COVID-19 Newsletter for Community Elders (June 2023)

GRHC.ORG JUNE 2023

This month’s issue includes information on:

• Family Planning Mobile Clinic June Dates

• Diabetes Support Group

• Summer Scrubs Program

• And New COVID Walk-Up Testing

The COVID-19 Testing Location at Hu Hu Kam Memorial Hospital Has Changed

Emergency Department COVID-19 Drive-Thru Testing Is Now Walk-Up Testing

Starting Monday, June 5, 2023

Drive-Thru testing will close and Walk-Up testing will be available.

PARK in any designated patient parking spot. HEAD IN to the Emergency Department for COVID-19 testing. Don’t forget to wear your mask.

QUESTIONS? Call the Emergency Department:

(520) 562-3321 EXT. 1215 OR (602) 528-1215

XYLAZINE WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Also known as Tranq Dope, Tranq, Zombie Dope (Pronounced Zai-luh-zeen)

FDA Approved Animal sedative/Tranquilizer (NOT intended for human use)

Found in illegal Fentanyl and other counterfeit pills (Currently used as a cheap “filler” in illegal drugs in an attempt to increase drug potency)

Increases risk for fatal overdose (Xylazine is not an opioid but Narcan is the recommended overdose response due to the presence of Fentanyl)

It may cause severe and painful skin ulcers and wounds

HOW ARE PEOPLE WHO USE DRUGS COMING INTO CONTACT WITH XYLAZINE?

• Liquid xylazine is cooked down and made into a powder form, then mixed with other substances—such as heroin, Fentanyl, or pressed into counterfeit pills (fake pills that look like prescription medications)

• People obtaining these drugs may not be aware that xylazine is present in what they are using, which can increase the risk of a fatal overdose

• Xylazine increases the risk of fatal overdose by mixing opioids/depressants with alcohol. It extends drowsiness and/or decreased breathing which may lead to unresponsiveness.

• Narcan is not effective for xylazine overdoses, but since it is often mixed with Fentanyl, Narcan should always be given to an overdose victim.

MPOX

(MONKEYPOX)

The Maricopa County Department of Public Health recently confirmed its first case of Mpox in a county resident since January. The positive case comes as other regions of the United States are seeing new clusters of positive Mpox cases.

Prevention

• Vaccination is an important tool in preventing the spread of Mpox (protection will be highest 2 weeks after 2nd dose of vaccine)

What is Mpox?

• Mpox is a viral disease that can be spread between people or between people and certain animals

Who is at risk?

• Diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection

• New sex partner

• Gay, bisexual, men who have sex with men, or transgender or nonbinary

• Anyone who has been in close, personal contact with someone who has Mpox

How does it spread?

• Through person-to-person through direct contact with infectious skin rash, mucosal and scabs

• Through respiratory droplets (low risk) or body fluids during intimate physical contact

• Touching clothing and bedding used by someone with a rash

• Patients can be infectious up to 4 days before symptoms begin, and remain infectious until lesions form scabs, scabs fall off, and a fresh layer of skin forms

• Contact with contaminated surfaces or objects in household (low risk)

• Talk with your partner about any Mpox symptoms and be aware of any new or unexplained rash or lesion on either of your bodies, including the mouth, genitals, or anus

What should I do if I have symptoms?

• If you have fevers, headache, weakness, body aches, swollen glands, rash (frequently painful and itchy), or eye pain and redness, please visit Hu Hu Kam Memorial Hospital Emergency Room or Primary Care walk-in clinics f or further evaluation and testing/ treatment

• Avoid close contact (including intimate physical contact) with others or animals until you see a healthcare provider and while awaiting test results

• Isolate from others and follow treatment recommendations from your provider

• Do not share towels, toothbrushes, etc.

Summer Scrubs Program

Medical Career Exploration for Students!

Program

Overview Scan the

Ages 14 Years of Age and Older

AGES 14 - 17 REQUIRES PARENTAL CONSENT

Dates June 12th - July 28th, 2023

Time 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Living in Balance

Substance Use Group

Mondays & Wednesdays

1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Living in Balance

Intensive Outpatient (IOP) Substance Use Group

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays 10:00 am - Noon

New Beginnings

Adolescent Substance Use Group

Tuesdays 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Juvenile Drug Court (JDC) Adolescent Youth

Substance Use Group

Wednesdays 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Please call Behavioral Health Services: 520-562-3321 Ext. 7100

WHAT IS ELDER ABUSE AND NEGLECT?

