April 13, 2021
In today’s update, you will find important information, including:
- Live Audio Broadcast Today
- EAP Town Hall: Addressing Anti-Asian Racism and Violence
- Black Maternal Health Week
- Words from Our Members
Live Audio Broadcast Today
Tune in today for our LIVE audio broadcast, starting at 12:10 p.m. Topics on the agenda include:
- Welcome and Community Update | Dr. Mary Giswold
- Self-care during COVID-19 pandemic/recovery | Dr. Pavan Somusetty
- Vaccine Surge Planning | Michelle Teeples
- Clinical Update | Dr. Steven Spindel
- Q & A
- Closing Comments | Wendy Watson
https://sparkstreetdigital.zoom.us/j/91660184663 (Audio only)
Dial In: +1 669 900 9128 Webinar ID: 916 6018 4663
Or iPhone one-tap: +16699009128,,91660184663#
EAP Town Hall: Addressing Anti-Asian Racism and Violence Impacting Our Communities
Employee Assistance Program Town Halls are designed to provide support with issues that affect our stress and mental health – especially the impact of COVID-19 and current events.
Join the upcoming EAP town hall:
April 22, 12:30 – 1:30pm PST | *MS TEAMS LIVE EVENT: Addressing Anti-Asian Racism and Violence Impacting Our Communities
We’ll discuss the rise in violence against Asian-Americans in our communities, and how our Asian-American families, friends, and coworkers continue to be targets of racism. Speakers will help us understand the history of anti-Asian American behavior, the impact that racist and violent acts can have on our mental health, and how this knowledge and awareness can be a pathway to a better world for everyone. Bookmark the EAP Town Hall webpage to find more information, get a links for upcoming Town Halls, or watch past recordings.
To make an appointment with your local Northwest EAP Consultant, call 503-813-4703. During these trying times, EAP has temporarily created a 24/7 line for anyone to talk with a licensed counselor (day or night) at 877-801-5751.
KPNW COVID-19 Trends
From KPNW researchers, scientists, and physicians, effective April 9. Based on review of internal trends and external considerations our findings are:
- Anticipated Surge: OR/WA outbreak is up (R0=1.11).
- The next surge has begun. Short-term increases will continue to be expected.
- The impact of increasing cases is still uncertain due to new variants, roll-out of vaccines, changing weather and mobility patterns, and re-opening of society, schools, economy.
- Current modeling forecasts moderate impact on hospitalizations in the medium term (mid/late May) overall. With rapidly increasing vaccination of high-risk age groups, this is expected to manifest as increasing hospitalizations among younger age groups.
- Internal hospital census (ADC) weekly average was up 51% from last week to this week (10.0 to 15.1). Census was 21 on Apr 7. ADC forecast for this week is 17 by Apr 14 (w. error).
- After many weeks of decrease, we have now begun to see the expected increase in hospitalizations.
- Internal ICU census: Last week’s rate was 9% (prior week was 16%). Rate based on 1 to 2 ICU patients and low COVID inpatient numbers. Internal ICU had 2 patients on Apr 7.
- KPNW COVID+ weekly average of daily cases up 37% from last week to this week (47.3 to 65.0). The most recent daily case count was 110 on Apr 7. Case count forecast is 70 by Apr 14 (w. error).
Weekly Testing Turnaround Times
The average routine COVID-19 testing turnaround time (TAT) for the week of April 5-11 is 20 hours. Member communications, including kp.org and call center scripts, have been updated to inform members that TAT is usually within 24-48 hours so they can plan accordingly for travel.
Vaccination Quick Facts
Here is a snapshot of the most current vaccination data as of April 12. Visit the newly enhanced COVID-19 Quick Facts Dashboard for up-to-date, key data on the virus and vaccines.
From Awareness to Action: 2021 Black Maternal Health Week
Promote Black Maternal Health Week 2021, April 12 to 16, to inspire our care teams, members, and communities to help eliminate the health disparities that impact Black mothers. Register for these Black Maternal Health Week webinars:
Respectful Maternity Care, Tuesday, April 13, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Dr. Joia Crear-Perry, National Birth Equity Collaborative
From Awareness to Action, Thursday, April 15, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Dr. Ronald Copeland, Senior Vice President and Chief of Equity Inclusion & Diversity, and internal KP panel discussion
Register Now Share this flier with your team and post in employee break areas.
Words from Our Members
“It was great that I was able to see my primary care physician, have an EKG test, pick up my prescriptions at the pharmacy, and receive my COVID-19 vaccination, all completed in a single visit in 90 minutes!”