Behavioral Health Community Information for COVID-19
3/19/2020 5:08:00 PM - 2% Distributions

March 19, 2020

Behavioral Health’s Leadership Team takes the health and safety of our associates and our clients very seriously. We are working proactively to keep essential services open to the community, while also following the CDC’s recommendations for social distancing. The Behavioral Health Leadership Team is continually monitoring the rapidly changing situation regarding COVID-19, and will adapt our service methods if necessary to comply with the guidelines and recommendations.

Behavioral Health is committed to providing mental health services, modified from our regular operating procedures to be in compliance with the CDC guidelines. This is the current status of our operating guidelines under the current conditions. If there are future changes these will be posted on SCIT websites and social media outlets.

Behavioral Health overall:

• Daily Screening of COVID-19 risk for all who enter the building
•  Frequent cleaning of high traffic/high touch areas
• Handwashing and hand sanitizer stations
• Cancelled all groups (i.e. IOP, Women Supporting Women, Acupuncture, etc.)

Residential Treatment Center (RTC):

•  No off-site support group meetings or visitors; working to facilitate engagement with support groups/families through technology
• On-site meetings restricted to current clients only
•  No off-site activities where large crowds are gather
• Using social distancing within the confines of the treatment center –sitting further apart, using the lodge with fresh air for groups when possible

Supportive Living Program (SLP):

•  Currently not admitting new residents
• Since residents are in and out of the center and in the community, extra vigilance on assessing/screening is being conducted
• No outside visitors or outside meetings
• Established protocols for suspected or confirmed COVID-19 case – designated quarantine location

Outpatient Services:

•  Triaging existing clients; those in higher risk categories, transitioning to individualized services + tele-health supports
•  Telephone well checks with clients
•  If you are not an existing client, but need mental health (including substance abuse) services, the following is the protocol to be assigned a therapist who can provide tele-health supports

 For the remainder of this week 3/19 & 3/20/20 during business hours 8am-5pm

• Call the BH front desk at (989) 775-4850
• After hours and then 24 hours per day starting 3/20/20 at 5pm
• Call Tribal Dispatch at (989) 775-4700
•  Only your first name and phone number need to be given to Tribal Dispatch
• A BH on-call worker will return your call

Crisis and On-call Services:

• Available 24 hours a day by calling Tribal Dispatch at (989) 775-4700 and asking for the BH on-call.
• Only your first name and phone number need to be given to Tribal Dispatch
•  A BH on-call worker will return your call
• Not limited to those in a crisis, anyone who needs mental health assistance can call and speak to a BH on-call worker

Prevention Services (including Zaagaatee’ Mentoring Program):

•  All youth and community activities, trainings, and groups have been canceled, except those being provided to RTC.