Written by: Luana Yoshikawa-Scanlan, PRIME
During a pandemic, service providers can redirect social services and psychosocial support through online, phone, social distanced mechanisms. Several tools for communicating safety and reducing fear during pandemics were piloted prior to the COVID-19 outbreak. Digital interventions have been confirmed to promote and enable safety behaviors (Decker, et al., 2020). Virtual interventions have been successfully tested to address gendered burdens and their impact specifically on women (Viveiros, et al., 2020). A few surveys indicate that victims prefer guided online support and found web-based interventions ‘supportive and a motivation for action’ (Hegarty, et al., 2019, Jewkes, et al., 2020, Koziol-McLain, et al., 2018). The following web-based applications can help victims establish safety: https://www.myplanapp.org/ myPlan – the app content, interface and implementation can be adapted for use in American Samoa. A study in Kenya demonstrated its high feasibility, and the acceptability of community-partnered technology-based safety planning interventions like this (Decker, et al, 2020). MyPlan has a ‘My Safety’ risk assessment section that converts responses to validated levels of exposure to danger. The ‘My Priorities’ section is an interactive visual aid to set priorities for safety – gauging importance between priorities such as privacy, severity of violence, wellbeing of children, social support etc. and emphasizes importance of safety and inclusiveness (Glass, et al., 2015, Decker, et al., 2020).
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Written by: Luana Yoshikawa-Scanlan, MBA, PRIME. Photos from: (1) https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/photo/face-mask-with-painkillers-royalty-free-image/1218077734?utm_medium=organic&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=iptcurl (2)
In addition to developing effective vaccines to protect us against the worst symptoms of COVID-19, amazing scientists created drugs to treat symptoms before they progress into life-threatening complications. There are two types of drug treatments approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or FDA: Veklury or remdesivir, an antiviral drug, for adults and some children. Commonly known as remdesivir, this drug is delivered through intravenous therapy or an IV. The second is Olumiant which helps the adult immune system fight infection when hospitalized with COVID-19. These drugs are not substitutes for the COVID-19 vaccine, they simply provide additional support once you are infected and if you experience symptoms. There are several additional treatments approved under the national Emergency Use Authorization for public health emergencies such as a surge of COVID-19 infections. Monoclonal antibody treatments for adults and children contain antibodies to fight infection. These come in pill form and IV therapy to reduce the risk of experiencing the most severe COVID symptoms. Prevention treatments include Evusheld; bebtelovimab is a monoclonal antibody treatment; oral antiviral therapies include Lagevrio, Paxlovid, and Renal Paxlovid. As of May 23, 2022, the following therapeutics were reportedly in stock at the LBJ Hospital*: Bebtelovimab Paxlovid Lagevrio (molnupiravir) Evusheld As of May 20, 2022, the following therapeutics were reportedly in stock at the Amouli Health Center*: Bebtelovimab Paxlovid Lagevrio (molnupiravir) *Source: https://covid-19-therapeutics-locator-dhhs.hub.arcgis.com/ If you test positive for COVID-19, by either a health worker or using an at-home kit, you may be eligible for treatment. Visit your doctor to report symptoms you are experiencing. Based on your medical history, symptoms, and health risks you may receive treatment, or it may be determined that you are healthy enough to fight off the disease without treatment. Most people experience mild, cold-like symptoms which go away on their own within days much like the common cold. Rest, lots of water, social distancing, and healthy foods support the immune system’s ability to fight the virus. Again, treatment is not a substitute for vaccination. Vaccines protect you against severe symptoms that would put you in the hospital, and possible death. Treatments provide added support to the immune system to fight the virus. Resources: Visit the Department of Health’s Facebook page for daily updates on test, vaccination, and treatment sites: https://www.facebook.com/americansamoadoh or partner sites for more information: https://www.facebook.com/ACTASONEamericansamoa https://www.facebook.com/AmericanSamoaAlliance https://omny.fm/shows/pacificmedianetwork/covid-19-messages-for-our-pacific-community Written by: Luana Yoshikawa-Scanlan, MBA, PRIME Consultant; Photo from: https://www.samoanews.com/features/thousands-take-part-samoa-mass-covid-19-vax-drive-photo-caption First and foremost, victim services must be categorized ‘essential services’ by the local government to ensure access to the women’s shelter, court, and protection orders. Secondly, advocates can organize community responses to stay-at-home orders:
