Mental Health Work Recognized
The City of Berkeley Mental Health Department and LifeLong Medical Care Street Medicine will be awarded the “2022 Mental Health Achievement Award.” The award ceremony will be on Zoom Wednesday May 25th from 5:30 – 7:30 pm and requires free registration.
LifeLong’s Berkeley Street Medicine crew have been able to provide a higher level of mental healthcare for people experiencing homelessness. We are so proud of them and grateful for their dedication to our patients. Thank you!
Please join us in giving the Berkeley teams a big round of applause and for the awards ceremony Wednesday, May 25th. Congratulations!
Free Zoom/Call-In Community Event!
When: Wednesday, May 25, 2022
Time: 5:30 – 7:30 P.M.
Zoom Registration Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_GoUKdRC5RuyDCVx8nwHfsw
Telephone option: Dial: US: +1 669 900 6833
Webinar ID: 816 4887 6503
For additional information contact: (510) 981-5290