Health clinics go the extra mile during the pandemic

As the pandemic unfolded and essential health care providers grappled with restrictions and limited access to personal protective equipment, the state’s sexual and reproductive health (SRH) clinics worked round-the-clock to ensure services were available and accessible.

“The pandemic hit us hard. But our staff is working tirelessly to stay open and provide health services while maintaining safety standards,” said Apple Martine, Community Health Division Director for Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH). Her division provides clinic-based health services to county residents. With recent fears, they’ve seen patient numbers drop.

“People are afraid to come in. It’s been especially hard for vulnerable groups, like teens and undocumented migrant workers. Many of these clients stopped seeking services,” said Tracy Mikesell, a program specialist with the Sexual and Reproductive Health Program at the Washington State Department of Health (DOH).

With Jefferson County schools going remote this year, Apple and her staff worry about the teens who no longer have access to confidential SRH services in their schools. “We’ve worked with our community to make sure our teen pregnancy rate is low. We’re proud of that and we want to keep it that way,” said Apple. “With the school clinics closed down, we really had to ask ourselves how to make care available in a new way for our county’s youth.”

“People still need to have access to sexual and reproductive health services,” said Dr. Rizza Cea, a DOH SRH Program clinical consultant. “In so many cases, time is of the essence. Patients can’t wait until the pandemic is over — they need these services now.”

Studies show that SRH services reduce unintended pregnancies, maternal and newborn deaths, and addresses other unmet sexual and reproductive health needs, particularly among vulnerable populations. Last year more than 97,500 people were served by SRH clinics across the state. Essential health services include pre/post conception health, cancer screenings, sexually transmitted infection (STI) and HIV testing and treatment, HPV vaccines, contraception, and more.

The Sexual and Reproductive Health Program at DOH, collaborates with 16 state partners who run 87 family planning clinics. Partners include Planned Parenthood, federally qualified health centers, local health jurisdictions, and a stand-alone family planning clinic.

With fewer patients seeking SRH services, clinics had to act fast.

“We had to think quickly about how best to deploy services, maintain our high quality of care, and stay open safely,” said Apple. Clinics in the SRH program follow Governor Inslee’s Safe Start pandemic guidance to protect staff and patients.

“This is really impressive — a growing number of our partners have set up curbside services for needs that are quick and simple, like contraception refills and injections. Others use a hybrid approach for issues that require an in-person visit,” said Rizza.

A hybrid approach means patients first meet with a health care provider using telehealth (phone or computer), and then go to the clinic for tests and treatment as necessary. This approach shortens their in-person visit and reduces their risk of COVID-19 exposure. JCPH uses both the hybrid model and curbside services.

“COVID-19 altered everything we do. Even the look of our clinic has changed,” said Apple. JCPH created a separate entrance at the back of their clinic to accommodate safe, confidential curbside visits. “There is a silver lining — our patients tell us they appreciate our efficiency amid such stressful times.” The team hopes to make some of the changes permanent.

“Our partners are heroes,” said Tracy. “They’re meeting the challenge and creating alternate ways to meet their patients’ needs, while empowering them to make their own choices in their health.”

“We’re all in this together, and we’re figuring out how to do this better, together,” said Apple. “Our reality is that we’re in this for the long haul.”

COVID-19: Stories from the Field

Our COVID-19: Stories from the Field series highlights the efforts of public health professionals and public servants who serve and collaborate to support a healthy Washington.

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Information in this blog changes rapidly. Check the state’s COVID-19 website for up-to-date and reliable info at coronavirus.wa.gov.

Answers to your questions or concerns about COVID-19 in Washington state may be found at our website. You can also contact our the Department of Health call center at 1–800–525–0127 and press # from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday — Friday, and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday — Sunday. Language assistance is available.

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Public Health Connection
Public Health Connection
Washington State Department of Health
Washington State Department of Health

Written by Washington State Department of Health

Protecting and improving the health of people in Washington State.

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