Cardiac arrest can strike anytime, anywhere — at home, at work, or in your community. But right now, only about 40% of people step in to help. That means too many lives are lost, not because people don’t care, but because they aren’t prepared.

For American Heart Month, the American Heart Association is giving you the tools to take control of that moment. For adults and teens, Hands-Only CPR can double or even triple the chance of survival — and it only takes two simple steps:

Step 1: Call 911 immediately if you see a teen or adult suddenly collapse. 

Step 2: Push hard and fast in the center of the chest to the beat of a song with 100 beats per minute (like “Staying Alive”).

You don’t need a medical degree. You don’t need a uniform. You are the first responder until help arrives.

We can’t always choose when an emergency strikes — but we can choose how ready we are to face it. Learn CPR. Join our Nation of Lifesavers and be ready to step up for a loved one, a neighbor, a friend, or a co-worker. 

Because protecting your family, your friends, and your community starts with being prepared.

Find more resources at heart.org/nation.

The post Learn CPR this Heart Month—Join the Nation of Lifesavers! appeared first on Packard Health.

Learn more about the HBU program at Packard Health

The post Healing Brothers United in the news! appeared first on Packard Health.

SCHEDULE A COVID-19 VACCINE

COVID-19 Testing is No Longer Available
Packard Health’s drive-thru COVID-19 testing site is closed.

IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE COVID-19  |  TRANSPORTATION | ADDITIONAL VACCINE PROVIDERS | WHY THE VACCINE IS IMPORTANT | RESOURCES

IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE COVID-19

• Symptoms include: Fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and/or diarrhea
• Call the office: 734-971-1073
• Our staff will ask you questions and you will be given further instructions
• Remember, it might be a cold, flu or other disease

SCHEDULE A COVID-19 VACCINE

Please call (734) 971-1073 for vaccine availability and to schedule an appointment. Vaccine availability in the area can be found at vaccines.gov by searching by zip code.

ADDITIONAL VACCINE PROVIDERS

WHY THE VACCINE IS IMPORTANT

Packard Health is optimistic that the COVID-19 vaccine approvals represent the beginning of the end of the pandemic. Vaccines work with your immune system, preparing it to fight the virus if exposed. When considering the new vaccines, Packard Health providers were initially cautious. However, after a thorough review of the available data, Packard Health feels confident to recommend that our patients receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Below are some important points that we want to share with you about the COVID-19 vaccine.

Safety First

The approved Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines have been studied in the usual way in very large studies of over 30,000 people each. Although there are minor side effects, and, as with every medical agent, some patients are allergic, there have been no serious side effects found.

The vaccines have prevented over 90% of symptomatic infections in the studies. They are very effective and vaccination will help protect you and your loved ones from getting sick or hospitalized from COVID-19. Wearing masks and social distancing will continue to be required to help reduce spreading it to others that may have not been vaccinated. Ending the pandemic requires the use of all tools that we have available.

RESOURCES

• COVID-19 Essential Services in Washtenaw County – Childcare,  Evictions, Internet, Unemployment, Utilities, School Food, etc.
• COVID-19 Washtenaw County Resource Guide – Business Assistance, Childcare, Education, Employment/Unemployment, Food & Home Goods, Housing
• Michigan COVID-19 Resource Guide, University of Michigan – Unemployment & Worker Assistance, Food Assistance, Utilities & Housing, Childcare, much more. Spanish version
• COVID-19 Multi-Language Materials
• Washtenaw County Department of Health
• State of Michigan – COVID-19 Vaccine
• Michigan Department of Health & Human Services – COVID-19 Vaccine FAQ
• Centers for Disease Control & Prevention – COVID-19 

The post Schedule a COVID-19 Vaccine appeared first on Packard Health.

Packard Health is grateful to be selected (again) as a featured charity in the Probility Ann Arbor Virtual Marathon & “Mile-A-Day” Marathon Challenge “Spring Edition”. Prioritizing behavioral health, including mental health, has never been as important as it is now. The increase in need, especially during the uncertainty that has come with COVID-19, has resulted in offering telehealth appointments and the hiring of our first Director of Behavioral Health.

Due to the lingering concerns of COVID-19, the events leading up to the larger in-person marathon in the fall will be virtual but still every bit impactful. For every designated donation by registrants to Packard Health, Epic Races donates an additional $3. Participation directly helps Packard Health patients who live in your community and are being assisted in overcoming their behavioral/mental health challenges.

Important to know – all movers, not just runners, are encouraged to participate! The goal is to be physically active by completing one mile a day. This can take place just about anywhere but if you want to change it up, there are lots of places to walk in Washtenaw County.

