• Newsletter Archive

    Archive

The RISP-Net newsletter is a bi-weekly newsletter that promotes things that are happening in the Arizona refugee community. The newsletter includes community resources, volunteer and job opportunities, and a refugee spotlight which highlights the successes of refugees in the community.If you want to nominate a refugee or refugee owned business for the spotlight, click here. If you want to subscribe to the newsletter, click here.

The Arizona State Refugee Health Coordinator sends out bi-weekly Refugee Health in Arizona updates that focus on sharing information and resources related to health. These updates are aimed to give service providers information to better support their clients. The updates include refugee arrival updates, resources and benefits for clients, educational resources, and training, job and volunteer opportunities.

RISP-Net Newsletter

  • April 12, 2021 – Here
  • March 29, 2021 – Here
  • March 15, 2021 – Here
  • March 2, 2021 – Here
  • February 16, 2021 – Here
  • February 1, 2021 – Here
  • January 19, 2021 – Here
  • January 4, 2021 – Here
  • December 21, 2020 – Here
  • December 7, 2020 – Here
  • November 23, 2020 – Here
  • November 9, 2020 – Here
  • October 26, 2020 – Here
  • October 13, 2020 – Here
  • September 28, 2020 – Here
  • September 11, 2020 – Here
  • August 17, 2020 – Here
  • August 3, 2020 – Here
  • July 20, 2020 – Here
  • July 5, 2020 – Here
  • June 22, 2020 – Here
  • June 8, 2020 – Here
  • May 26, 2020 – Here

Pages Archive

  • Learn about the US Census 2020 here
  • Watch Arizona’s virtual 2020 World Refugee Day here

Quarterly Meetings

  • Tucson Quarterly Meeting 10/09/2019 – Click here to view the PowerPoint
  • Phoenix Quarterly Meeting 10/01/2019 – Click here to view the PowerPoint
  • Joint Quarterly Meeting 07/08/2019 – Click here to view the PowerPoint
  • Tucson Quarterly Meeting 04/05/2019 – Click here to view the PowerPoint
  • Phoenix Quarterly Meeting 04/02/2019 – Click here to view the PowerPoint
  • Joint Quarterly Meeting 01/07/2019 – Click here to view the PowerPoint

Refugee Health Updates

Quick Links

Notes from COVID-19 Refugee Health Calls

Assistance Opportunities

LGBTQ+ Emergency Covid-19 Relief Fund one▪n▪ten secured additional resources to provide emergency financial assistance to LGBTQ+ youth impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. These resources are designated for young adults 18-24 years old, legally emancipated minors or a guardian of an underage one▪n▪ten youth who will use the funds to support their child. Priority will be given to youth/families who are already signed up for services or programs at one ▪n▪ten. Assistance for urgent needs related to the following categories will be provided on a first come basis until all available resources are exhausted:

  • Housing instability or insecurity, including emergency rent payments, deposits or other assistance
  • Unemployment, underemployment or essential service related transportation hardships
  • Medical Care
  • Food Insecurity
  • Apply here

Job Opportunities

Maricopa County | Clinical Health Navigator at Maricopa County Department of Public Health. Five (5) positions available. View the job description here. Job Overview: Provide accurate culturally grounded and linguistically appropriate contact tracing and education to the refugee and immigrant community to mitigate the spread of COVID19. To apply, email Dr. Cortney Eakin at Cortney_Eakin@dmgaz.org and /or Dr. Elyssa Metas Elyssa_Metas@dmgaz.org

Training Opportunities

  • August 25: Webinar Series: Center of Excellence in Refugee Health, Minnesota –  Addressing refugee and immigrant health in the face of persistent inequality and COVID-19: Perspectives of clinical experts https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/rih/about/coewebinaraug25.pdf  LEARNING OBJECTIVES ▪ Identify two to three challenges faced by historically resilient communities to accessing health care ▪ Describe at least three innovative approaches to partner with and support communities for health ▪ Identify two considerations in crafting meaningful outreach initiatives
  • August 26: Health Literacy 2020: Applying health literacy to improve health outcomeshttp://www.ihaconfphx.org/ “Please join us for Arizona’s first health literacy conference. You will walk away from this conference with the tools to help you in your daily work and to improve your organization’s patient interactions, programs, communication, and strategies. You will learn from and take part in discussions with national and community leaders and innovators in health literacy. This conference is brought to Arizona by the Institute for Healthcare Advancement, a not-for profit dedicated to improving health, in collaboration with the Arizona Department of Health Services, providers and agencies in the community.” Health Literacy Conference is now open and available at no charge because we have some scholarships available. Please use this code when registering:
    • Scholarships2020
  • September 17-19: North American Refugee Health Conference– virtual conference http://refugeesociety.org/north-american-refugee-health-conference “The North American Refugee Health Conference is recognized as the preeminent conference destination for healthcare and resettlement professionals working with refugee populations.  This three day conference focuses on issues that are relevant to the emerging field of refugee healthcare.  ~700 attendees have the opportunity to learn about best practices, increase their levels of cultural competency, connect with like-minded professionals, reflect on the challenges and successes of the work they do, and develop a network of colleagues who are making a difference in their communities.  The conference takes place in June each year and alternates between the United States and Canada.”
  • October 24th and 25th: Forensic Evaluation of Asylum Seekers  –  Free training  http://refugeesociety.org/forensic-evaluation-of-asylum-seekers “Healthcare professionals can make a powerful and unique contribution to individuals seeking asylum by providing forensic medical evaluations (FME). They possess the skills necessary for writing impactful medical-legal affidavits based on objective assessments of physical, functional and psychological scars related to persecution and torture. This course will provide an introduction for clinicians with no experience performing FME that will prepare attendees to begin conducting such evaluations. We will review the history and legal basis of asylum, the physical and psychological assessment of asylum seekers and how to write affidavits. More advanced topics will include evaluation of individuals subjected to gender-based violence and LGBTQI individuals, working with trainees, becoming an advocate and an update on asylum at the southern border.”

Educational Resources

Multilingual COVID-19 resources are available here:

***NEW Today’s Resource Highlight:

Attached to this email are educational fliers for families with children with disabilities created by the Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council and RRP for refugee parents. These fliers are going to be translated in the next month and multilingual videos will be created from them further in the future. We wanted to share the English versions in the meantime!

  • Disability in the United States – English,
  • What to do if I think my Child has a Disability? – English
  • What is Special Education? –  English
  • Who can I Contact for Help with my Child’s Special Education? – English
  • Creating my Child’s Individualized Education Program – English
  • What is my Child is not eligible for Special Education? – English

Provider Resources

Switchboard: Archived Webinar: Reopening After COVID-19 Closures: A Conversation Among Refugee Service Providers  

Switchboard: Ask an Expert: Self-Care Q&A

Refugee and SIV Arrivals in AZ

  • This past week: 30
  • Year to date: 388

COVID-19 AZ Snapshot – (All of AZ- not refugee-specific data)

  • 198,414 unique cases
  • 4,771 deaths
  • The number of new cases reported is trending downward, but community spread is still substantial.
  • We are still seeing more cases per day than we had prior to the “Stay Home” order.
  • Main messages: Wear a mask when you are indoors and away from home, and outdoors if you will be within 6 feet of others. Stay away from crowded spaces if you can. Stay home when you are sick and follow ADHS guidelines for releasing from isolation and caring for sick family members. Cooperate with contact tracing efforts. Practice self care and stay connected to your community!

Quick Links

Testing

  • Mobile COVID-19 Testing Van is providing free testing in underserved areas in Phoenix through the end of August. Results ready in 15 minutes. Pre-registration is required. Links: news articleand testing locations.
  • Other COVID-19 Testing Locations
  • Free Saliva testing:
  • Tests will be available at the following locations and times:
  • Diablo Stadium in Tempe, Wednesday and Friday, from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m.
    State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Tuesday, from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m.
    Ellie Towne Community Center in Tucson, Wednesday and Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to noon.
  • Click here for more dates and to pre-register.

Notes from COVID-19 Refugee Health Calls

Assistance Opportunities

LGBTQ+ Emergency Covid-19 Relief Fund one▪n▪ten secured additional resources to provide emergency financial assistance to LGBTQ+ youth impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. These resources are designated for young adults 18-24 years old, legally emancipated minors or a guardian of an underage one▪n▪ten youth who will use the funds to support their child. Priority will be given to youth/families who are already signed up for services or programs at one ▪n▪ten. Assistance for urgent needs related to the following categories will be provided on a first come basis until all available resources are exhausted:

  • Housing instability or insecurity, including emergency rent payments, deposits or other assistance
  • Unemployment, underemployment or essential service related transportation hardships
  • Medical Care
  • Food Insecurity
  • Apply here

Job Opportunities

Maricopa County | Clinical Health Navigator at Maricopa County Department of Public Health. Five (5) positions available. View the job description here. Job Overview: Provide accurate culturally grounded and linguistically appropriate contact tracing and education to the refugee and immigrant community to mitigate the spread of COVID19. To apply, email Dr. Cortney Eakin at Cortney_Eakin@dmgaz.org and /or Dr. Elyssa Metas Elyssa_Metas@dmgaz.org

