Our infectious disease expert offers advice to help members and patients protect themselves and get the health care they need.
Over the past weeks, the nation has seen a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases. Kaiser Permanente remains ready to safely and expertly treat an increase in patients with COVID-19, as well as provide primary and specialty care appointments and procedures. We continue to encourage everyone to practice healthy habits to protect themselves and others from continued risk. Stephen Parodi[2], MD, national infectious disease leader for Kaiser Permanente and executive vice president of external affairs, communications, and brand at The Permanente Federation, shares tips to stay safe and healthy as COVID-19 cases rise[3].
Training the next generation of physicians, health advocates
Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine welcomes its inaugural class
The Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine opened on July 27, as its inaugural class of 50 students began their journey to become outstanding clinicians and advocates for change within the medical profession and in society.
“All of us at the school are excited to welcome 50 phenomenal students who are compassionate, mission-driven, collaborative, and very smart, and are poised to become the next generation of leaders in medicine,” said Mark Schuster[5], MD, PhD, founding dean and chief executive officer of the Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine.” Learn about it here[6].
A History of Leading the Way: Celebrating KP's 75th Anniversary
In 2020, our 75th year, we’re showcasing how our history of innovation prepares us for many more years of delivering high-quality, affordable health care.
Whether it’s advocating for equity and inclusion, protecting our environment, or tackling a pandemic head-on, the people of Kaiser Permanente are here for the tough stuff — with fresh ideas in hand. And, we tackle each challenge with one vision in mind: to help our members and communities experience more healthy years. Join us here as we reflect[8]on some of the groundbreaking moments that have built the foundation for another 75 years.
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Outside of the COVID-19 unit on the 6th floor at KP Los Angeles Medical Center (LAMC), is a quiet room. In it, the scent of lavender fills the air, calming music plays, encouraging quotes and art line the walls, laminated packets of information on stress relief and mental well-being are laid out, and hot tea steeps in a corner. LAMC staff can come read, relax, close their eyes, get a neck massage, talk to a mental health professional, sit in silence…or cry.
“We wanted to create a space where people could go and have their feelings,” during the unbelievably challenges they face providing care to coronavirus patients, said Misty Lahti, RN. And so they did. This is the Resilience Room. Learn about it here[10].
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From our friends at Kaiser Permanente Northern California comes the remarkable story of Tom Butts, a triathlete who battled hard against COVID-19 and won. After 110 days in the hospital (87 of them on a ventilator) at KP San Jose, Tom outpaced the coronavirus through sheer determination, a fighting spirit, and a lot of hard work — his own and that of everyone involved in his well-bring. In the picture of his triumphant departure (above), his broad smile and raised arms express the triumph and joy that Tom, his loved ones, and his many providers shared as he rolled out the hospital doors. Full story here[12].
UPDATE: The COVID-19 temporary relief benefits have been extended through September 30, 2020.
Employees who need to be away from work because they have received a positive COVID-19 test result may be eligible to receive up to 80 hours of COVID-19 Positive leave hours. The COVID-19 Positive leave hours temporary benefits are now extended through September 30, 2020. If you don’t qualify, you may
use your time off benefits.
For details, eligibility, and other information, log in and visit:
Most people who get sick with COVID-19 will have mild symptoms and can recover at home. Here’s how to keep yourself and your loved ones healthy and safe if you or someone you are living with is sick. Print or share these flyers with others in the household[17]. In English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Farsi.
Many people prefer to get their information via video rather than written material. Kaiser Permanente Southern California has compiled all of its COVID-19 videos in one place, so you can quickly scan and watch. Most videos are less than one minute long; others are just a couple of minutes. This great resource is vailable to members and non-members, and is extremely helpful for those who’d rather watch than read. Copy this link to share with others:
https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/southern-california/health-wellness/videos/covid-19/. Click here to go directly to the videos page[18].
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The latest statistics are downright alarming:
At KPSC, our COVID-19 positive inpatient census is higher than the peak we reached in April, and it continues to climb.
California recorded nearly twice the number of coronavirus cases in June as it did in May.
Hospitalizations have more than tripled in San Bernardino County and more than doubled in Orange, Riverside and Ventura Counties since Memorial Day.