TIMELINE OF EVENTS

NOW until February 28, 2021 – Registration for Ann Arbor Mile-A-Day Marathon Challenge WITH swag ($50 + Sign Up Fee); Registration for the all in one day Virtual Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, & 5K ($50 + Sign Up Fee)

NOW until March 21, 2021 – Registration for Ann Arbor Mile-A-Day Marathon Challenge WITHOUT swag ($25 + Sign Up Fee)

March 21, 2021 – Virtual All In One Day Events (Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, & 5K) via Zoom; Beginning of the 26.2 Mile-A-Day Challenge

April 16, 2021 – Completion of the final .2 (as a group virtually) of the 26.2 Mile-A-Day Challenge via Zoom

NOW until October 24, 2021 – Registration for the fall Probility Ann Arbor Marathon (Price varies by race selection, all prices increase after 4/30/21) & Charity Donations

The post Join Us in Moving to “E-Race the Stigma” this Spring appeared first on Packard Health.

Packard Health, like the rest of the world, has been learning how to best operate during a global pandemic. There have been many curves to navigate and flatten and, contrary to the year itself, clarity hasn’t always been 20/20. But, if nothing else, Packard Health has built a strong team and is overcoming challenges daily.

As the only Federally Qualified Health Center in Washtenaw County, we care for some of the most vulnerable people in the area. Our service area covers two of the hardest hit COVID-19 zip codes in the County, 48197 and 48198. Our central location and loss of a beloved staff member to COVID-19 compelled us to work even harder in response to COVID-19.

At the end of March, Packard Health began offering its 12,000 patients the opportunity to schedule telehealth appointments to avoid unnecessary in-office contact. Since then, Packard Health providers have conducted almost 14,000 telehealth appointments.

Packard Health’s greatest response endeavor began in May with the opening of its COVID-19 testing site at Perry Early Learning Center in Ypsilanti in collaboration with Washtenaw County Department of Public Health and Ypsilanti Community Schools. Since the opening, there has been an ebb and flow of activity, numerous weather concerns for our staff, and two relocations. The first site change was to Second Baptist Church in Ypsilanti, thanks to the generosity of Reverend George W. Waddles, Jr. and his parish.

On November 9, Packard Health moved its COVID-19 testing site to its new drive-thru CarePort at 2650 Carpenter Road, Ann Arbor. The repurposed garage is open to patients and the public for COVID-19 testing as well as for flu vaccinations. Shortly following the move, the pandemic took another concerning turn, making our work and response even more critical.

In an effort to better share the realities of our frontline testing site, we kindly asked a member of our COVID-19 testing team, Emily Chapin, to share her experience:

Thank you to our many partners and community as we continue to combat COVID-19 locally. As we continue to increase our understanding of the virus and hone our response to its effects, our top priority will always be to keep our patients and team safe. Our staff appreciates the outpouring of support and understanding as we all navigate this together.

The post Working Toward 20/20 During a Global Pandemic appeared first on Packard Health.

Packard Health’s Director of Behavioral Health Corey Telin, LMSW, MHSA, shares his responses to questions about the current state of behavioral health during a global pandemic, specific advice for patients, and what he looks forward to in his new role.

Q. Can you explain how behavioral health is different from mental health?  

A. While mental health is a term that deals with primarily the psychological wellbeing of an individual, behavioral health is a much broader term. Behavioral health can include the daily habits that influence our overall wellbeing. Behavioral health also includes substance use disorders and other behaviors that affect us.

Q. How has behavioral health changed this year?

A. The pandemic has definitely impacted behavioral health for everyone this year. The stress of having to socially distance, being apart from family/friends that are often main sources of support can increase feelings of loneliness, as well as symptoms of depression and anxiety. We have also seen an increase in substance use during the pandemic. One thing that has changed dramatically in the delivery of care has been the quick shift to telehealth. Telehealth has been key in making sure that therapy and psychiatric services are available to everyone who needs it. 

Q. Can you identify and explain any new concerns that are present in behavioral health patients as COVID-19 lingers?

A. We have seen data that shows an increase in opioid overdoses which is very concerning. We were already in the middle of an opioid epidemic when COVID-19 hit, and the pandemic has only complicated the process for individuals seeking treatment, receiving treatment quickly, and getting into recovery. I also feel that overall the lingering itself is having an effect on people everywhere. People are getting worn down and as we gear up for winter, when there is already a tendency to isolate more, it may seem like it is never going to end.

Q. Do individuals delay seeking behavioral health services? If so, why?

A. Unfortunately, there is still a stigma attached to seeking behavioral health services. One thing we try to do is normalize thoughts and feelings around seeking care in the same way we normalize seeking care for other chronic conditions such as hypertension, asthma and diabetes. Patients shouldn’t feel ashamed or feel they need to lift themselves up by their bootstraps. Everyone needs help at some point in their lives and stigma should not be a barrier. Normalizing mental health and behavioral health in the healthcare field at large should be a long term goal of all providers.