Training Opportunities

  • August 25: Webinar Series: Center of Excellence in Refugee Health, Minnesota –  Addressing refugee and immigrant health in the face of persistent inequality and COVID-19: Perspectives of clinical experts https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/rih/about/coewebinaraug25.pdf  LEARNING OBJECTIVES ▪ Identify two to three challenges faced by historically resilient communities to accessing health care ▪ Describe at least three innovative approaches to partner with and support communities for health ▪ Identify two considerations in crafting meaningful outreach initiatives
  • August 26: Health Literacy 2020: Applying health literacy to improve health outcomeshttp://www.ihaconfphx.org/ “Please join us for Arizona’s first health literacy conference. You will walk away from this conference with the tools to help you in your daily work and to improve your organization’s patient interactions, programs, communication, and strategies. You will learn from and take part in discussions with national and community leaders and innovators in health literacy. This conference is brought to Arizona by the Institute for Healthcare Advancement, a not-for profit dedicated to improving health, in collaboration with the Arizona Department of Health Services, providers and agencies in the community.” Health Literacy Conference is now open and available at no charge because we have some scholarships available. Please use this code when registering: Scholarships2020
  • September 10: Switchboard: Cultural Competence in Refugee Service Settings: What Does the Research Tell Us?Thursday, September 10, 2020, 11:00pm -12:15pm Link to register. What will this webinar cover? Refugees have unique, complex needs and strengths related to their cultural backgrounds and experiences of forced displacement and resettlement. Most of us are familiar with the term “cultural competence” and the importance of culturally appropriate services when working to support refugee clients. But providing culturally appropriate services is often complicated by unclear definitions and a lack of practical guidance.This webinar will share the findings of an original literature review on the topic of cultural competence in refugee service settings, highlighting key concepts and approaches described by refugee service providers and organizations. A Q&A session will provide an opportunity to hear the perspectives of practitioners working with refugee and immigrant communities.
    • Is this webinar for me? This webinar is aimed at front-line and management staff of organizations serving refugees and immigrants who are looking to better understand the evidence base related to cultural competence and culturally appropriate services for refugee communities. It will also be relevant for health care providers (including clinicians and mental health professionals) serving refugee patients, and for academics and students with research interests in cultural competence.
    • Why should I attend? By the end of this 75-minute session, you will be able to:
      • Describe the importance of cultural competence in refugee service settings;
      • Summarize what the research says about cultural competence, including: how it is defined, criticisms of cultural competence, and the importance of an enabling organizational and structural environment; and
      • Identify key individual- and organization-level approaches to culturally competent service provision.
    • September 17-19: North American Refugee Health Conference– virtual conference http://refugeesociety.org/north-american-refugee-health-conference “The North American Refugee Health Conference is recognized as the preeminent conference destination for healthcare and resettlement professionals working with refugee populations.  This three day conference focuses on issues that are relevant to the emerging field of refugee healthcare.  ~700 attendees have the opportunity to learn about best practices, increase their levels of cultural competency, connect with like-minded professionals, reflect on the challenges and successes of the work they do, and develop a network of colleagues who are making a difference in their communities.  The conference takes place in June each year and alternates between the United States and Canada.”
    • October 24th and 25th: Forensic Evaluation of Asylum Seekers  –  Free training  http://refugeesociety.org/forensic-evaluation-of-asylum-seekers “Healthcare professionals can make a powerful and unique contribution to individuals seeking asylum by providing forensic medical evaluations (FME). They possess the skills necessary for writing impactful medical-legal affidavits based on objective assessments of physical, functional and psychological scars related to persecution and torture. This course will provide an introduction for clinicians with no experience performing FME that will prepare attendees to begin conducting such evaluations. We will review the history and legal basis of asylum, the physical and psychological assessment of asylum seekers and how to write affidavits. More advanced topics will include evaluation of individuals subjected to gender-based violence and LGBTQI individuals, working with trainees, becoming an advocate and an update on asylum at the southern border.”

Educational Resources

Multilingual COVID-19 resources are available here:

***NEW Today’s Resource Highlight:

Masks!

Languages are hyperlinked.

CDC: Please Wear A Cloth Face Covering

Available in Amharic, Arabic, Burmese, Dari, Farsi, French, Haitian Creole, Karen, Kinyarwanda, Nepali, Pashto, Portuguese, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Swahili, Tigrinya, and Ukrainian.

Arizona Refugee Resettlement Program: Face Mask Instruction

Available in Arabic, English, Farsi, French, Kinyarwanda, Somali, Spanish, and Swahili.

Switchboard: Mask Guidelines

Available in Arabic, English, French, Kinyarwanda, Kirundi, Nepali, and Spanish.

International Rescue Committee Mask Guidelines “Wearing Cloth Masks” in English, Arabic, French, Kinyarwanda, Spanish, and Nepali.

COVID-19 AZ Snapshot – (All of AZ- not refugee-specific data)

  • 202,342 unique cases (up 3,928 from previous week)
  • 5,044 deaths (up 333 from previous week)
  • The number of new cases reported is trending downward, but community spread is still substantial.
  • Main messages: Wear a mask when you are indoors and away from home, and outdoors if you will be within 6 feet of others. Stay away from crowded spaces if you can. Stay home when you are sick and follow ADHS guidelines for releasing from isolation and caring for sick family members. Cooperate with contact tracing efforts. Practice self care and stay connected to your community!

Quick Links

AHCCCS (Arizona Medicaid)
At this time AHCCCS is not terminating anyone’s coverage due to the pandemic. Per the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, AHCCCS will not disenroll members during the emergency (with the exception of death, those who move out of state, or those who voluntarily withdraw).  See number 13 under “General COVID-19 Questions” on the page linked below:

https://azahcccs.gov/AHCCCS/AboutUs/covid19FAQ.html#:~:text=Answer%3A%20Per%20the%20COVID%2D19,end%20of%20the%20emergency%20declaration

If you have a client or a community member who has had their coverage terminated, please reach out to RRP.

Testing

PHX Community Partner COVID-19 Testing COVID-19 Mobile Testing Van is providing free testing in underserved areas in Phoenix. Dates available through September 13. Results ready in 15 minutes. Pre-registration is required. Links: testing locations

Other COVID-19 Testing Locations

Notes from COVID-19 Refugee Health Calls

Assistance Opportunities

Tucson Refugee Ministry: Welcome Baby Project
Preparing to have a new baby can be overwhelming even if you have lived in the US your entire life and are surrounded by supportive family.   There are many refugee expecting mothers in Tucson, however, who don’t have their sisters, mothers, aunts or grandmas here to help support them in their pregnancy. They sometimes need a friend to help understand the “system” including where to go for help, how to get to doctor’s appointments, and how to get needed supplies.  Tucson Refugee Ministry’s Welcome Baby Partnership has trained volunteers to support refugee moms during pregnancy including help accessing services and delivery of care packages.  You can refer any interested expecting refugee for this free service by completing the short referral form at https://www.tucsonrefugeeministry.com/refugee-referral-form/ with their permission.
More information  at https://www.tucsonrefugeeministry.com/how-to-get-involved/welcome-partnerships/

Volunteer Opportunities

Area Agency on Aging Mosaic Elder Refugee Center  in Maricopa County is looking for volunteers. Their group classes are closed due to COVID-19 so they are looking for people to help by making phone calls to allow Elders to practice their English and review the history and citizenship questions (This needs to be done in English). The other opportunity is performing wellness calls. These volunteers will need to speak another language and will be matched up with refugees speaking the language they are fluent in. Any issues will be referred to case managers or the nurse for follow up. Please reach out to Derek for more information on how to volunteer in this capacity: Derek.Oetken@aaaphx.org Thank you for your interest in helping our Elder Refugees in this stressful time!

Training Opportunities

  • September 10: Switchboard: Cultural Competence in Refugee Service Settings: What Does the Research Tell Us?Thursday, September 10, 2020, 11:00pm -12:15pm Link to register. What will this webinar cover? Refugees have unique, complex needs and strengths related to their cultural backgrounds and experiences of forced displacement and resettlement. Most of us are familiar with the term “cultural competence” and the importance of culturally appropriate services when working to support refugee clients. But providing culturally appropriate services is often complicated by unclear definitions and a lack of practical guidance. This webinar will share the findings of an original literature review on the topic of cultural competence in refugee service settings, highlighting key concepts and approaches described by refugee service providers and organizations. A Q&A session will provide an opportunity to hear the perspectives of practitioners working with refugee and immigrant communities.
  • September 17-19: North American Refugee Health Conference– virtual conference http://refugeesociety.org/north-american-refugee-health-conference “The North American Refugee Health Conference is recognized as the preeminent conference destination for healthcare and resettlement professionals working with refugee populations.  This three day conference focuses on issues that are relevant to the emerging field of refugee healthcare.  ~700 attendees have the opportunity to learn about best practices, increase their levels of cultural competency, connect with like-minded professionals, reflect on the challenges and successes of the work they do, and develop a network of colleagues who are making a difference in their communities.  The conference takes place in June each year and alternates between the United States and Canada.”
  • October 24th and 25th: Forensic Evaluation of Asylum Seekers  –  Free training  http://refugeesociety.org/forensic-evaluation-of-asylum-seekers “Healthcare professionals can make a powerful and unique contribution to individuals seeking asylum by providing forensic medical evaluations (FME). They possess the skills necessary for writing impactful medical-legal affidavits based on objective assessments of physical, functional and psychological scars related to persecution and torture. This course will provide an introduction for clinicians with no experience performing FME that will prepare attendees to begin conducting such evaluations. We will review the history and legal basis of asylum, the physical and psychological assessment of asylum seekers and how to write affidavits. More advanced topics will include evaluation of individuals subjected to gender-based violence and LGBTQI individuals, working with trainees, becoming an advocate and an update on asylum at the southern border.”

