[Video] New Health Center Update!

Marin City Clinic is excited to share an update on the progress of our new health center at 100 Phillips Drive in Marin City.

The new health center will provide comprehensive health care services to all communities in Marin County including primary medical care, dental care, behavioral health services, substance abuse services, chiropractic care and more. 


The new facility also provides more clinical space than the current location occupied by the organization at 630 Drake Avenue with over $2.4 Million in retrofitting, including the addition of 15 exam rooms for medical, dental and behavioral health care services to accommodate the clinic’s approximately 3000 patients. The new space will also be fitted for updated emergency management systems, including a power generator and updated HVAC system.


The new health center is slated to open later this year. Check back for more updates.


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COVID-19 Omicron Variant: What you need to know.

Notice:

The information below was distributed directly from the Center for Disease Control website here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html. If you believe you may have been exposed to COVID-19 you can call Marin City Health and Wellness Center for information on getting tested at 415-339-8813.

 

What We Know about Omicron

 

CDC is working with state and local public health officials to monitor the spread of Omicron. As of December 20, 2021, Omicron has been detected in most states and territories and is rapidly increasing the proportion of COVID-19 cases it is causing.

CDC has been collaborating with global public health and industry partners to learn about Omicron, as we continue to monitor its course. We don’t yet know how easily it spreads, the severity of illness it causes, or how well available vaccines and medications work against it.

Spread

The Omicron variant likely will spread more easily than the original SARS-CoV-2 virus and how easily Omicron spreads compared to Delta remains unknown. CDC expects that anyone with Omicron infection can spread the virus to others, even if they are vaccinated or don’t have symptoms.

Severe Illness

More data are needed to know if Omicron infections, and especially reinfections and breakthrough infections in people who are fully vaccinated, cause more severe illness or death than infection with other variants.

Vaccines

Current vaccines are expected to protect against severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths due to infection with the Omicron variant. However, breakthrough infections in people who are fully vaccinated are likely to occur. With other variants, like Delta, vaccines have remained effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalizations, and death. The recent emergence of Omicron further emphasizes the importance of vaccination and boosters.

Watch for Symptoms

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Anyone can have mild to severe symptoms. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

This list does not include all possible symptoms. CDC will continue to update this list as we learn more about COVID-19. Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness.

We have the Tools to Fight Omicron

Vaccines

Vaccines remain the best public health measure to protect people from COVID-19, slow transmission, and reduce the likelihood of new variants emerging.

  • COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalizations, and death.
  • Scientists are currently investigating Omicron, including how protected fully vaccinated people will be against infection, hospitalization, and death.
  • CDC recommends that everyone 5 years and older protect themselves from COVID-19 by getting fully vaccinated.
  • CDC recommends that everyone ages 16 years and older get a booster shot after completing their primary COVID-19 vaccination series.  You are eligible for a booster at 5 months after completing Pfizer-BioNTech primary series, 6 months after completing Moderna primary series, and 2 months after the initial J&J/Janssen vaccine. Individuals ages 16-17 are only eligible for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.

Masks

Masks offer protection against all variants.

  • CDC continues to recommend wearing a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high community transmission, regardless of vaccination status.
  • CDC provides advice about masks for people who want to learn more about what type of mask is right for them depending on their circumstances.

Treatments

Scientists are working to determine how well existing treatments for COVID-19 work. Based on the changed genetic make-up of Omicron, some treatments are likely to remain effective while others may be less effective.

Testing

Tests can tell you if you are currently infected with COVID-19.

  • Two types of tests are used to test for current infection: nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) and antigen tests. NAAT and antigen tests can only tell you if you have a current infection.
  • Individuals can use the COVID-19 Viral Testing Tool to help determine what kind of test to seek.
    • Additional tests would be needed to determine if your infection was caused by Omicron.
    • Visit your state, tribal, local, or territorial health department’s website to look for the latest local information on testing.
  • Self-tests can be used at home or anywhere, are easy to use, and produce rapid results.
    • If your self-test has a positive result, stay home or isolate for 10 days, wear a mask if you have contact with others, and call your healthcare provider.
    • If you have any questions about your self-test result, call your healthcare provider or public health department.

Until we know more about the risk of Omicron, it is important to use all tools available to protect yourself and others.