Q. When should someone seek behavioral health services?

A. This can depend on the person, but traditionally if you are having symptoms that are interfering with your daily life. For example if you are having symptoms of depression that are not allowing you to enjoy things you normally do or are having poor sleep, poor energy, are having a hard time being motivated, it may mean it’s time to talk to you provider about what your options are.

Q. If someone is experiencing a behavioral health emergency and cannot see or speak with a provider promptly, what are they advised to do?

If it’s an emergency, please go to the emergency room or call 911. We have great resources in our area at both Michigan Medicine and St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor where they have clinical social work staff in both ER’s ready to assist in a mental health emergency. Washtenaw County also has phone crisis services available 24/7 at 734-544-3050. You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

Q. What is the most frequently offered advice that you and the Packard Health Behavioral Health Team are sharing with patients right now?

A. Self-care. Do things that are enjoyable and make you happy. This can seem like a no brainer but it can be difficult to remember to do. If you can’t visit friends and family, set up a video call. Take time for yourself. Try new coping strategies such as mindfulness and try healthy activities such as walking or yoga. I think the last piece of advice is that no one has ever been through this before. It’s okay to be anxious or depressed. It’s also okay if you are not! Be easy on yourself, and reach out for help if needed. We are all in this together.

Q. Being very new to Packard Health, what do you hope to bring to patients and staff in your new role?

A. I’m very excited to be part of Packard Health. It’s great to be part of an organization that is so dedicated to their patients and see the link between physical and mental well-being. My hopes are to expand our behavioral health and substance use services and further integrate both into our patient’s primary care.

The post Q&A with Behavioral Health Director Corey Telin appeared first on Packard Health.

Join the demo here:
https://tinyurl.com/y43n4tm3 

The post “Eat Smart For The Holidays” Cooking Demo appeared first on Packard Health.

PACKARD HEALTH PATIENTS

There are two options for patients.

1. In-Office Appointment – While we are focusing on using telehealth when appropriate to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, if you do have an in-office appointment, we can bundle your flu shot with this visit.  With the onset of cold and flu season (and the lingering global pandemic), ensuring your health is in tip-top shape is ideal and our priority. Patients under the age of 18 can get a flu shot in-office, too!
   
   Request an appointment via phone, patient portal, or online submission form here.
   
   
2. Drive-Thru Appointment – Packard Health’s COVID-19 testing site is offering flu shots for adults 18+. If you want to minimize your contact with others, this might be a good option for you. It is located at: 2650 Carpenter Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48108
   
   Register to schedule your drive-thru appointment: English here; Spanish here.

GENERAL PUBLIC

Drive-Thru Appointment
Non-Packard Health patients (for adults 18+) are welcome to a flu shot at Packard Health’s COVID-19 drive-thru testing site. It is located at: 2650 Carpenter Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48108

Register to schedule your drive-thru appointment: English here; Spanish here.

The post Flu Shots Available appeared first on Packard Health.

Packard Health’s COVID-19 testing site is on the move!

The newly created Packard Health CarePort is opening on Monday, November 9, 2020 at 2650 Carpenter Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48108. Hours will be Monday, 1:30pm – 6:30pm; Tuesday – Friday, 8am – 2pm (or until tests run out). To save time and to minimize lines, please register for testing using the linked buttons at the bottom of this post.

The creation of this new drive-thru option is to not only keep our staff safe and warm but to also minimize contact and provide added convenience to our patients.

An existing garage owned by Packard Health is being converted into a one-stop-shop for select drive-thru services. Like the current testing site, COVID-19 tests and flu vaccinations (for adults 18+) will be administered by appointment. As we get deeper into the cold and flu season, more services will become available.

Packard Health is grateful to Reverend George Waddles, Jr. and the Second Baptist Church for their hospitality and allowing us to share their space while we create a more permanent home for our offerings.

The post COVID-19 Testing Site is Moving to a Permanent Home appeared first on Packard Health.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced (1 cup)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced (1 cup)
• 2 carrots, diced (1/2 cup)
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 pound extra-lean ground beef (90 percent lean)
• One 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups water
• 1 chipotle chile in adobo sauce, seeded and minced
• 2 teaspoons adobo sauce from the can of chipotles
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• One 15.5-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
• One 15.5-ounce can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• One 15.5-ounce can pinto beans, drained and rinsed

Directions
Heat the oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over moderate heat. Add the onion, bell pepper and carrots, cover and cook, stirring occasionally until the vegetables are soft, about 10 minutes. Add the cumin and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the ground beef; raise the heat to high and cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until the meat is no longer pink. Stir in the tomatoes, water, chipotle and adobo sauce, oregano and salt and pepper. Simmer, partially covered, stirring from time to time, for 30 minutes. Stir in the beans and cook, partially covered, 20 minutes longer. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper.

The post Three Bean and Beef Chili appeared first on Packard Health.