Educational Resources

Multilingual COVID-19 resources are available here:

Refugee and SIV Arrivals in AZ 
Arrivals week ending September 7: 6
Arrivals week ending September 14: 10
Year to date: 425
Quick Links
AHCCCS (Arizona Medicaid)
At this time AHCCCS is not terminating anyone’s coverage due to the pandemic. Per the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, AHCCCS will not disenroll members during the emergency (with the exception of death, those who move out of state, or those who voluntarily withdraw).  See number 13 under “General COVID-19 Questions” on the page linked below:

https://azahcccs.gov/AHCCCS/AboutUs/covid19FAQ.html#:~:text=Answer%3A%20Per%20the%20COVID%2D19,end%20of%20the%20emergency%20declaration

If you have a client or a community member who has had their coverage terminated, please reach out to RRP. 
*** NEW Member Eligibility Verifications To Resume
Since the start of the Public Health Emergency (PHE) in March 2020, AHCCCS suspended all Medicaid disenrollments (unless a member moved out of state, voluntarily disenrolled, died, or aged out of KidsCare), per federal requirements. The PHE is scheduled to expire on Oct. 22, 2020 unless the United States Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services opts to extend it.
In anticipation of the expiration, AHCCCS will begin to request eligibility information from members whose eligibility requires additional information. However, no member will be disenrolled, regardless of eligibility, until after the PHE ends.
AHCCCS will begin sending requests for information in the September member notifications. Members who receive a request for additional information are urged to respond in a timely manner so eligibility can be re-determined and renewed once the PHE ends.
Volunteer Opportunities
Area Agency on Aging Mosaic Elder Refugee Center  in Maricopa County is looking for volunteers. Their group classes are closed due to COVID-19 so they are looking for people to help by making phone calls to allow Elders to practice their English and review the history and citizenship questions (This needs to be done in English). The other opportunity is performing wellness calls. These volunteers will need to speak another language and will be matched up with refugees speaking the language they are fluent in. Any issues will be referred to case managers or the nurse for follow up. Please reach out to Derek for more information on how to volunteer in this capacity: Derek.Oetken@aaaphx.org Thank you for your interest in helping our Elder Refugees in this stressful time!
Job Opportunities
The International Rescue Committee office in Tucson is hiring a Case Manager who will report to the Health Program Manager and work on health related activities. Apply here.
Training Opportunities
September 16, 2020 | 2 – 3:30 p.m. AZ Time – Arizona Public Health Association: COVID-19 Conversations Webinar Series: Until We Have a Vaccine: Surveillance, Testing, and Contact Tracing
Register here. The fourteenth COVID-19 Conversations webinar will discuss the many aspects of COVID-19 containment, including best practices for disease surveillance and outbreak identification, testing strategy and opportunities, and progress on contact tracing. The webinar will begin with an introduction from the session’s moderator, Karen DeSalvo, Chief Health Officer, Google, and then feature a conversation with a panel of experts, including: Michael Osterholm – Director, Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, University of Minnesota and LaQuandra Nesbitt – Director, District of Columbia Department of Health

The panel discussion will be followed by a Q&A session with the webinar audience. This webinar has been approved for 1.5 continuing education credits for CPH, CME, CNE or CHES. Several days after attending the webinar, participants will receive an email with info on how to complete the online evaluation and claim their credits.

October 24th and 25th: Forensic Evaluation of Asylum Seekers  –  Free training  http://refugeesociety.org/forensic-evaluation-of-asylum–seekers  “Healthcare professionals can make a powerful and unique contribution to individuals seeking asylum by providing forensic medical evaluations (FME). They possess the skills necessary for writing impactful medical-legal affidavits based on objective assessments of physical, functional and psychological scars related to persecution and torture. This course will provide an introduction for clinicians with no experience performing FME that will prepare attendees to begin conducting such evaluations. We will review the history and legal basis of asylum, the physical and psychological assessment of asylum seekers and how to write affidavits. More advanced topics will include evaluation of individuals subjected to gender-based violence and LGBTQI individuals, working with trainees, becoming an advocate and an update on asylum at the southern border.”
Educational Resources
Multilingual COVID-19 resources are available here:

Resource Highlight: Spotlight on Education

Click your grade level: Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, 6th Grade, 7th Grade, and 8th Grade.

Refugee Arrivals

Quick Links

COVID-19 Testing

Tucson

FREE testing sponsored by the IRC and Pima County Health Department:

Location Facility Type Date Time Address
YMCA Community Center 10/10/2020 8:00am- 2:00pm 525 N Bonita Ave, Tucson, AZ 85745
Rising Star Church Religious Center 10/17/2020 8:00am – 2:00pm 2800 E 36th St, Tucson, AZ 85713 Includes Flu Shot
Friendship Missionary Baptist Church Religious Center 10/24/2020 8:00am – 12:00pm 850 N. 11th Ave, 85705 Includes Flu Shot
St. John the Evangelist Catholic – Casa San Juan Religious Center 10/27/2020 7:30 am – 12:00pm 602 W Ajo Way, Tucson AZ 85713 Includes Flu Shot

Resources / Benefits for Clients

**NEW Maricopa County Public Health (MCDPH) announced the launch of its revamped website www.FindHelpPHX.org to help county residents affected by the COVID-19 pandemic easily access the free and almost-free health and social services they need. Free and Almost-Free Health & Social Services for Residents Affected by COVID-19 via FindHelp PHX.org

  • Housing and Utility Services
  • Food and Clothing Services
  • Employment Services
  • Parenting and Childcare Services
  • Kids and Youth Services
  • Domestic Violence Victim Services
  • Mental Health/Addiction Services
  • and many more

**NEW Raising Special Kids Raising Special Kids exists to improve the lives of children with the full range of disabilities, from birth to age 26, by providing support, training, information and individual assistance so families can become effective advocates for their children. RSK received a grant from the CARES act specifically to serve refugees. RSK offers “programs and services designed to help families understand their health care plan services, find community programs & resources, connect with other families and participate in developing an appropriate education for their children. All offered at no charge and without qualifying eligibility requirements.” The referral form is attached. TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS PROGRAM, join the weekly refugee provider call on Thursday, October 15th, 12pm. meet.google.com/mhm-byoy-epv (US) +1 541-709-5216‬ PIN: ‪149 678 455‬#

**NEW  MCDPH has hired a team of COVID-19 multilingual contact tracers. David Habib (Languages: French and Arabic), Nelly Kanyange (Languages: French, Kirundi, Kiswahili, and Kinyarwanda), Aime Bideri (Languages: French, Swahili, Kirundi, Kinyarwanda and Kinyamulenge), Janet Zan (Languages: Native Karen (S’Gaw), Burmese, and Thai) TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS PROGRAM, join the weekly refugee provider call on Thursday, October 15th, 12pm. meet.google.com/mhm-byoy-epv (US) +1 541-709-5216‬ PIN: ‪149 678 455‬#

**NEW For providers and clients in Tucson: Please see attached a tri-fold brochure for the Southern Arizona Family Support Alliance. Please take the time to read it and become informed about this amazing resource for young families. Supported by First-Things-First, and in collaboration with a network of agencies who stand ready to support parents and children.

Valley of the Sun United Way (VSUW) is collaborating with Maricopa County, to run the Maricopa County Funeral Assistance Program.  The purpose of this program is to support community members experiencing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 Pandemic and have suffered the loss of a loved one so that they may proceed with final disposition of decedents in Maricopa County.

COVID-19 has caused considerable economic distress for Maricopa County residents.  Many members of the community have lost their jobs, been furloughed, and/or experienced reduction in hours or hourly rate as a result of the pandemic. This financial instability has resulted in the overwhelming and unprecedented demand for social safety net programs.  Burial or cremation of a loved one is a significant investment, and usually unplanned. In the unfortunate event a loved one passes away, the family may not have the financial capability to pay for final disposition. The Maricopa County Funeral Assistance Program does not require that a decedents cause of death be associated with COVID-19. The program will pay up to $1,200.00 per a decedent to offset the financial burden of final disposition of a family member at a licensed facility WITHIN MARICOPA COUNTY.  If the itemized price total from the licensed Funeral Home is under $1,200.00, that amount will be paid.  If the invoice total is above $1,200.00, only $1,200.00 will be paid to the licensed Funeral Home.  The difference will need to be paid by the family PRIOR to Maricopa County payment.  To effectively carry out this program and determine eligibility, we are asking members visit our portal at  https://funeralassistanceprogram.org read and register to complete the application. Please contact Betty Hurtado, Burial Support Program Manager, for any questions on this program/application or VSUW at 602-240-6384 and funeralassistance@vsuw.org.

AHCCCS (Arizona Medicaid)

Member Eligibility Verifications To Resume

Since the start of the Public Health Emergency (PHE) in March 2020, AHCCCS suspended all Medicaid disenrollments (unless a member moved out of state, voluntarily disenrolled, died, or aged out of KidsCare), per federal requirements. The PHE is scheduled to expire on Oct. 22, 2020 unless the United States Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services opts to extend it.

In anticipation of the expiration, AHCCCS will begin to request eligibility information from members whose eligibility requires additional information. However, no member will be disenrolled, regardless of eligibility, until after the PHE ends. AHCCCS will begin sending requests for information in the September member notifications. Members who receive a request for additional information are urged to respond in a timely manner so eligibility can be re-determined and renewed once the PHE ends.

Volunteer Opportunities

Area Agency on Aging Mosaic Elder Refugee Center  in Maricopa County is looking for volunteers. Their group classes are closed due to COVID-19 so they are looking for people to help by making phone calls to allow Elders to practice their English and review the history and citizenship questions (This needs to be done in English). The other opportunity is performing wellness calls. These volunteers will need to speak another language and will be matched up with refugees speaking the language they are fluent in. Any issues will be referred to case managers or the nurse for follow up. Please reach out to Derek for more information on how to volunteer in this capacity: Derek.Oetken@aaaphx.org Thank you for your interest in helping our Elder Refugees in this stressful time!

Job Opportunities

**NEW Banner Medical Center in Tucson is hiring a Refugee Health Screening Program Coordinator. Interested applicants should reach out to Monique Murillo, 520-289-6480. Job description is attached.

IRC Tucson is hiring a Case Manager who will report to the Health Program Manager and work on health related activities. Apply here.

IRC Tucson is also recruiting a Health Services Caseworker – Tucson. The Health Services Caseworker will be responsible for coordinating medical and behavioral health services to clients across different program. They will be working closely with the IRC caseworkers and Banner University Medical Center to coordinate all medical screenings for new arrivals. Under the direction of the Health Program Manager, the Health Services Caseworker is responsible for developing partnerships with community organizations and ensuring access to quality, culturally and linguistically appropriate physical and mental health services for IRC clients. Please direct interested candidates to apply for this full time regular status position online www.rescue.org/careers or Health Services Caseworker – Tucson.

Training Opportunities

SAVE THE DATE: RRP is hosting a Housing and Tenant Rights training on October 29th from 2:30-4:00pm. More info to come!

The Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Development Services offers FREE virtual Behavioral Health Interpreting Training. There are several different curriculums and the training schedule for 2021 is attached to this email. If your organization or facility has staff who interpret, I highly recommend looking into this opportunity.  *There is also a track for bilingual individuals with no interpreting experience.

Educational Resources

Multilingual COVID-19 resources are available here:


Resource Highlight

From the National Library of Medicine:

MedlinePlus will become the National Library of Medicine (NLM) home for health information in multiple languages as of October 1, 2020.

Since 2007, when it began as the Refugee Health Information Network, HealthReach (https://healthreach.nlm.nih.gov/) has provided access to free, high-quality multilingual consumer health information resources for those providing services to individuals with limited English proficiency. Most of the materials on HealthReach are also part of MedlinePlus, the NLM’s flagship website for health information for patients, families, and the general public.

As of October 1, 2020, NLM will no longer offer HealthReach as a stand-alone website; however, MedlinePlus will continue to provide access to health information in multiple languages. This change is part of NLM’s initiative to align and consolidate the Library’s consumer health information to make it easier for online health information seekers to find and navigate trusted health information from NLM.

We invite HealthReach users to explore health information in multiple languages in the following places on MedlinePlus:

MedlinePlus Health Information in Multiple Languages https://medlineplus.gov/languages/languages.html

MedlinePlus Multiple Languages by Health Topic https://medlineplus.gov/languages/all_healthtopics.html

Quick Links

Biweekly Refugee Provider Healthcare Calls

Maricopa County Call is every other Thursday at 12pm. Link to join: meet.google.com/jjg-stiy-sdx  Call in number: ‪(US) +1 860-540-6107‬ PIN: ‪105 874 898‬#  Next call: November 19th.

Pima County Call is every other Wednesday at 12pm. Link to join: meet.google.com/cjz-zgth-tvv Call in number: ‪(US) +1 470-242-8289‬ PIN: ‪691 214 821‬#  October 28th notes I November 18th notes  Next call: December 2.

Resources  / Grants

Housing Resource: Arizona Housing Coalition: “Our CDC Eviction Moratorium Summary explains the steps a renter needs to take to use the CDC moratorium and our List of Known Rental Assistance Resources and Eviction Prevention Programs can be used to identify available rental assistance funds statewide. This list is being updated every two weeks in partnership with the Crisis Response Network.”

Domestic Violence Survivors: Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation  [SAAF] is awarding grants up to $700 to survivors of domestic violence age 14 or older who are experiencing medical or financial hardships due to COVID-19.  For more information and eligibility screening, call Eddie at (520) 547-6190 or Ali at (520) 274-7723.  Leave a message with your name and phone number and someone from SAAF will call you back.

Childcare Scholarships: Families living in the City of Tucson or the City of South Tucson affected by COVID-19 can apply to Catholic Community Services for funds to cover child care costs through 12/31/20.  Childcare providers must be a DHS licensed child center or group home or a DES certified family child care provider. Children must be 12 years or younger. Eligibility information and applications available at https://www.ccs-soaz.org/childcare-scholarships

Emergency Rent and Utility Funds: Pio Decimo Center is providing emergency rent/utility funds for COVID-19 related hardship (e.g., decreased work hours, job loss, illness, etc.). Must meet income guidelines.  Call (520) 416-4760 for more information and application appointment

Refugee Family Assistance Program – For clients in Phoenix only. Please see attached flier or reach out to: Aubrey Held, Refugee Youth Mentoring Manager Chicanos Por La Causa, Inc. | Workforce Solutions C: 602.206.4587

Testing

Statewide COVID-19 community resources, testing sites and updates: https://arizonatogether.org/#individual-resources

Additional resources posted at: https://www.fcm.arizona.edu/covid-19-resources

Pima County Health Department and IRC will be providing multiple opportunities to access free COVID testing in the upcoming weeks all throughout Tucson. You can check upcoming testing sites here.

Tests are FREE, walk-in (not drive thru), no appointment is necessary, interpretation is available, each participant will receive a free hygiene kit (facemask, hand sanitizer, thermometer and health education materials) and flu shots may also be offered at each location.

The next testing site locations and dates are:

Location Date Time Address
Theresa Lee Public Health Clinic 11/18/2020 3:00 pm – 7:00pm 1493 W Commerce Ct, Tucson, AZ 85745
AZ Bilingual Thanksgiving Event / Tucson Rodeo Grounds 11/21/2020 9:00am- 12:00pm 4823 S 6th Ave, Tucson, AZ 85714
Freedom Park 12/5/2020 8:00 am – 12:00pm 5000 E 29th St, Tucson, AZ 85711
Emmanuel Grace Baptist Church 12/12/2020 8:00 am – 12:00pm 1825 N Alvernon Way, Tucson, AZ 85712
House of Neighborly Services 1/9/2021 8:00 am – 12:00pm 243 W 33rd St, Tucson, AZ 85713

Volunteer Opportunities

Area Agency on Aging Mosaic Elder Refugee Center  in Maricopa County is looking for volunteers. Their group classes are closed due to COVID-19 so they are looking for people to help by making phone calls to allow Elders to practice their English and review the history and citizenship questions (This needs to be done in English). The other opportunity is performing wellness calls. These volunteers will need to speak another language and will be matched up with refugees speaking the language they are fluent in. Any issues will be referred to case managers or the nurse for follow up. Please reach out to Derek for more information on how to volunteer in this capacity: Derek.Oetken@aaaphx.org Thank you for your interest in helping our Elder Refugees in this stressful time!

Multilingual Resources

IRC is piloting digital literacy videos. They cover Computer Basics (2 part), distance learning K-12 and general distance learning, School websites, Internet safety, Google translate, Google maps, and Finding Information (2 part) in 5 languages.

The CDC COVID-19 Public Service Announcements (PSAs) webpage, with the following PSAs available:

  • Key Times to Wear a Mask
  • How to Wear a Mask
  • Key Times to Practice Social Distancing
  • I Think/Know I had COVID-19

Please see updates below for new PSAs in target languages:

  • Arabic
  • Burmese
  • Chinese
  • Kinyarwanda
  • Korean
  • Russian
  • Vietnamese
  • *new* Spanish
  • *new* Tagalog
  • *new* Ukrainian

Note that in addition to the PSAs, there’s a corresponding translated transcript.

Quick Links

Resources / Benefits for Clients

***NEW Valley of the Sun United Way (VSUW) is collaborating with Maricopa County, to run the Maricopa County Funeral Assistance Program.  The purpose of this program is to support community members experiencing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 Pandemic and have suffered the loss of a loved one so that they may proceed with final disposition of decedents in Maricopa County.

COVID-19 has caused considerable economic distress for Maricopa County residents.  Many members of the community have lost their jobs, been furloughed, and/or experienced reduction in hours or hourly rate as a result of the pandemic. This financial instability has resulted in the overwhelming and unprecedented demand for social safety net programs.  Burial or cremation of a loved one is a significant investment, and usually unplanned. In the unfortunate event a loved one passes away, the family may not have the financial capability to pay for final disposition. The Maricopa County Funeral Assistance Program does not require that a decedents cause of death be associated with COVID-19. The program will pay up to $1,200.00 per a decedent to offset the financial burden of final disposition of a family member at a licensed facility WITHIN MARICOPA COUNTY.  If the itemized price total from the licensed Funeral Home is under $1,200.00, that amount will be paid.  If the invoice total is above $1,200.00, only $1,200.00 will be paid to the licensed Funeral Home.  The difference will need to be paid by the family PRIOR to Maricopa County payment.  To effectively carry out this program and determine eligibility, we are asking members visit our portal at  https://funeralassistanceprogram.org read and register to complete the application. Please contact Betty Hurtado, Burial Support Program Manager, for any questions on this program/application or VSUW at 602-240-6384 and funeralassistance@vsuw.org.

***NEW Tucson Unified School District meals program has a new option for weekly meal sign up if clients can’t do daily bus stop pickup. More info at: http://www.tusd1.org/GrabAndGo

***NEW SRP Extends Disconnect Moratorium for Limited Income Customers Through End of 2020.  In July SRP announced it was extending the pause of disconnections until October.  As part of their latest
customer support efforts, SRP will extend its disconnect moratorium for customers on its limited income program the Economy Price Plan (EPP) through the end of 2020. More info on RISP Net.

***NEW Jewish Family and Child Services TUCSON  is currently accepting new clients and has immediate availability.  From JFCS: “All services are being provided via telehealth at this time.

JFCS is currently accepting new clients and we have immediate availability.  All services are being provided via telehealth at this time. Individuals seeking services can call (520) 795-0300 ext. 2402 or email the intake team at intake@jfcstucson.org.  If you would like to refer a client, please follow the same process of calling or emailing the intake team and provide the appropriate contact information for the referred individual so that the team can do outreach. After several months of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have all learned a lot regarding the effects the pandemic is having on mental health.  Necessary public health measures have had, and will continue to have, secondary consequences such as economic stress, increased isolation, decreased access to community supports, and barriers related to accessing care. Researchers believe that the pandemic will have long-lasting effects on mental health and suicide risk.  JFCS is here to provide therapeutic support to anyone who needs it.  We accept Medicaid (all three of the AHCCCS health plans) and Medicare, and we also have a grant-funded free therapy program for individuals who have been victims of a crime at some point in their lives (i.e. domestic violence, child abuse, sex trafficking, homicide survivor, etc.).  We also have a self-pay option. We provide therapy services for individuals, couples, and families and we serve all ages. I look forward to (actually) seeing all of you sometime in the not too far away future.  Please do not hesitate to reach out to me personally with any questions or concerns at (520) 795-0300 ext. 2381.”Melissa Zimmerman, LMSW, CCTP, BHP

AHCCCS (Arizona Medicaid)

Member Eligibility Verifications To Resume

Since the start of the Public Health Emergency (PHE) in March 2020, AHCCCS suspended all Medicaid disenrollments (unless a member moved out of state, voluntarily disenrolled, died, or aged out of KidsCare), per federal requirements. The PHE is scheduled to expire on Oct. 22, 2020 unless the United States Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services opts to extend it.

