COVID-19 INFORMATION
GUIDANCE & RESPONSE FOR COVID-19
Our Commitment to Your Safety
(Updated November 16, 2020)
As of November 16, 2020 in response to orders set forth by the Governor and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS): due to the increase in COVID-19 infection, CHAG is limiting office hours and access to the building. All staff are working in a remote capacity from November 16 through December 4, 2020. Please understand this schedule; steps may be extended or changed based on the directives from our government officials.
CHAG offices are open:
Tuesday and Friday from 9:00 am – 1:00pm
Life Points Syringe Exchange
CHAG will increase its syringe exchange rate to ensure clients have access to clean sterile syringes during this public health crisis.
In-house Syringe Exchange: Life Points services for clients will continue in the outer hallway OUTSIDE of the Life Points room only. For client protection all staff will implement strict universal precautions.
Field Syringe Exchange: Life Points field site coverage is suspended.
Clients with questions regarding Life Points may contact (313)530-1915
HIV/STI Testing Services
HIV/STI Testing is available on limited basis and by appointment only during CHAG’s revised hours of operation. Intakes will be conducted via phone or telemedicine at the time of scheduling. All clients will be screened the date of their appointment prior to entering the building for potential COVID-19 exposure.
To schedule an appointment for HIV/STI testing (including PrEP prescription renewals); please contact CHAG offices (313)963-3434 extension 118. Leave your name, phone number and the best time to call. The Testing Supervisor will return calls within 24-hours.
If you require an immediate appointment (including a concern regarding a recent exposure) please contact CHAG’s clinic partner: Be Well Medical at (248)544-9300
Free HIV/STI testing is also available at the City of Detroit Public Health Clinic located at 50 East Canfield, Detroit, Michigan 48201 at (313)577-9100.
WHAT ELSE ARE WE DOING:
DAILY DEBRIEFINGS: We have enacted debriefings multiple times per day with senior staff members to review current events, changes in operations, etc. so we can make the best decisions moving forward.
CANCELLING NON-ESSENTIAL MEETINGS/GROUPS: We have cancelled all non-essential meetings, groups and trainings. This includes CHAG’s psychosocial support group, TAP2 sessions, YAB, and Many Men, Many Voices (3MV).
Transportation: Essential transportation for clients will continue and include PCP, ID, Dialysis, mental health, dental and urgent appointments that can be verified by a clinic. Again confirm the day of the appointment. Many places such as Secretary of State and DHS have gone to appointment only no walk-ins. All vehicles will be thoroughly disinfected following each client visit.
Clients will be screened for any cold or COVID-19 symptoms prior to pickups: Cough, cold, fever, chills, etc. If they express they are sick advise them to call their doctor for further directions and stay home. If personal transportation is required they will be asked to ride in the back seat to protect the client and staff.
Case Management: All home visits are cancelled. Please conduct assessments/ reassessments by phone (see transportation notes above).
Early Intervention Services: Confirm all client appointments the day of the appointment as things are changing daily, if a client does not answer their phone EIS will not go to their home (also see transportation notes above).
Tobacco Cessation: Screening and all client interactions will be by phone.
As a community, we continue to face the challenge of preventing the spread of COVID-19. We want to assure you that our teams at CHAG continue to be committed to maintaining a clean and safe environment – for you and for us.
For the safety of all the following measures have been implemented:
-
We have enhanced our robust sanitizing practices to keep you safe.
-
Staff are working in a remote capacity with a few exceptions.
-
We have changed protocols to ensure social distancing in the office.
-
Everyone entering the office is screened for symptoms of COVID-19 infection.
-
Employees are instructed to stay home if they don’t feel well.
-
Masks or Facial coverings are REQUIRED at all times of everyone.
Please continue to stay home as much as possible, wear a mask or face covering when you are out or around anyone outside of your home and wash your hands. The entire staff of the Community Health Awareness Group is centered around enriching lives and keeping our community healthy. Thank you for your continued trust.
The Administration and Staff of Community Health Awareness Group
Providing Information for a Health-Wise Community
November 16, 2020
To locate a Free/Low-Cost COVID-19 Testing Site Visit in Michigan:
https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus/0,9753,7-406-99891_99912---,00.html
For information on COVID-19:
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services: https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus/
City of Detroit Health Department: https://detroitmi.gov/departments/detroit-health-department/programs-and-services/communicable-disease/coronavirus-covid-19