 

 

Filed under: Marin City Clinic

[News Article] Marin City Health and Wellness Breaks Ground for New Health Center in Marin City

Marin City Health and Wellness Center, whose mission is to provide innovative health and wellness services to all, with the goal of African-American Health Equity celebrates the groundbreaking of its new health center at 100 Phillips Drive in Marin City. The new health center will provide comprehensive health care services to all communities in Marin County including primary medical care, dental care, behavioral health services, substance abuse services, chiropractic care and more.

 

Read full article at Marin City News.

Filed under: Events, Free services, Marin City Clinic, Media, Park Rx, Research, Seniors, SF Bayview Hunters Point, Youth programsTagged with: ,

[Video] How were Black people involved in the COVID vaccine development?

How were Black people and other people of color involved in the COVID vaccine development? Valerie Montgomery Rice, MD explains how Black scientists and researchers were involved in the COVID vaccine research.

 

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Serving your health during Coronavirus risk

If you are sick, please call us before walking into one of our health clinics, so we can plan for your visit: 415.339.8813.

UPDATE 3/23: Marin City now has a dedicated Health and Human Services hotline: Call 415-359-3135 for community food distribution locations, and resources for public assistance, older adults, Medi-Cal/CalFresh/CalWorks, or visit marinhhs.org. (Messages will be returned within 24 hours.) In order to comply with the mandatory Marin County shelter in place order, the Marin City Health & Wellness Center will remain open. However, we will be using a variety of methods to provide care in the safest way possible. This means all patients will be screened prior to scheduled visits (no walk in’s please) and provided services by phone or telehealth when possible. At this time, we are taking extra precautions to keep our patients and staff safe. We are also working very closely with our health care partners and public health department with regard to COVID-19 (Coronavirus).  Below, we share some of the steps and processes Marin City Health and Wellness Center, Bayview Hunters Point Clinic, and Marin Family Birth Center are implementing to help protect our patients and staff, as well as some information about COVID-19 and what you can do to protect yourself and those around you.

We recommend in-person visits only for urgent care or essential primary care:

  • Medical visits are available by phone or Telehealth. Log into your patient portal or call us at 415.339.8813 for information.
  • All preventative dental appointments are canceled. For a dental emergency, call us at 415.339.8813.
  • All behavioral health patients are being served by phone visits, instead of in-person visits.
  • Medication Assisted Treatment groups are canceled. If you need a Suboxone or Vivitrol prescription renewed, call us at 415.339.8813.
  • All chiropractic visits have been canceled.
  • The weekly Food Pharmacy is canceled. Contact Xyxa Andres for information on food delivery options.

We are doing these things to protect your health:

  • All patients are being screened by phone prior to visits and once again upon arrival at the health center. Patients who are seen at the health center are asked come alone whenever possible and to wear a mask per health department orders.
  • Using telephone and/or our new Telehealth program for medical phone visits, instead of in-person visits.
  • Adding phone appointments with behavioral health providers to help our community manage fear and anxiety during this difficult time.
  • We are adding more signage to emphasize the use of masks (when necessary) and good hand hygiene.
  • Sanitation stations with alcohol-based hand sanitizer are available throughout the health center.
  • Throughout our health center, we are using a hospital-grade cleaning solution for all facility cleaning needs.
  • We have increased cleaning procedures to clean all surfaces after every patient appointment.
  • We are committed to continually following updates and protocols suggested by the CDC and Marin Health and Human Services to best ensure the safety of our communities

What you can do to keep yourself, family and friends well—and what we have asked our employees to do:

  • Frequently wash your hands using hot, soapy water for 20 seconds (the length of the Happy Birthday song)—this is the best way to control transmission, especially:
    • Before eating;
    • After going to the bathroom;
    • After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
  • Stay home except for essential activities.
  • Social distancing. Stay six feet or more away from others.
  • When it is necessary to go out, wear a mask or other face covering over your nose and mouth.
  • Avoid touching your face (mouth, eyes, nose).
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home away from everyone (including family members) if you feel sick or have recently been exposed to some who is ill or has traveled to a geographic area with widespread or sustained community transmission. If you are ill or exposed to someone who is ill, please call us at 415.339.8813 to find out about the county’s testing options. Most viral infections (including the flu and COVID) resolve on their own with adequate fluid intake, rest and fever control. There is no specific treatment for COVID-19. Please do not come to the clinic without an appointment: you may put others at risk.

