Health Resources

COVID-19

COVID-19 Vaccines

Starting May 13th, all Los Angeles County vaccination providers began offering the Pfizer vaccine for 12 to 15-year-olds at vaccination sites including all eight County run sites. Adolescents in this age group getting vaccinated should be accompanied by a parent, guardian or responsible adult, and present a photo ID and verification of age. 

Currently there is only one vaccine, Pfizer, currently authorized for use for ages 12-17. For those 12 to 17, it will be important when making an appointment to select a location where the Pfizer vaccine is offered.  The type of vaccine offered is noted for each vaccine site on our website under How to Get Vaccinated.  

For a full list of sites across the county offering Pfizer vaccines, please visit http://bit.ly/PfizerSites 

Schedule an appointment to be vaccinated here.

On April 15, 2021, children, including youth in foster care, who are 16 years of age or older became eligible for COVID-19 vaccines statewide. Vaccinations are considered “ordinary treatment” pursuant to Health and Safety Code (HSC) section 1530.6 and Welfare and Institutions Code (WIC) section 16519.57, and therefore, a licensed or approved foster caregiver or residential care provider (facility administrator or their designee) may consent to vaccinations for a foster youth1 without a need for a court order. However, it is important to review all court orders for each youth to ensure that specific orders were not made regarding general medical care, vaccinations, or a COVID-19 vaccination specifically, which could require additional measures be taken prior to the provision of a COVID-19 vaccine. It is important for caseworkers to engage caregivers, parents, and youth in discussions about the COVID-19 vaccine.

The foster care Public Health Nurses (PHNS) should also be included as they can provide critical health education regarding vaccination safety, efficacy, resources and support the youth through the process. Vaccine discussions should also be a part of Child and Family Team meetings (CFT) to ensure that youth, parents, caregivers, and other important supportive adults have the opportunity to work together to make decisions about the COVID-19 vaccine.

For more: ACIN I-42-21 (May 14, 2021)

COVID-19 Testing

The City of Los Angeles is providing free COVID-19 testing to ALL Los Angeles County residents, whether or not you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.

The State of California has announced that all health insurance plans are required to provide no-cost care to members seeking coronavirus testing, screening, or treatment.

Medi-Cal

Because of COVID-19, you or someone you know may be newly eligible due to job loss and can apply for Medi-Cal online at coveredca.com.

New Presumptive Eligibility Program for Medi-Cal: The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) has a new Medi-Cal program for people who are not Medi-Cal eligible (e.g. income too high) for COVID-19 testing & treatment.

For more information on how to keep your Medi-Cal during a pandemic: healthconsumer.org/covid19

Maternal and Child Health Access will assist individuals who have Medi-Cal but are experiencing issues accessing it. Call 213-749-4261 and receive a call back within 24-48 hours from a blocked number.

Clinics and Pharmacies

There are seven medical hubs in Los Angeles County providing healthcare for children and youth in foster care. Locate a medical hub near you. 

Medication: CVS Pharmacy will waive charges for home delivery of prescription medications. Walgreens is waiving delivery fees for purchases over $35 on Walgreens.com.

Sexual and Reproductive Health

Mental Health

The LA County Department of Mental Health (DMH) has confirmed that DMH will remain fully operational and open for business to their best of their ability. Clinics and drop-in centers will remain open to clients. Mobile units will continue to provide field services at this time, including Emergency Outreach and Triage Division’s 24/7 response, law enforcement mental health teams, and street engagement services for homeless, and crisis services for children and families in the child welfare system. Due to the public health crisis, however, there may be some delays in services.

If you or a child in your care are receiving or want to initiate mental health services through DMH, and you wish to receive services by telephone and/or telehealth instead of in-person, you may request telephonic/telehealth services from your treating provider. DMH providers are able to provide telehealth services through the use of video teleconferencing solution called HIPAABridge.  HIPAABridge supports a free mobile application (Apple | Android) that families and youth can download on their telephone. It can also be used via computer browser allowing the families to participate in telehealth services. Telehealth services may include therapy, case management, crisis intervention, assessment, and medication services. If you request telephonic/telehealth services from your provider and you encounter any barriers, please contact the Alliance’s intake department at (213)368-6010.

LA County residents receive free subscription to Headspace app

If you are in Los Angeles County and do not currently have a paid Headspace membership, please follow these steps to redeem:

  1. Visit this link
  2. When prompted, allow your browser to share your location 
  3. Once your location has been confirmed, you can log in to your existing account or create an account if you are new to Headspace
  4. Enter the email address where you would like to receive your activation email (Make sure this is an email address you currently have access to) – you will then receive a link to activate the subscription
  5. Click the “Verify” button in the activation email to activate your new membership

NAMI is maintaining a mental health helpline to support those who are struggling with anxiety, depression, and stress due to the Coronavirus outbreak as well as sharing useful tips to cope during this time. Crisis Text Line is open 24/7; text NAMI to 741741.

California Youth Crisis Line: 1-800-843-5200 (call or text)

The Project Return “Peer Support Network” is offering over the phone, non-crisis emotional support services. Visit their page here.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Disaster Hotline: 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I still able to receive mental health services during this time?

The LA County Department of Mental Health has confirmed that during the COVID-19 crisis, DMH clinics and drop-in centers will remain open to clients. Mobile units will continue to provide field services at this time. However, if clients prefer to receive mental health services by telephone and/or telehealth, they may do so, including through the use of video teleconferencing solution called hat families and youth can download on their telephone It can also be used via computer browser allowing the families to participate in telehealth services. The youth or caregiver may request telephonic/telehealth services from the treating provider.

What should I do if I think my foster child has COVID-19?

If the foster child in your home shows signs of illness, keep them away from others and inform the child’s social worker to coordinate a consultation with a Medical Hub clinician.

My foster child is running out of his prescription medication and the current circumstances are preventing him from seeing his doctor on a timely basis. How can I make sure my child is receiving his prescription medication during this time?

It may be necessary to arrange for additional medication and/or telehealth appointments to bridge any gaps between appointments. Medi-Cal will allow up to a 100-day supply of medications to be dispensed at one time. This does not apply, however, to opiate medications. Caregivers should contact the doctor if the youth’s supply is running low to avoid an emergency. In some instances, early refill warnings can also be overridden at the point of sale, allowing patients to get their refill before the previous supply has run out, if medically necessary.

 

The Alliance for Children’s Rights protects the rights of impoverished, abused and neglected children and youth.

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