NORTH COAST, Calif. – MCHC Health Centers continues to provide essential healthcare to people in Ukiah, Willits and Lakeport, while fighting to slow and ultimately stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

“As the situation unfolds, we are adapting our care so people can get the services they need. Our hardworking staff and dedicated providers remain here and ready to care for patients,” said acting Chief Executive Officer Jill Damian.

In collaboration with Lake and Mendocino County Public Health and other local healthcare providers, MCHC is doing everything possible to protect patients and healthcare workers from the novel coronavirus, said Damian.

Phone consultations

One way MCHC is doing this is by replacing in-person visits with phone consultations when appropriate.

Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jerry Douglas said, “We want to offer as much healthcare to as many people as we can without increasing their risk of exposure to COVID-19. We minimize staff and patient exposure by continually disinfecting our health centers and providing care remotely when we can. I’m incredibly proud of our hard-working staff and medical team who are adapting quickly to a difficult situation.”

Regular business hours with screening

Although many patient visits will be done via phone consultations, some care must be provided in-person.

MCHC is open during regular business hours with modified services at all four sites: in Ukiah at Hillside Health Center and Dora Street Health Center, in Willits at Little Lake Health Center, and in Lakeport at Lakeview Health Center.

When patients call for any type of appointment, they will be asked whether they are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms (e.g., fever, cough, shortness of breath). They will also be informed as to whether they qualify for a phone visit or need to be seen in person.

Regardless of symptoms, all patients will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms when they arrive at any MCHC site before receiving care.

Services currently available

The following services are currently available:

· Medical services including urgent care, primary care, and Care for Her are available in-person and via phone. Please call to schedule an appointment. If you are seeking care for COVID-19 symptoms, the medical team will explain how to proceed.

· Dental services will remain open for emergency care.

· All Behavioral Health services will be done via telephone visits.

These services are currently suspended:

· All group visits and classes are on hold.

· All MCHC Care-A-Van services have been suspended.

Dr. Douglas said, “To ensure the safety and well-being of our patients and staff, we request that friends and family wait in their cars unless they are an essential caregiver or accompanying a minor. Thank you for understanding in this challenging time.”

Health experts agree that the prevalence of the virus is likely to increase dramatically in the coming weeks, and that the best way to prevent overwhelming local healthcare facilities is for all people to stay at home unless they absolutely must go out, for example, to get food or medical care.

For the latest announcements from Public Health, visit www.mendocinocounty.org/community/novel-coronavirus or www.lakecountyca.gov/Government/PressReleases .

To contact MCHC for an appointment, call 707-468-1010. For more information about MCHC services, visit www.mchcinc.org .