If you are over the age of 65 or have a chronic condition such as heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes, please take the following extra precautions:

  • Stock up on supplies such as medicine and groceries.
  • Avoid going out of the home even for essential activities: try to have someone shop for you, for example.
  • NEVER go out without a mask.
We will continue to keep you informed of any new developments that impact your care, your health, and our work. If you have any questions or concerns in the meantime, we are always here for you—just reach out to us at 415.339.8813.

ACTUALIZACIÓN ACERCA DE CORONAVIRUS:

Las Clínicas de Petaluma y Rohnert Park, están coordinando sus esfuerzos con funcionarios locales, del condado y estatales. Estamos examinando a todos los pacientes que llaman o entran a nuestros sitios con síntomas respiratorios, incluyendo tos y dificultad para respirar, y a personas que han sido expuestas al coronavius (también llamado COVID-19). Todos los pacientes con síntomas respiratorios están siendo atendidos por un equipo médico en nuestra clínica de Marin City. Por favor, ayúdenos a proteger la salud de nuestros empleados y comunidad. Es importante seguir con todos los procedimientos de detección y aislamiento. Desafortunadamente no tenemos pruebas para pacientes con síntomas de Coronavirus. Llame al Marin Departemente de Salud, 415-473-7191, entre lunes a viernes, 9:30AM–12:00PM y 1:00–5:00PM. Lávese las manos con frecuencia con agua caliente y jabón durante 20 segundos (la duración de la canción de feliz cumpleaños); esta es la mejor manera de controlar la transmisión, especialmente: • Antes de comer; • Después de ir al baño; • Después de sonarse la nariz, toser o estornudar. Si no hay agua y jabón disponibles, use un desinfectante para manos a base de alcohol con al menos 60% de alcohol. Quédese en casa excepto por actividades esenciales. Distanciamiento social. Manténgase a seis pies o más lejos de los demás. Cuando sea necesario salir, use una máscara u otra cara que cubra su nariz y boca. Evite tocarse la cara (boca, ojos, nariz). Evitar el contacto cercano con personas que están enfermas. Quédese en casa lejos de todos (incluidos los miembros de la familia) si se siente enfermo o si ha estado expuesto recientemente a alguien que está enfermo o ha viajado a un área geográfica con una transmisión comunitaria generalizada o sostenida. Si está enfermo o expuesto a alguien que está enfermo, llámenos al 415.339.8813 para conocer las opciones de prueba del condado. La mayoría de las infecciones virales (incluida la gripe y el COVID) se resuelven solas con una ingesta adecuada de líquidos, descanso y control de la fiebre. No existe un tratamiento específico para COVID-19. No venga a la clínica sin una cita: puede poner a otros en riesgo.  
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Damian’s Recovery Story

Damian is a patient in our Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) recovery program. He has worked in addiction and recovery, and known our MAT Program Director Dominique McDowell throughout his career. He has also had to manage injuries and surgeries since age 19, many of which resulted in opioid prescriptions.

Recently, Damian had a serious work accident in the truck he was driving. The doctor he was referred to prescribed pain medication. Damian has never struggled with medication abuse, but knows how doses can increase – he decided not to “go back down this road” from past pain and opioids, and wanted to avoid escalation of pain meds. When his doctor (who had no connection to MCHWC) mentioned Suboxone, Damian looked online for programs in Marin. He came to MCHWC and enrolled in the MAT program.

After 1-1/2 months, Damian said he feels like a different person. He sleeps better, and doesn’t have night sweats that resulted from the opioids prescribed for his pain. The transition was difficult – it affected his eating, sleeping and intimacy – but he knew to expect the physical changes because of his own work in addiction and recovery.

In particular, Damian praised Dominique for his knowledge and how he communicates with patients in a way to build trust and acceptance. If you are dealing with addiction to alcohol, prescription pain medication, or heroin, you are not alone. MCHWC provides substance abuse counseling and Medication Assisted Treatment for recovery (MAT) to the homeless and general population from our clinic sites in Bayview, Marin City and San Rafael.

 

The intake process for the MAT program included thoughtful screening. The MAT support group gives me a place to come and talk about all the things I’m experiencing in a safe environment. 
—Damian

 

Damian with Dominique
Damian at play
Damian at work

 
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