In the first 8 days of July, roughly 65% of new infections have been diagnosed among those 18 to 49 (even though only 45% of Californians fall into that age range).
This virus is vicious and stealthy. We may think we have turned a corner, or that we can relax our habits, but the statistics make one thing clear: We cannot let down our guard.
What will it take? Read the message from Julie Miller-Phipps and Ed Ellison, MD[20].
Security with a Smile (and a Cheer) Makes National News
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Want to smile? Watch this amazingly uplifting TV segment about the goodness in people helping people.
ABC World News Tonight aired this story featuring security guard Robert Johnson, a man who takes the time to make certain that the nurses, doctors, and other medical staff at KP Downey Medical Center know they are appreciated. Every morning, he greets them and cheers them on as they end their night shift. Kelly Wilson, RN, was also interviewed, and explained the gratitude these essential workers have for Robert’s show of appreciation. What a great example of the heartfelt caring and camaraderie exhibited at Kaiser Permanente during these challenging times when the coronavirus pandemic is dominating the news. Be like Robert! Watch it here[22].
The Mental Toll of Providing Care During a Pandemic
Keeping watch for PTSD and other mental health issues for clinicians on front lines of COVID-19
The rising numbers of COVID-19 cases are staggering. However, when it comes to the mental and emotional toll inflicted by the novel coronavirus, some of the devastation cannot be quantified.
Over the last several months, the medical community has faced unprecedented challenges. As the pandemic plays out, the expectation is that a range of mental health issues could surface among health care workers. On the severe end of this spectrum are those who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD. An article in Permanente Medicine looks at this mental health condition, the statitstics, its symptoms, impact on specialties, sources of support and strength, and other related matters. Read more[24].
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COVID-19 is still spreading within many communities. If you’re planning to host or attend a summer gathering, read these 4 tips[26] to help reduce your risk of exposure.
With summer in full swing and stay-at-home orders lifting across the country, we know that many are making plans for family and community gatherings. At Kaiser Permanente, we recognize the importance of connecting with others, especially after such a challenging period of isolation. We want you to stay safe and healthy as you reconnect. These tips can help minimize your risk of getting or spreading COVID-19 at 4th of July or other gatherings.
As communities begin to reopen, and as we see spikes in cases, we must all take steps to increase our chances of staying virus-free. If cases continue to rise, local and state governments may need to reinstate stay-at-home orders. Let’s do our best to prevent that from happening. As you have fun, be safe and stay healthy,[26] so we all can thrive.
Good news for members, patients, and guests who love the convenience of getting care at your neighborhood Target store. Kaiser Permanente’s existing 26 Target Clinic locations[28] opened on June 29 along with a new location in Norwalk, CA. Steps to ensure the suppression of the coronavirus at each clinic location are in place. KP licensed nurse practitioners and licensed vocational nurses are on hand at the clinics to provide high-quality primary care services in a convenient retail setting. In-person visits will be limited to preventive and wellness care until full care capacity can be returned. Kaiser Permanente opened its first Target clinics in 2014 for members and non-member Target store guests.
Ex-Governors Join Newsom to Urge, "Californians: Wear a Mask!"
[29] Democrats and Republicans agree, wearing a mask isn’t a political statement. It’s about protecting yourself, your family, and your community. California’s current and past 4 governors are reminding us that our actions save lives. Kaiser Permanente has joined in promoting this clever public service announcement, in which the Governors make a bipartisan plea to encourage mask wearing as part of our collective pandemic protection efforts. View on your choice of social media channel:
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There is so much useful information packed into this 3 1/2 minute video — and it’s never more relevant than right now, during this highly-charged, double-pandemic moment in time.
We all manage stress and anxiety in our own way based on our own experiences. Without knowing it, we create expectations of how others should behave and react. Given the events of the last few months, KPSC’s Employee Assistance Program[35] (EAP) is seeing an increase in burn-out and stress anxiety. They have shared this video to emphasize the importance of effective communication and empathy during these times. Even if we have differing opinions, empathy helps us understand others and perhaps even lend support. Watch it here[36].
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