As the nation faces the dual crises of COVID-19 and systemic racism we continue to see the strain on our healthcare system. Many agencies now face the challenging prospect of reopening their doors to all patients while still providing essential COVID-19 testing and treatment services. We are grateful for the ways our partners continue to serve and protect our communities amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic.
We have been working hard to adapt our program during this moment. If you would like to learn more about how Upstream can support you during this time, please reach out. We are ready and eager to partner with you.
Our Work is Changing, Our Commitment is Not
We know that health centers are rapidly updating protocols and workflows to adapt to the new normal of healthcare delivery. In this time of change, Upstream is ready and available to support those operational shifts and help ensure patients receive best-in-class contraceptive care. Upstream has developed flexible and virtual components of our program to better support the new healthcare landscape.
What Has Changed:
- Remote needs assessment to ensure the program fits each health center’s needs and timing
- Virtual training options that can better adapt to your team’s schedule
- Virtual coaching for staff as they work to enhance patient-centered counseling skills
- Technical assistance dedicated to delivering great contraceptive care via telehealth
- Even more content dedicated to bias and coercion
Other essential parts of the Upstream program remain the same. Most importantly, you still work with a talented Upstream program team dedicated to your agency’s success. Your Upstream team will be there with you every step of the way — from integrating pregnancy intention screening questions and adapting workflows to support same-day access, to advising on billing, coding, stocking, and more.
Virtual Training
Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Upstream has been working hard to convert our in-person training model to a “virtual” model, consisting of live Zoom sessions and self-directed eLearning work, that can be effectively delivered at a distance.
We have already conducted six virtual training sessions in Washington for support staff and physicians at Family Health Centers and Community Health Association of Spokane. Anyone who’s attended an Upstream training knows it’s not CME training as usual. We weren’t sure how this would translate to an online format, but thanks to the energy and engagement of our FHC and CHAS partners, and our hardworking Training team, we’re happy to now offer this engaging online training across the state.
Once training is complete, our partner health centers begin technical assistance and coaching work with their dedicated Upstream Quality Improvement team.
We remain eager to be a supportive partner in this time of need, and will continue to share resources to help our partners navigate changes to their work and to patient care. If you are interested in partnering with Upstream, please reach out to us at wa@upstream.org.
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