Accurate and Accessible COVID-19 Information is
Critical to our Community
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our world, and we know that things will continue to change for many months to come. Outside In is deeply committed to ensuring that everyone has access to medical and mental health care – and that everyone knows how and where to access the care they need.
Community outreach and education is critical to stopping the spread of COVID-19
Thanks to two grants from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), Outside In will be stepping up our outreach and communications work over the next six months. We will be focusing additional energy on developing and sharing culturally accessible and engaging COVID-19 information to the broader community, including immigrants, people experiencing homelessness, those living in poverty, and the LGBTQIA+ community.
COVID-19 is disproportionately impacting Black, Latinx, and Indigenous communities
Unfortunately, COVID-19 is disproportionately impacting our Black, Latinx, and Indigenous neighbors. And, we know that our country’s health care system is not always welcoming to Black, Latinx, and Indigenous communities, nor to the LGBTQIA+ community or to those experiencing homelessness and poverty. This is unacceptable. It is critical – now and always – to ensure that our health care system is welcoming and accessible to all people.
Many people are losing their health insurance
Sadly, we also expect to see more and more people lose their health insurance due to the loss of their jobs because of COVID-19. Navigating health systems can be confusing and complicated. Outside In’s communications team will be working to make sure people know how to enroll in the Oregon Health Plan if their employer’s health insurance coverage has ended. And, our dedicated enrollment team will continue to work one-on-one with patients to help sign them up for health insurance.
Everyone deserves up-to-date and accurate COVID-19 information
With these grants, we will be focused on making sure the communities we serve have accurate information about COVID-19. We will make sure that information is offered in the languages that our communities speak at home. We will make sure that people know where to get tested. We will provide information about how to stay safe and protect themselves and their families. And we will make sure that our community knows that they are welcome at Outside In’s clinic.
We thought you might like to see some examples of the flyers we’ve created as part of this project. Keep an eye on our website and social media for more COVID-19 related information!
Outside In’s COVID-19 response is ongoing – and your support makes a difference!
Outside In continues to be on the front lines of COVID-19 response. Our behavioral health team is meeting with clients every day. Our downtown clinic and School Based Health Center at Milwaukie High School is open and seeing patients in-person and via Telehealth. All three of our syringe exchange sites are open and supporting clients. Our mobile medical outreach team connects with patients at Clackamas Service Center twice a week. And our youth team continues to support youth experiencing homelessness with housing, meals, substance use and mental health treatment, and employment and education support. Your donation matters! Please consider making a gift today to support Outside In’s critical work in our community.
Thank you!
It is because of you – our community –
that Outside In is able to save the lives of thousands of people each year.
We would love to hear from you!
Please feel free to share your thoughts, ideas, and questions with us.
We are grateful for your support!
Your support of Outside In creates health and hope for the more than 11,000 people we serve every year. We can’t say it enough: THANK YOU!