REGIONAL UPDATES

UPDATES FROM REGION 1

Tami Rucker Region 1 Administrator

When I look back at the last 3 months, I am reminded of why I choose to work in this amazing agency, DSHS/ALTSA/HCS-Region 1. I have seen resilience by all of our staff in one way or another as we have navigated COVID-19. Everyone has had to modify some part, if not all, of their work process to continue providing quality service to our clients. We have accomplished this TOGETHER!

In early March 2020, the regions began working with HQ leadership in development of the Acute Hospital Surge Project. The goal of this project has been to increase discharges and reduce the length of stay for Medicaid clients in acute hospitals, which would help to increase the bed capacity for patients needing hospitalization due to COVID-19. This 90-day project began March 18 and ended June 18.

I want to take this opportunity to recognize the excellent work on our regional planning, led by Valentina Karnafel and Jessie Rangel. Because of their coordination, collaboration, communication and team work, we got this project off to a great start and were able to develop our regional teams. The teams consisted of three acute hospital supervisors, seven acute hospital assessors, six surge leads (which include Public Benefits Program Manager Gary Olson), and 22 case managers who were willing and able to take on any role or responsibility asked of them to assist clients to transition from the acute hospital to the community-based setting of their choice. You know who you are – THANK YOU!

We could not have done this work without the support and coordination that we have received from HQ leadership! In this short amount of time we have participated in policy/process updates related to acute hospital transitions. This amazing work will make a significant difference in our future processes, to reduce long lengths of stay for clients in an acute hospital after COVID-19 is long gone. It has enhanced our communications and collaboration with our acute hospital partners as well as contracted providers in community-based programs.

I am pleased to share that in 62 days, as of May 18, the Region 1 Acute Hospital Surge team assisted 199 clients to transition from the acute hospital to their community-based setting of choice. As we have navigated COVID-19, staff have been flexible and creative in their process to communicate and coordinate with acute hospital discharge planners and other community partners.

Thank you to our AMAZING staff for trusting the process, being a part of this project and demonstrating one more way that Home and Community Services transforms lives.

Sonya Sanders Region 2 Administrator

I continue to be amazed and impressed by regional staff in Region 2. In spite of the uncertainties of COVID, changed regulations, teleworking and distancing, staff continue to show up and show out in completing their assignments. I am eternally grateful for the acute care hospital staff who have discharged long-term clients into lesser care facilities. Region 2 had a client in the hospital for over 400 days and the hospital team was able to find appropriate placement for this individual. This is only one of many success stories.

Equally impressive, we have been discharging difficult-to-place clients from Western State Hospital during their surge as well and will continue to press forward to meet our goals. There is no rest for the weary as the nursing home units continue to assist with nursing facilities closures in the region. Within this past year, Region 2 staff members have assisted in several nursing facilities closures, with two more facilities on the horizon for closure.

Our work does not show signs of slowing down. We encourage staff to stay home, stay healthy and practice self-care, while being faithful in complying with the mission and values of ALTSA and DSHS.

UPDATES FROM REGION 3

Debbie Willis Region 3 Administrator

What a whirlwind the past few months have been, and at the same time it feels like time has slowly crawled by at a snail’s pace as we have stayed at home over the past few months.

Even in tough times, there is a lot to be grateful for. I am grateful for the wonderful team in Region 3, especially as I have watched them work hard to support each other and continue to exceed expectations in the face of all of the change and upheaval. Here are just a few of the things we have implemented in record speed: • Full-time teleworking plan with the support of our awesome IT team • Hospital Surge – by the end of May, Region 3 discharged 703 clients, this equated to 49% of the total statewide discharges! • Western State Hospital surge started in April – the team helped 26 clients transition between then and the end of May! • Self-attestations • Telephonic CARE assessments • Numerous policy, procedural and process changes

I anticipate that 2020 will continue to challenge us in many ways and I know that Region 3, as well as the rest of ALTSA, will rise to the challenge and continue to provide the services and supports our clients need, while also taking care of each other! That is what we do. I am grateful to work for ALTSA and with the wonderful people in Region 3 and the larger ALTSA team. Together we will continue to get through this and serve some of Washington state’s most vulnerable.