As older adults become more physically frail, they are less able to take care of themselves, stand up to bullying, or fight back if attacked. They also may not see or hear as well, or think as clearly as they used to, leaving them more vulnerable to abuse/neglect. Elder abuse includes physical, emotional, or sexual harm, financial exploitation, or neglect by people who are supposed to care for them.

If you suspect that an elderly person is at risk from a neglectful or overwhelmed caregiver, or being preyed upon financially, it’s important to speak up. Everyone deserves to live in safety, with dignity and respect!

WATCH FOR THESE SIGNS OF ABUSE:

• Seems depressed, confused, or withdrawn

• Isolated from family and friends

• Has unexplained bruises, burns, or scars

• Appears dirty, underfed, dehydrated, over or under medicated, or not receiving needed care for medical problems

• Has bed sores or other preventable conditions

• Recent changes in banking or spending patterns

TYPES OF ELDER ABUSE:

Abuse of elders’ takes many different forms, some involving intimidation or threats against the elderly, some involving neglect, and others involving financial trickery. The most common are:

PHYSICAL ELDER ABUSE: Use of force against an elderly person that results in physical pain, injury, or impairment.

EMOTIONAL ELDER ABUSE: The treatment of an older adult in ways that cause emotional or psychological pain or distress.

SEXUAL ELDER ABUSE: Contact with an elderly person without their consent.

FINANCIAL EXPLOITATION: The unauthorized use of an elderly person’s funds or property, either by a caregiver or an outside scam artist.

HEALTHCARE FRAUD AND ABUSE: Carried out by unethical doctors, nurses, hospital personnel, and other professional care providers.

ELDER NEGLECT: Failure to fulfill a caretaking obligation.

Elder abuse is a serious problem in the United States. The available information is an underestimate of the problem because the number of nonfatal injuries is limited to older adults who are treated in emergency departments. The information doesn’t include those treated by other providers or those that do not need or do not seek treatment. Additionally, many cases are not reported because elders are afraid or unable to tell police, friends, or family about the violence. Victims have to decide whether to tell someone they are being hurt or continue being abused by someone they depend upon or care for deeply.

Elder abuse is common. Abuse, including neglect and exploitation, is experienced by about 1 in 10 people aged 60 and older who live at home. Abusers are both women and men. In almost 60% of elder abuse and neglect incidents, the perpetrator is a family member.

Prevention tips if you’re a caregiver:

• Take immediate steps to relieve stress and burnout. Stress is a major contributor to elder abuse and neglect. You can help reduce your stress levels by regularly practicing stress-relieving techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.

• Request help from friends, relatives, or local respite care agencies or find an adult daycare program. Every caregiver needs to take regular breaks from the stress of caring for an elder and to attend to their own needs, if only for a couple of hours.

• Learn techniques for getting your anger under control.

• Take care of yourself. If you are not getting enough rest, you are much more likely to succumb to anger. Eat a healthy diet, get regular exercise, and take care of your own medical needs.

• Seek help for depression. Family caregivers are especially at risk for depression, but there are plenty of things you can do to boost your mood and outlook and overcome the problem.

• Find a support group for caregivers of the elderly. Sharing your concerns and experiences with others facing the same challenges can help relieve the isolation you may be feeling as a caregiver. It can also be a great place to gain valuable tips and insight into caring for an elder.

• Get help for any substance abuse issues. It’s never easy, but there are plenty of actions you can take to address drug or alcohol abuse.

• Get professional help. If you can’t seem to stop yourself no matter how hard you try, it’s time to get help by talking to a therapist

• Make sure your financial and legal affairs are in order. If they aren’t, enlist professional help to get them in order, with the assistance of a trusted friend or relative if necessary.

• Keep in touch with family and friends and avoid becoming isolated.

• If you are unhappy with the care you’re receiving, whether it’s in your own home or in a care facility, speak up. Tell someone you trust or call an elder abuse helpline.

FREQUENTLY CALLED EXTENSIONS

Hu Hu Kam Memorial Hospital - Main Number: (520) 562-3321

Komatke Health Center - Main Number: (520) 550-6000

Hau’pal (Red Tail Hawk) Health Center - Main Number: (520) 796-2600

Behavioral Health Services - Main Number: (602) 528-7100 District Service Centers