HJNO Jul/Aug 2020

HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF NEW ORLEANS I  JUL / AUG 2020 35 For weekly eNews updates and to read the journal online, visit HealthcareJournalNO.com and who will use active listening techniques. “We know this crisis has created challenges out- side of those we face with a normal emergency,” said GOHSEP Director JimWaskom. “The issues impacting many people may linger as we transi- tion through the different phases of recovery. If you or anyone you know may be struggling with the COVID-19 crisis, please urge them to take advantage of this unique program offered by the state. This resource is available to provide additional options to connect and cope with stress, anxiety, and other difficult situations as a result of COVID- 19 in addition to the existing resources. Anyone in emotional distress or crisis who feels a chat via text would help should immediately connect in order to resolve emotions of the moment. “This pandemic has brought much uncertainty and it is a difficult time for each of us. This texting resource is an addition to the other resources and materials we have been providing that address anxiety, mental health, and substance use chal- lenges during this crisis. If additional help is needed, a referral can be made to the appro- priate behavioral health provider,” said Karen Stubbs, assistant secretary of Office of Behavioral Health, Louisiana Department of Health. Text REACHOUT to 741741 or call (866) 310- 7977. These services are free, confidential, and available 24/7. The counseling text line is being provided by the State of Louisiana’s Crisis Counseling Program for COVID-19. Louisiana Healthcare Connections, Quest Diagnostics TeamUp to Increase Access to COVID-19 Testing Louisiana Healthcare Connections announced a collaboration with Quest Diagnostics (NYSE: DGX) to increase access to real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT- PCR) COVID-19 testing in critical areas of need in Louisiana. Through this collaboration, Louisiana Health- care Connections will facilitate the distribution of Quest COVID-19 test kits to Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), including CareSouth Medical and Dental in Baton Rouge and DePaul Community Health Centers in New Orleans. The FQHCs will conduct testing as part of a broader initiative to test individuals who are symptomatic and asymptomatic in Louisiana’s underserved communities. “COVID-19 testing is a critical component in Louisiana’s efforts to curb this epidemic,” said Matthew Valliere, CEO of CareSouth. “Testing allows us to quickly identify and respond to cases while helping to prevent future outbreaks. We appreciate Louisiana Healthcare Connections and Quest Diagnostics for sharing our commitment to providing COVID-19 testing to our state’s under- served populations.” “DePaul Community Health Centers is proud to have been selected to receive COVID-19 virus test kits, and applauds the efforts of Louisiana Healthcare Connections and Quest Diagnostics to combat this virus. Our inclusion in this process greatly aids our mission of helping underserved populations, and bodes well for ensuring that they do not miss this opportunity. This partner- ship demonstrates the local health care commu- nity’s willingness to join forces in times of need,” said Michael G. Griffin, president/CEO of DePaul Community Health Centers. This collaboration leverages Louisiana Health- care Connections’ network of critical safety net providers to ensure that testing capacity is routed to where it is needed most. Distribution of kits began May 6, and Quest Diagnostics will conduct the COVID-19 testing through its network of lab- oratories across the United States. “As Louisiana works to flatten the curve of COVID-19, these tests are a critical need, espe- cially at our state’s FQHCs and community health centers, which provide quality care to thousands of residents in underserved areas,” said Jamie Schlottman, CEO of Louisiana Healthcare Con- nections. “Collaborations like these allow us to do our part in making sure our state’s most vulner- able populations have access to testing services in the communities where they live and work.” 21 Clinicians Complete Child-Parent Psychotherapy Learning Collaborative Twenty-one licensed mental health profession- als (LMHPs) from across the state have success- fully completed the Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) Learning Collaborative offered by Louisiana Healthcare Connections. CPP is a trauma-informed, evidence-based, and relationship-based therapeutic treatment for chil- dren ages 0-6 who have early trauma history and/ or are experiencing emotional, behavioral, attach- ment, and/or mental health problems. With com- pletion of the training, these clinicians are now eligible for inclusion on the national roster of trained CPP providers and have been awarded 19.5 continuing education credits (CEUs) from the National Association of Social Workers-Louisiana. LHMPs who completed the course include: From Baton Rouge, La.: Shawn Joseph, Peak Behavioral Health; Yolanda Lowery, Adolescent and Family Counseling Services; and Brittany San- tora, Red Stick Pediatrics. From Chalmette, La.: Rebecca Callaway and Charles Strong, The Guidance Center. From Gretna, La.: Kimberly Andres, The First Step Youth and Family Services. From Houma, La.: Anastasia Arceneaux, South Central Louisiana Human Service Authority. FromMetairie, La.: Shonell Dillon, Dillon Coun- seling Services. From Monroe, La.: Alisa Turner, Transitions Counseling & Development Center. From Morgan City, La.: Jamie Huffman and Brandie Levy, St. Mary Behavioral Health Center. From New Orleans, La.: Angela Breidenstine, Tulane Dept. of Child and Adolescent Psychol- ogy; Elizabeth LeCorgne, Children’s Bureau of New Orleans; Dionne Parker-George, Inspiring Hope; and Natasha Pena, Enhanced Destiny Services. From Raceland, La.: Emily Callais, Lafourche Behavioral Health Center; and Henry Mitch- ell, South Central Louisiana Human Services Authority. From Shreveport, La.: Kristal Chambers, Assured Behavioral Concepts; Ashley Enders Clinger, Clinger Family Counseling Services; and E. Mary Cone, Superior Counseling Services. From Thibodaux, La.: Dawn Chadwick, Strate- gic Interventions. Louisiana Department of Health Announces 11 Partners to Execute Comprehensive Testing Plan The Louisiana Department of Health has contracted with 11 partners as part of a