SEWAAH October Leadership Meeting

Meeting summary

Quick recap
The Southeast Washington Alliance for Health Leadership meeting focused on disability services and community health initiatives across the region, including presentations on support programs for families of children with disabilities and discussions about enrolling children in developmental disability services. The team addressed various community resources and events, including flu clinics, job fairs, and energy assistance programs, while also covering updates on insurance navigation, community health worker activities, and available office spaces. The conversation ended with discussions about resource lists for different counties, upcoming community events, and the importance of self-advocacy in addressing community needs.

Next steps
Martha to send out meeting slides in PDF format with all resources and handouts to attendees.
Martha to add Geneva from Walla Walla Valley Disability Network to the leadership group email list.
Martha to help link Geneva with Dayton School District and Pomeroy School District contacts.
Martha to connect Geneva with Jan Strobean for outreach coordination.
Geneva to look into participating in the October 23rd prescription take-back day event in Pomeroy.
Geneva to explore possibilities for SOAR program activities in Columbia and Garfield Counties.
Cynthia to send information about GOSH coverage for Garfield County.
Martha to create and distribute a brochure showing insurance navigators in each community.
Martha to send Astacia the medical equipment inventory list for Columbia County.
Martha to set up a live Google Docs for partners to update the medical equipment inventory.
Jacob to send Martha the updated BMAC energy assistance flyers when available.
Martha to prepare for November's meeting focused on community resource lists.
Summary
Disability Services Leadership Meeting
The Southeast Washington Alliance for Health Leadership meeting focused on disability services across the region. Geneva from the Walla Walla Valley Disability Network presented on their Parent to Parent program, which provides support and resources for families of children with disabilities, as well as their SOAR program offering social and recreational activities. Cynthia, the county coordinator for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, discussed the process of enrolling children in developmental disability services and emphasized the importance of early advocacy. The meeting also included a reading of a letter highlighting the importance of respectful and understanding healthcare for individuals with disabilities.

DD Services and Resource Coordination
Martha provided guidance to Rachel about connecting case managers with providers for developmental disability services in Pomeroy, recommending either Lynette Walker or Shannon Smith as contacts. She shared information about pre-employment Transition Services available through DDCS and DVR, noting that two Pomeroy youths had successfully participated in the program at the Hell's Canyon Hotel. Martha also discussed their current supply of heaters and blankets from a rural equity grant, and sought feedback about whether to replace these with heating blankets, considering both safety concerns and the need for consistent warmth.

Heating Solutions and Healthcare Updates
The team discussed heating options for unhoused individuals, with heated blankets being suggested as a more cost-effective alternative to electric heaters for those without access to electricity. Rachel provided updates on Medicare and Medicaid open enrollment periods, noting significant changes coming in 2026 that will require pre-approval for 16 different medical procedures under Medicare Advantage, which she expressed concerns about. Martha mentioned an upcoming Energy Assistance event at the Senior Center on October 29th, and Rachel requested the updated flyer for distribution.

Community Health and Resource Updates
Martha provided updates on insurance navigation, community health worker activities, and various resources available in the region. She mentioned working on a brochure to list insurance navigators in each community and shared information about Greater Health Now's Navigator program. Martha also discussed the resignation of Madison DeLardo from the Columbia County office and plans to start the hiring process for a replacement. She highlighted the work of community health workers in addressing various needs, including housing, food insecurity, and healthcare navigation. Martha encouraged participants to promote the Working Family Tax Credit and shared details about Second Harvest events in different counties. She concluded by mentioning upcoming community health fairs and resource events in the region.

Community Resource Fair Planning
Marci announced a community resource fair and requested interested parties to email her for participation, noting limited outlet availability. Martha discussed various community resources, including flu shots, car seat checks, and financial organization workshops. Estacia inquired about the medical equipment inventory list and donation process, which Martha addressed by confirming an updated system with a shared Google Doc for tracking donations and availability. Martha also highlighted the upcoming Community Showcase event in Dayton, emphasizing its focus on community resources, internships, and mentorship opportunities.

Community Events and Initiatives Update
The meeting covered several community events and initiatives. Estasia shared information about a job fair in Columbia County, which will feature over 30 businesses and organizations, including Dayton Auto and Bluewood, offering opportunities for internships and hiring. Martha highlighted the upcoming Free Community Flu Shot Clinic, which had a successful drive-through event the previous night, and discussed the BMAC assistance event on October 21st in Columbia County, emphasizing the importance of bringing required documentation for heating cost help. The group also touched on the Walla Walla Valley Disability Network's activities for National Disability Employment Awareness Month, including a paper party on October 8th, and mentioned a harvest party and chili cook-off event on October 29th for children, sponsored by Parent to Parent in Garfield County.

Flu Clinics and Community Events
Martha discussed upcoming flu clinics at the flu clinic and Palmer Medical Clinic on October 23rd, and mentioned energy assistance events in Garfield and Columbia Counties on October 29th. She also highlighted a rental space in the Brown Building, offering office space for $300/month and a community room for $100/4 hours, which will be used for events like birthday parties. Martha noted the success of a recent flu clinic and upcoming events like a bike rodeo on October 17th, which will focus on bike safety and include car seat checks. She also mentioned the cancellation of community meetings due to her illness.

Community Health Initiatives Update
The meeting focused on updates from various community health initiatives. Marci highlighted Michelle Brooks' efforts in securing temporary housing for a homeless student, while Kim Emery reported a high turnout for flu shots in Columbia County. Martha emphasized the importance of self-advocacy and resourcefulness in addressing community needs. The group discussed the development of resource lists for different counties, with a focus on identifying and sharing available resources. Estasia Collins mentioned that free Narcan is available at Public Health for those in need.