In anticipation of the expiration, AHCCCS will begin to request eligibility information from members whose eligibility requires additional information. However, no member will be disenrolled, regardless of eligibility, until after the PHE ends. AHCCCS will begin sending requests for information in the September member notifications. Members who receive a request for additional information are urged to respond in a timely manner so eligibility can be re-determined and renewed once the PHE ends.

Volunteer Opportunities

Area Agency on Aging Mosaic Elder Refugee Center  in Maricopa County is looking for volunteers. Their group classes are closed due to COVID-19 so they are looking for people to help by making phone calls to allow Elders to practice their English and review the history and citizenship questions (This needs to be done in English). The other opportunity is performing wellness calls. These volunteers will need to speak another language and will be matched up with refugees speaking the language they are fluent in. Any issues will be referred to case managers or the nurse for follow up. Please reach out to Derek for more information on how to volunteer in this capacity: Derek.Oetken@aaaphx.org Thank you for your interest in helping our Elder Refugees in this stressful time!

Job Opportunities

IRC Tucson is hiring a Case Manager who will report to the Health Program Manager and work on health related activities. Apply here.

***NEW IRC Tucson is also recruiting a Health Services Caseworker – Tucson. The Health Services Caseworker will be responsible for coordinating medical and behavioral health services to clients across different program. They will be working closely with the IRC caseworkers and Banner University Medical Center to coordinate all medical screenings for new arrivals. Under the direction of the Health Program Manager, the Health Services Caseworker is responsible for developing partnerships with community organizations and ensuring access to quality, culturally and linguistically appropriate physical and mental health services for IRC clients. Please direct interested candidates to apply for this full time regular status position online www.rescue.org/careers or Health Services Caseworker – Tucson.

Training Opportunities

***NEW September 29 Migration Policy Institute Webinar: COVID-19’s Disruptions to In-Person Instruction Deal a Particularly Harsh Blow to English Learners, Whose Losses Could Linger for Years; New Brief Explores Solutions for Educators. Join an MPI webchat next week to discuss findings, options for school districts. The brief is available here: www.migrationpolicy.org/research/english-learners-covid-19-pandemic-policy-ideas.  The Center will host a webchat on September 29 with the brief’s authors and other experts to discuss the policies and practices that school systems will need to put in place to support ELs and their families through the public-health and education crisis. To learn more or register, click here. For the Center’s collection of work on English Learners and ESSA, visit: www.migrationpolicy.org/programs/nciip-english-learners-and-every-student-succeeds-act-essa.

***NEW The Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Development Services offers FREE virtual Behavioral Health Interpreting Training. There are several different curriculums and the training schedule for 2021 is attached to this email. If your organization or facility has staff who interpret, I highly recommend looking into this opportunity.  *There is also a track for bilingual individuals with no interpreting experience.

Educational Resources

Multilingual COVID-19 resources are available here:

Resource Highlight: 

U of A College of Pharmacy  Pharmacy Education Resource Videos – What is a Pharmacy, Getting Your Medicine from the Pharmacy,  Medication Refill: How to Get More Medicine, Remembering to Take Your Medicine

Tucson Family Advocacy Program: What to do Before, During, and After your Medical Visit

Health literacy teaching tool and pre/post teaching survey:

Quick Links


Biweekly Refugee Provider Healthcare Calls

Maricopa County Call is every other Thursday at 12pm. Link to join: meet.google.com/jjg-stiy-sdx  Call in number: ‪(US) +1 860-540-6107‬ PIN: ‪105 874 898‬#  Next call: December 17th.

Pima County Call is every other Wednesday at 12pm. Link to join: meet.google.com/cjz-zgth-tvv Call in number: ‪(US) +1 470-242-8289‬ PIN: ‪691 214 821‬#  Next call: December 16th.

Resources  / Services

****STATE WIDE– from Raising Special Kids: Raising Special Kids has created a video to introduce our services to refugee families. The video is available in English and has been translated into Arabic, Kinyarwanda, Rohingya, Somali and Swahili. Please give the website below to families you work with who could use our services. Also let your staff know that these videos are available and the link can be sent to families. All the services that Raising Special Kids provides are free. We assist families with children who have disabilities and are from birth to 26 years of age. We can help the families with school issues as well as get them connected to appropriate community agencies such as DDD, ALTCS, Behavioral Health, Social Security etc. If your agency would like to learn more about our services, I would be happy to do a presentation at a staff meeting. The videos live on a page on our website which can be accessed at: https://raisingspecialkids.org/resources/education/special-education-ramp.
Contact: Kathy Gray-Mangerson, Education System Administrator, Raising Special Kids.

520-441-4416
800-237-3007
Kathygm@raisingspecialkids.org
raisingspecialkids.org

Testing

***FREE COVID-19 testing events this week in Phoenix and in Chandler. Pre-registering online is encouraged, but no one will be turned away that walks up to the event. Each are completely free and photo id/insurance are not required.

Sign up for Chandler testing event: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d45a4aa2aa3f9ce9-121820

12.18.20 COVID Testing Event at the Islamic Center of the East Valley

The Islamic Center of the East Valley, in partnership with Maricopa County and Innovative Connections will be administering COVID-19 PCR tests at ZERO COST to the patient. Individuals wishing to be tested MUST pre-register online. Walk ups will be accommodated to the best of our ability.

Sign up for Phoenix testing event (Drive through!): https://www.southwellness.com/free-testing-events/

Free Testing Events | Southwellness

Southwellness has partnered with Maricopa County to provide no-cost COVID-19 community testing. A strong, happy community is a healthy community.

Transportation to Testing

***If you or your client have MercyCare AHCCCS plan and need transportation to COVID-19 testing (walk up or drive through), call the ComTrans COVID-19 phone line directly at 602-332-2056. Please try to call at least 24 hours before you need transportation. You / your client will need to exit the car as the test is administered.

Volunteer Opportunities

Area Agency on Aging Mosaic Elder Refugee Center  in Maricopa County is looking for volunteers. Their group classes are closed due to COVID-19 so they are looking for people to help by making phone calls to allow Elders to practice their English and review the history and citizenship questions (This needs to be done in English). The other opportunity is performing wellness calls. These volunteers will need to speak another language and will be matched up with refugees speaking the language they are fluent in. Any issues will be referred to case managers or the nurse for follow up. Please reach out to Derek for more information on how to volunteer in this capacity: Derek.Oetken@aaaphx.org Thank you for your interest in helping our Elder Refugees in this stressful time!

Multilingual Resources

IRC is piloting digital literacy videos. They cover Computer Basics (2 part), distance learning K-12 and general distance learning, School websites, Internet safety, Google translate, Google maps, and Finding Information (2 part) in 5 languages.

The CDC COVID-19 Public Service Announcements (PSAs) webpage, with the following PSAs available:

  • Key Times to Wear a Mask
  • How to Wear a Mask
  • Key Times to Practice Social Distancing
  • I Think/Know I had COVID-19

Please see updates below for new PSAs in target languages:

  • Arabic
  • Burmese
  • Chinese
  • Kinyarwanda
  • Korean
  • Russian
  • Vietnamese
  • *new* Spanish
  • *new* Tagalog
  • *new* Ukrainian

Note that in addition to the PSAs, there’s a corresponding translated transcript.

Quick Links

Maricopa County Department of Public Health has a COVID-19 refugee outreach team! The team includes four CHNs, all previously resettled as refugees. Collectively, the CHNs speak Arabic, French, Karen, Thai, Burmese, Swahili, Kinyarwanda, Kinyamulenge, and Kirundi. For presentations or information on case investigations, contact tracing, and community outreach, please contact them at RefugeeOutreach@maricopa.gov


Biweekly Refugee Provider Healthcare Calls

These calls are still occurring! Please make sure they’re on your calendar if you would like to participate.

  • Maricopa County Call is every other Thursday at 12pm. Link to join: meet.google.com/jjg-stiy-sdx  Call in number: ‪(US) +1 860-540-6107‬ PIN: ‪105 874 898‬#  Next call: February 24th
  • Pima County Call is every other Wednesday at 12pm. Link to join: meet.google.com/cjz-zgth-tvv Call in number: ‪(US) +1 470-242-8289‬ PIN: ‪691 214 821‬#  Next call: February 25th.

COVID-19 Vaccinations

Maricopa County information: https://www.maricopa.gov/5641/COVID-19-Vaccine

Pima County information: https://webcms.pima.gov/cms/One.aspx?portalId=169&pageId=669257

ADHS COVID-19 Vaccine information: https://www.azdhs.gov/preparedness/epidemiology-disease-control/infectious-disease-epidemiology/index.php#novel-coronavirus-find-vaccine

  • If you are in the Phase 1A and Phase 1B prioritized groups you can register to receive the vaccine at one of the ADHS sites here: https://podvaccine.azdhs.gov/


Multilingual COVID-19 Vaccine Materials

Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine | FDA

  • Translated factsheets for recipients and caregivers.
  • When you enter the site, make sure to scroll down to the bottom of the webpage for hyperlinks to the translated languages below.
  • Available in Arabic, Burmese, Cherokee, Chuukese, Chinese, French, German, Haitian Creole, Hindi, Hmong, lu Mien, Khmer, Korean, Mam, Marshallese, Navajo, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Somali, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Yiddish.

Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine | FDA

  • Translated factsheets for recipients and caregivers.
  • When you enter the site, make sure to scroll down to the bottom of the webpage for hyperlinks to the translated languages below.
  • Available in Arabic, Burmese, Cherokee, Chuukese, Chinese, French, German, Haitian Creole, Hindi, Hmong, lu Mien, Khmer, Korean, Mam, Marshallese, Navajo, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Somali, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Yiddish.

