Last Updated: December 26th, 2020
Since the first cases of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) in Washington State in March 2020, Discover Recovery has enacted a COVID-19 response plan. Please read the following precautions that we have enacted so you can better understand what we are doing to ensure the safety of both our staff and clients. We have updated our website and developed several helpful resources for general information on COVID-19 and Washington State. Some links to these articles are below:
- COVID-19 And Pacific County Washington
- The Opioid Crisis and COVID-19
- Is It Safe To Go To Treatment Right Now?
- Staying Connected During The Pandemic
What We’re Doing
To mitigate risk of contracting to spreading COVID-19, we have implemented the following strategies:
- Providing staff with infection prevention and control training;
- Providing disinfection and hygiene guidance to both clients and staff;
- Monitoring and utilizing care supplies such as masks and hand sanitizer;
- Routine checking of personal protective equipment items to ensure proper and secure storage;
- Enhancing screening protocols;
- Maintaining communication with our local health department to receive important community-specific updates.
Additionally, we expect our staff members to pay close attention to trusted health resources such as the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control, and our local health authorities.
All Discover Recovery staff members will take preventive measures as recommended by health officials. Those measures include:
- Washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol;
- Cleaning and disinfecting frequently-touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe;
- Covering coughs and/or sneezes with a tissue, and immediately disposing of the tissue in the trash;
- Staying at home when sick;
- Avoiding touching the eyes, nose, and mouth.
To learn how to identify signs and symptoms, see this resource from the CDC.
Screening Clients Upon Admission
As of March 13, 2020, all pre-screening assessments will include questions regarding travel to China, Asia, and Europe, flu-like symptoms, and if the individual has come in contact with anyone who has COVID-19. Based on how these screening questions are answered, the individuals could be monitored and referred out if flu-like symptoms occur.
Discover Recovery has trained staff on proper handwashing and prevention methods to prepare for potential issues if the virus is to spread. This will go into effect until the CDC determines that COVID-19 is no longer a threat to the American public.
Questions Added to the Pre-Screening Assessment
- Have you traveled to Asia, Europe, or any other area affected by COVID-19 since the winter of 2019?
- If yes, what countries or parts of countries did you visit?
- Have you or any of your loved ones been exposed to COVID-19?
- Are you at risk for exposure to COVID-19?
- Are you experiencing shortness of breath, coughing, fever, or other symptoms of COVID-19 and/or a flu virus?
- If yes, have you been tested for COVID-19 or are you willing to be tested?
Upon admission all staff members must screen new clients to determine if they have a fever accompanied by signs/symptoms of respiratory illness, such as a cough or shortness of breath. All admits who have a fever AND signs/symptoms of respiratory distress should be sent to the emergency room for clearance prior to admission to the facility. The client must have both a fever of 101 F AND respiratory distress to require prior clearance.
Screening of Current Clients
We will be on the lookout for fever and/or symptoms of acute respiratory distress among current clients. In the event that a current client would become ill, he or she will be required to implement self-quarantining protocols and remain on bed rest until their symptoms improve.
Any current clients presenting a fever of over 101 degrees Fahrenheit AND showing signs of respiratory distress (e.g. persistent cough or difficulty breathing) will be immediately transported to the nearest emergency department/urgent care for further evaluation.
Limiting Risk of Community Based Transmission
To reduce the risk of community-based transmission, effective March 16, 2020, all on-site visits and 12-step meetings have been canceled until further notice. If a client requests to have an onsite visit, please have the client speak to their case manager to discuss the need for a visit. All visits must be approved by the infection control officer at least 72 hours prior to the scheduled visit. Outside 12-step meetings have been cancelled until further notice to prevent the spread of the illness. All clients will be required to attend the 12-step house meeting instead of attending outside 12-step meetings.
As the situation progresses I will keep you updated on any further changes or precautions we put in place. Once again, I am always available if you have any questions or need any further information.
Discover Recovery continues to work with all private insurers and we do our best to remove financial barriers to those seeking immediate help. It is our mission to help every suffering addict that we cross paths with and if we are not the right fit for any reason, we will work with other providers until we find the best solution. We also assist with any necessary transportation needs and routinely schedule same day pickups.
If we can ever be of assistance, please reach out directly to Joey Smith at 650-291-0916 or Dru Thompson at 503-298-0613.