These and more resources are also available in the following location: Translated Materials Library | National Resource Center for Refugees, Immigrants, and Migrants (NRC-RIM) (umn.edu)

Music video in Kiswahili (subtitled in English) to promote acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine.  It was produced by AALV in Burlington, VT.   (Please note that the singers are not wearing masks and public health is recommending we wear masks when within 6 feet of those outside of our immediate households.): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tivs_o63x04&feature=youtu.be

CDC Facts about COVID-19 Vaccines:  Alternative Languages: Arabic | Spanish | Korean | Russian | Simplified Chinese | Tagalog | Traditional Chinese | Vietnamese

COVID Testing

Pima County: 

Pima County Health Department and IRC’s next FREE COVID Testing Event will be at FRIENDSHIP Missionary Baptist Church. Please contact Lizbeth Gonzalez lizbeth.gonzalez@rescue.org for translated flyers for this testing site this Saturday, 2/13/2021 at 850 N 11th Ave, Tucson, AZ 85705  from 8am to 1 pm.

  • No appointment or ID needed.
  • We will have language access.
  • Walk up – not drive thru.
  • Individuals are tested first come first serve, therefore, arrive early.
  • We test everyone with or without symptoms.

Our NEXT FREE COVID-19 testing events are:

Date Location Address Time Facebook Event
2/13/21 Friendship Missionary Baptist Church 850 N 11th Ave, Tucson, AZ 85705 8 am – 1 pm Click HERE
2/20/21 Valencia Library 202 W Valencia Rd. Tucson, AZ 85706 10 am –  1 pm Click HERE

Maricopa County list of testing sites:  https://www.azdhs.gov/preparedness/epidemiology-disease-control/infectious-disease-epidemiology/index.php#novel-coronavirus-testing

Transportation to Testing

***If you or your client have MercyCare AHCCCS plan and need transportation to COVID-19 testing (walk up or drive through), call the ComTrans COVID-19 phone line directly at 602-332-2056. Please try to call at least 24 hours before you need transportation. You / your client will need to exit the car as the test is administered.

Other Resources:

Thinking About Traveling? Use the CDC’s Travel Planner to prepare: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-planner/

What works to reduce burnout and vicarious trauma among refugee service providers?
Switchboard’s new evidence summary assesses the evidence surrounding the effectiveness of several interventions to reduce burnout among staff, including organizational and individual approaches. It includes tips for organizations that are most effective in reducing staff secondary traumatic stress, compassion fatigue, and more.

Digital Literacy and Access

As COVID-19 has forced programs and services online, digital literacy and access have become increasingly important. HIAS has created several multimedia and written resources including an 11-part video series on Navigating Chromebook Usage, a Virtual Communication Guide that explains how to use WhatsApp and Zoom, and a Digital Literacy Toolkit for Newcomer Families (available in English, Arabic, Dari, Pashto, Russian, Spanish, Swahili, Tigrinya, and Ukrainian). Switchboard has a Resource Round-up of Multilingual Tutorials on Zoom and Other Online Platforms and two blog posts on remote job readiness resources for clients with varying digital abilities. Additionally, CORE has assembled a list of Resources for Digital Inclusion which can be found at the end of their Teaching Remotely page.

Quick Links

Maricopa County Department of Public Health has a COVID-19 refugee outreach team! The team includes four CHNs, all previously resettled as refugees. Collectively, the CHNs speak Arabic, French, Karen, Thai, Burmese, Swahili, Kinyarwanda, Kinyamulenge, and Kirundi. For presentations or information on case investigations, contact tracing, and community outreach, please contact them at RefugeeOutreach@maricopa.gov

Biweekly Refugee Provider Healthcare Calls

  • These calls are still occurring! Please make sure they’re on your calendar if you would like to participate.
  • Maricopa County Call is every other Thursday at 12pm. Link to join: meet.google.com/jjg-stiy-sdx  Call in number: ‪(US) +1 860-540-6107 PIN: ‪105 874 898#  Notes from last call are here. Next call: March 11th
  • Pima County Call is every other Wednesday at 12pm. Link to join: meet.google.com/cjz-zgth-tvv Call in number: ‪(US) +1 470-242-8289 PIN: ‪691 214 821#  Notes from last call are here, including updates to questions asked during the call. Next call: March 10th.

COVID-19 Vaccinations

AHCCCS members can schedule non-emergency transportation, if needed, to attend drive-through and other vaccine appointments. Call the health plan number on this page: Non-Emergency Transportation Contacts for AHCCCS Members

Communities of Color COVID Vaccine Awareness Volunteer Day on March 6th.

If you have not had now will have access to the vaccine before March 6th, become a volunteer at the State COVID-19 new drive-through vaccine site that Phoenix Municipal Stadium.

Volunteers will be vaccinated that day and scheduled for their 2nd dose at the appropriate time. Volunteer duties for non-clinical and clinical can include checking in patients, volunteers, confirming appointments, scheduling second dose appointments, directing traffic, administering vaccines, and so on.

Volunteer shifts: 6:00am – 12:00noon; 11:00am – 5:00pm

Email: tina.m.brown@azcompletehealth.com your name and email address to register.

Maricopa County information: https://www.maricopa.gov/5641/COVID-19-Vaccine. If you are in the Phase 1A and Phase 1B prioritized groups you can register for the vaccine here: https://www.maricopa.gov/5659/COVID-19-Vaccine-Locations. Maricopa County and ADHS are now vaccinating those aged 55+. The U of A ADHS site and Pima County Health Departments age limit is still 65+. https://www.abc15.com/news/vaccine-in-arizona/adhs-those-55-and-older-now-eligible-for-covid-19-vaccine-in-arizona

Pima County information: https://webcms.pima.gov/cms/One.aspx?portalId=169&pageId=669257. If you are in the Phase 1A and Phase 1B prioritized groups you can register for the vaccine here:  https://webcms.pima.gov/cms/One.aspx?portalId=169&pageId=690372

ADHS COVID-19 Vaccine information: https://www.azdhs.gov/preparedness/epidemiology-disease-control/infectious-disease-epidemiology/index.php#novel-coronavirus-find-vaccine. If you are in the Phase 1A and Phase 1B prioritized groups you can register to receive the vaccine at one of the ADHS sites here: https://podvaccine.azdhs.gov/

Maricopa County Department of Public Health hopes to have refugee-specific COVID-19 vaccines PODs in the next few weeks, and they are working on translating registration instructions.

Pima County-Specific Vaccine Information

IRC, FEMA, and Pima County Health Department have partnered to host vaccination events with on-site registration aimed toward refugee communities. Please reach out to Lizbeth Gonzalez for more information about when those events are taking place.

IRC and Pima County Health Department want to ensure that all communities have access to COVID-19 vaccinations regardless of the language they speak. IRC has translated COVID-19 Group 1B eligibility and registration guidelines into 8 languages. Pdfs and JPEGs for you to be able to share with Refugees, Immigrants and Migrants are HERE. Here is the Facebook post with these images. PLEASE SHARE!

IRC will update these guidelines shortly to include 65+, faith leaders and the U of A AZDHS registration site information soon.

Here is the text as well:

ENGLISH

COVID-19 Group 1B Vaccine Registration information

COVID Vaccines are now available for the following groups via Pima county:

  1. People aged 70 years and older  
  2. Prioritized Essential Workers: Protective service occupations (law enforcement, corrections, firefighters, and other emergency response staff, 911 call center staff and trainees in high-risk settings)  
  3. Teachers/Educators/Child Care Workers  

Register now at:  www.pima.gov/covid19vaccine

Or call: 520-222-0119

ARABIC

معلومات التسجيل للقاح فيروس كرونا  “” المجموعة ب٢

 لقاحات فيروس كرونا  متاحة الآن للمجموعات التالية عبر مقاطعة بيما: (Pima)

 .1 الأشخاص الذين تبلغ أعمارهم 70 عامًا فما فوق.

 .2 العمال الأساسيون ذوو الأولوية: العاملون في خدمات توفير الحماية (إنفاذ القانون ، والإصلاحيات ، ورجال الإطفاء ، و

 غيرهم من موظفي الاستجابة للطوارئ ، وموظفي مركز الاتصال 911 و

 المتدربين في الأماكن عالية الخطورة).

 .3 المعلمين / التربويين / العاملين في رعاية الأطفال

 سجل الآن على www.pima.gov/covid19vaccine:

 أو اتصل بالرقم (520)222-0119:

DARI

اطلاعات ثبت نام واکسن کوید ۱۹ گروه ب

واکسن کوید در حال حاضر برای گروههای

زیر در سایت پیما موجود می باشد.

۱- گروه سنی ۷۰ سال و بالاتر

۲- گرو های کاری خاص:

سرویس و گروه های محافظتی، کارمندان پلیس و قانون، آتش نشانها، گرو های ضروری و اورژانسی، کارمندان ۹۱۱ و اورژانس، اوپراتورهای تلفنی، دانش آموزان مشغول آموزش در کارهای پر خطر

۳- معلمین استادان دانش آموزان و مراکز نگهداری کودکان

میتوانند در سایت زیر ثبت نام کرده

www.pima.gov/covid19vaccin

یا شماره ۵۲۰۲۲۲۰۱۱۹ تماس بگیرند

FRENCH

Informations d’enregistrement du vaccin COVID-19 groupe 1B

Le vaccin Covid-19 est disponible pour les groupes suivants dans la commune de Pima:

  1. Personnes âgées de 70 ans et plus
  2. Travailleurs essentiels prioritaires: Personnel des services de protection (secteur de la sécurité, pompiers et autre personnel d’intervention d’urgence, personnel du centre d’appels 911 et tous les autres agents dans les milieux à haut risque).
  3. Enseignants / éducateurs / travailleurs de la garde d’enfants

Enregistrez-vous sur: www.pima.gov/covid19vaccine

Ou appelez le numéro: 520-222-0119

KINYARWANDA

Amakuru yo Kwiyandikisha Urukingo rwa COVID-19: Itsinda 1B

Inkingo za covid ziraboneka ku bantu bo mubyiciro bikurikira muri pima county:

  1. Abantu bafite imyaka 70 kuzamura 
  2. Abakozi bibanze barimo (abashinzwe kuzimya inkongi, abashishikariza abantu gushyira mubikorwa amategeko, abantu bashinzwe ubutabazi bwihutirwa, abakozi bo ku murongo wa 911 nabarimo kuhakorera amahugurwa bari mubafite ibyago byinshi) 
  3. Abarimu ndetse nabita kubana bato  

iyandikishe nonaha kuri: www.pima.gov/covid19vaccine

Cyangwa uhamagare:  520-222-0119

NEPALI

COVID-19 समूह १बी भ्याक्सिन पंजीकरण जानकारी

कोभीदको खोपहरू अब निम्न समूहहरूको लागि पीमा काउन्टीमा उपलब्ध छन्।

१. ७० बर्ष र त्यो भन्दा माथि उमेरका लागि

२. प्राथमिक कामका लागि आवश्यक कामदार

सुरक्षा सेवा पेशा (कानून प्रवर्तन, सुधार, अग्निशामक, र अन्य आपतकालीन प्रतिक्रिया कर्मचारी, इस्टाफ ९११ कल सेन्टर कर्मचारी र उच्च जोखिम सेटिंग्समा प्रशिक्षार्थी)

३. शिक्षक / शिक्षकहरू / बाल हेरचाह कर्मचारी

अब दर्ता गर्नुहोस् : www.pima.gov/covid19vaccine

वा कल गर्नुहोस् 520-222-0119

SOMALI

COVID-19 Kooxda 1B macluumaadka Diiwangelinta Talaalka

Talaalka COVID 19 ayaa hadda loo heli karaa qodobada soosocdo oo lagahelikaro degmada Pima:

  1. Dadka jira 70 sano iyo wixi kawen
    2. Mudnaanta Shaqaalaha Muhiimka ah: Shaqooyinka dowladaha (sharciyada Kuba fuliyaan, sixitaanka, dab demiska, iyo shaqaalaha kale ee xaaladaha imarjansiga degdegga ah, shaqaalaha xarunta wicitaanka ee 911 iyo tababbarayaasha goobaha halista sare ah)
    3. Macallimiinta / Aqoonyahannada / Shaqaalaha Daryeelka Carruurta 

Isdiiwaangeli hada: www.pima.gov/covid19vaccine

Ama wac: 520-222-0119

SPANISH

Información de registro de la vacuna COVID-19 Grupo 1B

Las vacunas para COVID ahora están disponibles para los siguientes grupos en el condado de Pima:

  1. Personas de mayores de 70 años  
  2. Trabajadores esenciales: Oficios de servicios de protección (fuerzas policiales, trabajadores de prisiones/cárceles, bomberos u otro personal de emergencias. Trabajadores del centro de llamadas al 911 y aprendices en trabajos de alto riesgo).

3.Maestros/Educadores/Personal de guarderías infantiles.  

Regístrate en: www.pima.gov/covid19vaccine

Si necesita ayuda por telefono marque al: 520-222-0119

SWAHILI

Maelezo ya Usajili wa Chanjo ya COVID-19 Group 1B

Chanjo ca COVID inapatikana sasa kwa makundi yafuatayo mkoani (kaunti) Pima:  

  1. Watu wazima wa miaka 70 na zaidi ya 70 
  2. Wafanyakazi muhimu waliowekwa kipaumbele: 

Wafanyakazi wa huduma ya usalama (polisi, wafanyakazi gerezani, wazima moto, wanaofanya kazi za huduma ya dharura, wanaopokea simu za 911, na wale wanaofanya mafunzo mahali ambapo pana hatari zaidi.  

  1. Walimu/Wakufunzi/Wafanyakazi wa huduma ya watoto.   

Unaweza jiandikisha hapa: www.pima.gov/covid19vaccine

Kama unahitaji usaidizi, unaweza pigia: 520-222-0119 

Multilingual COVID-19 Vaccine Materials

Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine | FDA

  • Translated factsheets for recipients and caregivers.
  • When you enter the site, make sure to scroll down to the bottom of the webpage for hyperlinks to the translated languages below.
  • Available in Arabic, Burmese, Cherokee, Chuukese, Chinese, French, German, Haitian Creole, Hindi, Hmong, lu Mien, Khmer, Korean, Mam, Marshallese, Navajo, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Somali, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Yiddish.

Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine | FDA

  • Translated factsheets for recipients and caregivers.
  • When you enter the site, make sure to scroll down to the bottom of the webpage for hyperlinks to the translated languages below.
  • Available in Arabic, Burmese, Cherokee, Chuukese, Chinese, French, German, Haitian Creole, Hindi, Hmong, lu Mien, Khmer, Korean, Mam, Marshallese, Navajo, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Somali, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Yiddish.

These and more resources are also available in the following location: Translated Materials Library | National Resource Center for Refugees, Immigrants, and Migrants (NRC-RIM) (umn.edu)

Music video in Kiswahili (subtitled in English) to promote acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine.  It was produced by AALV in Burlington, VT.   (Please note that the singers are not wearing masks and public health is recommending we wear masks when within 6 feet of those outside of our immediate households.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tivs_o63x04&feature=youtu.be

CDC Facts about COVID-19 Vaccines:  Alternative Languages: Arabic | Spanish | Korean | Russian | Simplified Chinese | Tagalog | Traditional Chinese | Vietnamese

Transportation to Testing

***If you or your client have MercyCare AHCCCS plan and need transportation to COVID-19 testing (walk up or drive through), call the ComTrans COVID-19 phone line directly at 602-332-2056. Please try to call at least 24 hours before you need transportation. You / your client will need to exit the car as the test is administered.

Other Resources / Events:

Digital Literacy and Access

As COVID-19 has forced programs and services online, digital literacy and access have become increasingly important. HIAS has created several multimedia and written resources including an 11-part video series on Navigating Chromebook Usage, a Virtual Communication Guide that explains how to use WhatsApp and Zoom, and a Digital Literacy Toolkit for Newcomer Families (available in English, Arabic, Dari, Pashto, Russian, Spanish, Swahili, Tigrinya, and Ukrainian). Switchboard has a Resource Round-up of Multilingual Tutorials on Zoom and Other Online Platforms and two blog posts on remote job readiness resources for clients with varying digital abilities. Additionally, CORE has assembled a list of Resources for Digital Inclusion which can be found at the end of their Teaching Remotely page.

Quick Links

All of these refugee health emails are archived and available here: https://www.rispnet.com/archive/

Biweekly Refugee Provider Healthcare Calls

These calls are still occurring! Please make sure they’re on your calendar if you would like to participate.

  • Maricopa County Call is every other Thursday at 12pm. Link to join:google.com/jjg-stiy-sdx  Call in number: ‪(US) +1 860-540-6107 PIN: ‪105 874 898#  Next call: March 25th
  • Pima County Call is every other Wednesday at 12pm. Link to join: google.com/cjz-zgth-tvvCall in number: ‪(US) +1 470-242-8289 PIN: ‪691 214 821#  Next call: March 24th.

COVID-19 Vaccinations

MCDPH and PCHD are distributing vaccines to the public in a few different ways. One is through Point of Distribution (PODs) that run everyday. They are also conducting pop up vaccine events directed to certain zip codes and priority categories (essential services, child care workers, age groups, etc.). 

POP UP sites to be aware of:

  • March 17-24, Harmon Park, Phoenix: Those 55 years of age and older who are residents of the area (85009, 85007, 85004, 85003 85034) can call 602-542-1000 to register and use code PHXHARMON. Drive up and pedestrian friendly.
  • Saturdays, Emerson Elementary School, Mesa:For persons eligible (55+ or essential workers in certain categories) that live in 85201/85202/85203/85204/85210 register here: https://form.jotform.com/210453995360155
  • Tucson: IRC and Pima Health Dept are conducting various pop up events for refugees. To receive text message and / or email alerts about these events, email Gonzalez@rescue.org

Here is a notification sign up that individuals can fill out to be notified when an event is coming to their zip code in Maricopa County.  

Maricopa County information: https://www.maricopa.gov/5641/COVID-19-Vaccine. If you are in the Phase 1A and Phase 1B prioritized groups you can register for the vaccine here: https://www.maricopa.gov/5659/COVID-19-Vaccine-Locations

Pima County information: https://webcms.pima.gov/cms/One.aspx?portalId=169&pageId=669257. If you are in the Phase 1A and Phase 1B prioritized groups you can register for the vaccine here:  https://webcms.pima.gov/cms/One.aspx?portalId=169&pageId=690372

ADHS COVID-19 Vaccine information: https://www.azdhs.gov/preparedness/epidemiology-disease-control/infectious-disease-epidemiology/index.php#novel-coronavirus-find-vaccine. If you are in the Phase 1A and Phase 1B prioritized groups you can register to receive the vaccine at one of the ADHS sites here: https://podvaccine.azdhs.gov/

Those without computer access or needing extra help registering using the ADHS vaccine registration website for appointments at any of the state operated PODs can call 1-844-542-8201 to be connected with someone who can assist.

Important COVID-19 Information:

  • COVID-19 Guidance for Fully Vaccinated People (Created 03/10/2021)Summary: A person is fully vaccinated if they completed a COVID-19 vaccine series at least 2 weeks ago. • Fully vaccinated persons can visit indoors with other vaccinated people without masks or physical distancing. • Can visit indoors with other Unvaccinated people from ONE household without masks or physical distancing.
  • Quarantine Guidance for Household and Close Contacts of a Person with COVID-19 Revised – 10 March 2021
  • Comparison of COVID-19 Vaccines – HERE
  • The Department of Health and Human Services has decided to include the Unaccompanied Refugee Minor Program in the President’s directive to prioritize teachers and school staff for the COVID-19 vaccine. The Federal Retail Pharmacy Programis prioritizing vaccinations for teachers, school staff and child care workers during the month of March. Starting on March 8th, teachers and school staff in pre-K-12 schools and child care programs, including URM and UAC care providers, will be able to sign up for an appointment at over 9,000 pharmacy locations participating in the federal program nationwide.

COVID-19 Testing 

Pima County Health Department and IRC’s next FREE COVID Testing Event will be at International Rescue Committee (IRC Office) on 3/19/21 & 3/20/21. I have attached translated flyers for these testing sites.

  • No appointment or ID needed.
  • We will have language access.
  • Walk up – not drive thru.
  • Individuals are tested first come first serve, therefore, arrive early.
  • We test everyone with or without symptoms.

Our NEXT FREE COVID-19 testing events are: 

Date Location Address Time Facebook Event
3/19/21 & 3/20/21  International Rescue Committee (IRC Office) 1011 N Craycroft Rd, Tucson, AZ 85711 10 am –  2 pm Click HERE

This event will have FREE FOOD DISTRIBUTION from the Community Food Bank and ICNA Relief and FREE BOOKS from Make Way for Books.

Maricopa County list of testing sites:  https://www.azdhs.gov/preparedness/epidemiology-disease-control/infectious-disease-epidemiology/index.php#novel-coronavirus-testing

Multilingual COVID-19 Vaccine Materials

COVID-19 Webinar

Community-Led COVID-19 Messaging: Practical Tools for Building Hyperlocal Custom Communications
Thursday, March 25, 2:00-3:15PM ET – Switchboard

What will this webinar cover?
Customized health communications developed for specific local communities are thought to be more effective than “one-size-fits-all” mass campaigns. Even materials that are linguistically appropriate and culturally informed may be insufficient if they ignore the importance of local knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Community-led, hyperlocal communications are those that are developed by and for members of narrowly defined local communities. In this webinar, community leaders will discuss their experiences with this messaging approach and will share two tools you can use in your own communications work: NRC-RIM’s Community-Led Messaging for COVID-19 Contact Tracing Guidebook and a forthcoming guidebook for COVID-19 vaccine messaging. These tools were developed by NRC-RIM in partnership with IDEO.org, with input from multiple diverse communities.Is this webinar for me?
This webinar is designed for refugee service providers and community leaders seeking to collaborate with local community members in developing COVID-19 communications, including those related to vaccination and contact tracing. Those who serve refugees, immigrants, and migrants in other capacities are also welcome to attend.Why should I participate?
After participating in this 75-minute session, you will be able to:

  • Describe the steps involved in building community-led COVID-19 messaging;
  • Name promising strategies currently being used by community leaders around the U.S.;
  • Name two tools for using this communications approach in your work with local communities; and
  • Begin developing your own COVID-19 messaging in partnership with communities using the guidebooks and visual toolkits presented during the session.

Register here: https://rescue.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_J79Xo6uERO6DsGqd5FwqkQ?mc_cid=48380bd280&mc_eid=6e73687632

Quick Links

All of these refugee health emails are archived and available here: https://www.rispnet.com/archive/

Biweekly Refugee Provider Healthcare Calls

  • These calls are still occurring! Please make sure they’re on your calendar if you would like to participate.
  • Maricopa County Call is every other Thursday at 12pm. Link to join: meet.google.com/jjg-stiy-sdx  Call in number: ‪(US) +1 860-540-6107‬ PIN: ‪105 874 898‬#  Next call: March 25th  
  • Pima County Call is every other Wednesday at 12pm. Link to join: meet.google.com/cjz-zgth-tvv Call in number: ‪(US) +1 470-242-8289‬ PIN: ‪691 214 821‬#  Next call: April 21st. 

COVID-19 Vaccinations

  • Arizona has expanded it’s COVID-19 vaccine eligibility. While they are excited to expand eligibility, there is still a limited supply of vaccines and appointments will likely go quickly.
  • On Wednesday, March 24th, Maricopa County opened vaccine appointments to all residents aged 18 and older for those receiving the Moderna and Johnson and Johnson (Janssen) vaccine and 16 and older for those receiving the Pfizer vaccine, per the vaccine FDA Emergency Use Authorizations.  Pfizer is the only vaccine currently approved for people as young as 16.  There are still no vaccines approved for use in children under 16.
  • Starting Thursday, March 25 at 9:00 a.m., Pima County will expand current COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to include three major groups based on three criteria:
    • AGE – anyone over age 55, regardless of other health conditions or type of employment.
    • RISK – anyone over age 16 who has a disability OR is experiencing homelessness OR lives in a congregate setting/receives in-home or long-term care OR has a high-risk medical condition as defined by the Centers for Disease Control: Cancer, Chronic kidney disease, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), Downs syndrome, Heart conditions (including heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies), Immunocompromised state aka weakened immune system, from solid organ transplant, Obesity (Body Max Index (BMI) over 30 kg/m2 or higher or < 40 kg/m2), Severe obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2), Sickle cell disease, Smoking, Type 2 diabetes mellitus
    • WORK – anyone over age 16 who works in the following fields, regardless of other health conditions: Healthcare worker and healthcare support, Emergency medical services, Long-term care facility staff, In-home long-term care, Protective services, Education and childcare, Food and agriculture, Restaurants and bars, U.S. Postal Service, Manufacturing, Grocery and convenience stores (including carnicerias), State and local government, Public transportation (buses, light rail, Uber, Lyft, taxis, etc.), Auto repair, Business/financial services, clergy/faith leaders/ traditional healers, Court personnel, Critical trade (plumber, electrician, HVAC, etc.), Food packaging, Funeral services, Gas stations, Power/utility, Shelters, Warehouse distribution, Veterinarians and veterinary staff.

MCDPH and PCHD are distributing vaccines to the public in a few different ways. One is through Point of Distribution (PODs) that run everyday. They are also conducting pop up vaccine events directed to certain zip codes and priority categories (essential services, child care workers, age groups, etc.). 

Here is a notification sign up that individuals can fill out to be notified when an event is coming to their zip code in Maricopa County.  

You can register to receive the vaccine at one of the County or ADHS sites here:  https://podvaccine.azdhs.gov/

Maricopa County information: https://www.maricopa.gov/5641/COVID-19-Vaccine. Register for the vaccine at MCDPH sites here: https://www.maricopa.gov/5659/COVID-19-Vaccine-Locations

Pima County information: https://webcms.pima.gov/cms/One.aspx?portalId=169&pageId=669257. Register for the vaccine at PCHD sites here:  https://webcms.pima.gov/cms/One.aspx?portalId=169&pageId=690372

ADHS COVID-19 Vaccine information: https://www.azdhs.gov/preparedness/epidemiology-disease-control/infectious-disease-epidemiology/index.php#novel-coronavirus-find-vaccine. ADHS now opens appointments at 11 a.m. each Friday for State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona State University’s Phoenix Municipal Stadium in Tempe, Chandler-Gilbert Community College, the University of Arizona in central Tucson, and, as of this Friday, Yuma Civic Center in Yuma County.

Multilingual COVID-19 Vaccine Materials

  • The New American Neighbors video outreach project has just produced and posted a set of nine videos concerning COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy. The videos are in Amharic, Arabic, Dari, French, Nepali, Pashtu, Somali, Spanish, and Tigrinya. Videos in Burmese and Karen will be added soon. An English transcript is attached. Each video addresses the facts that the COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective, and has been scientifically tested. Community members are urged to get their vaccinations when they are available for their priority group, but also to continue the good public health practices of wearing a mask, washing hands, and maintaining social distancing. Most important, the videos call out the misinformation in each video host’s community that might discourage people from obtaining their vaccinations. Addressing prioritized barriers, the hosts assure their audiences that vaccinations do NOT change DNA, control minds, insert microchips, cause cancer, or prevent pregnancy.  They have also provided an English approximation of the script which is the foundation for the hosts’ videos. This is not an exact translation as each video is tailored to speak to the concerns of the specific communities. Paul Stein with New American Neighbors says “There is no cost for using these videos. Please share this link as broadly as you like, and let me know if you need assistance for cross-posting or embedding the videos for your own outreach.” He can be reached at paulsteinrefugees@gmail.com
  • The International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Atlanta worked with Imam Sheikh Salahadin Wazir, the founder and CEO of African and Immigrant Communities in America, Inc. to create videos to encourage vaccine acceptance in a wide variety of Muslim communities in and around Atlanta. Watch the videos in English, Amharic, Arabic, Harari, Oromo, and Somali.
  • Under the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine section of the FDA website, please note that the translations of the Fact Sheet for Recipients and Caregivers is now in the following languages:Arabic, Bengali, Burmese, Chinese, Chuukese, Farsi, French, German, Gujarati, Hindi, Hmong, Italian, Japanese, Khmer, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Yiddish

More COVID-19 Resources
Vaccine 101: Information for Organizations Serving RIM (Refugee Immigrant and Migrant) Communities

This video training is intended to aid those working with RIM Communities in understanding the COVID-19 vaccine and effectively about the COVID-19 vaccine to the communities they serve. Watch the video (26 min) to learn about the vaccine, or download the PowerPoint if you prefer to present the information to your group yourself.

Funding Opportunities

New funding opportunity for Community COVID-19 Testing

Community organizations can apply for up to $50,000 in funds to support increased testing for COVID-19. In an effort to better reach communities hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, the NIH-funded RADx-UP program is soliciting applications for its Community Collaboration Mini-Grant Program. These funds are available to community-serving organizations, faith-based organizations, and tribal nations and organizations. Funds can be used to help advance capacity, training, support, and community experience with COVID-19 testing.

These funds can be used to support personnel costs, contracted service costs (transportation, translation, and interpretation, etc.), and non-personnel costs (participant incentives, information and technology equipment, etc.) for example:

  • Funds could be used to remove barriers to COVID-19 communication and outreach, COVID-19 testing and diagnosis, and COVID-19 data collection and dissemination testing;
  • Funds could be used to evaluate strategies for the communication of test results and follow-up measures to underserved and vulnerable populations;
  • Funds could be used to provide training and education for community members around COVID-19 testing topics of interest to the community;
  • Funds could be used to generate communication materials related to COVID-19 testing that will increase understanding of isolation, quarantine, or availability of wrap-around support.

For more examples and application instructions go to: https://radx-up.org/apply-for-grant/. The deadline for applications is April 16th.

Employment Opportunities 

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