The 2020 IPSOS Pub poll shows 1 in 5 Americans under age 35 sought professional counseling since the pandemic began which indicates a need to address the impact of social isolation among young people. Tools like the Daily Coping Toolkit (smartpatients.com) and the free COVID Coach app (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gov.va.mobilehealth.ncptsd.covid&hl=en_US) focus on wellbeing in the face of COVID related environmental changes that impact mental health outcomes. Several domestic violence and mental health websites offer tools to apply ‘psychological first aid’ (PFA) to address health anxiety – stress directly resulting from COVID-19 and related impacts such as violence: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/pfa-mobile/id551079424 The free PFA Mobile app was designed by the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs to assist first responders who provide psychological first aid or PFA. The app can be used by victim advocates and outreach workers. The PFA Pocket Guide includes a day-to-day Stress Assessment and other exercises to understand self-care, the stress from caring for others, personal factors and support systems. https://www.globalfirstaidcentre.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/19-0420PS-PFA_Pocket_Guide_2020_EN_FA.pdf The ABCDE Handbook guides the lay-person in applying PFA in various crisis contexts. https://www.preventionweb.net/publications/view/67196 Written by: Kathy Fitisone, ASADSV Staff
After many months of closed borders followed by many months of exclusive repatriation flights, we have finally arrived at some sort of normalcy with flights to and from the mainland, albeit not as often or as regular as we are used to but nonetheless, the opportunity to travel exists. What still remains the same in our fight against COVID-19 is the process of quarantining for a certain period of time before being released out into the general population. Because the flight schedules are not set in stone and because many possible outcomes could cause the duration of quarantine to be longer than normal, there is the possibility that you may have to spend Christmas in quarantine. Bah-humbug you may say. Stop being such a Grinch. Look on the bright side of things to have a holly, jolly, merry Christmas.
If you must be in quarantine during Christmas, we ask that you make the most of it. Be thankful you are home. Many people wish they could be home for the holidays; you are one step closer and we are excited to have you home! American Samoa has been extremely fortunate to date to not have experienced the effects of COVID-19 encountered by so many countries throughout the world. We have seen our government leaders and various Government agencies at the forefront of this battle and they should be commended for putting procedures and policies in place that have allowed us to continue life as normal as possible with very minimal interruptions. We continue to ask everyone to adhere to the COVID-19 procedures of getting vaccinated and boosted, quarantining, social distancing, wearing a mask, and keeping hands and faces clean. Also keep abreast of updates from the CDC and the latest news regarding COVID-19. We as a community must continue to do our part – even if it means quarantining during Christmas. Merry Quarantine Christmas and welcome home! Ia manuia le Kerisimasi, malo le malaga manuia mai! Written by: PROVISION Media
With Covid-19 and the Delta Variant cases still on the rise, it’s important that we remain mindful during this holiday season and don’t let our guard down. Whether you are vaccinated or not, we can still enjoy the things we love and spend time with our loved ones, but we need to take extra precautions to keep everyone safe. As we gather for the holidays, let us not forget that those 65 and older are at high risk, as well as those with underlying medical conditions; such as asthma, a weakened immune system, heart conditions, or diabetes. Here are some tips and guidance that can help: Shopping: Wear a mask at all times. If you go shopping, plan and pick a time to avoid large crowds. Keep your distance and make a list to do your best to stay on task. If possible, shop online. Traveling: If you have to travel take extra precautions by wearing your mask at all times, keeping your distance, minimizing contact with others, and always washing your hands. Gatherings: During gatherings, try to plan for a smaller get-together with friends or family who live near you. Keep the area well ventilated and remember that being outdoors is always better than indoors. If you feel sick or have symptoms don’t host or attend any gatherings. Put a friendly sign on the door encouraging loved ones to refrain from kissing or hugging each other when greeting them. Remember, the main goal is to be safe with loved ones during the holidays. The Samoan culture is very family-oriented and we love to have get-togethers, but we must do our best to keep our loved ones safe. Often when greeting someone, a kiss or hug is exchanged. Instead, try a simple hello with a nod of the head to try and show respect. Explain to them you want to keep them safe and would hate for them to get sick. Do your best to keep your distance, wash your hands, and if you don’t feel well, don’t attend. These things sound simple, but sometimes they are very hard to do because we don’t want to offend anyone. It’s crucial that with monthly flights now entering our territory, we be educated and help keep our friends and family safe. As simple as it may sound, it’s up to us to do our part. Remember the main goal, is to be with loved ones and to enjoy the holidays without worrying about getting anyone sick. Photo retrieved from: https://www.ebay.com/itm/samoa-PAGO-PAGO-The-Gathering-Place-1920s-RPPC-Postcard-/233125885789?_ul=IL Written by: PROVISION Media
On Friday, November 19, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control expanded the COVID-19 booster eligibility to include all adults. This clears the way for more Americans to get protection against the virus. In the United States, infections have increased by 33 percent on average over the past few weeks, to 94,000 a day. The CDC’s decision landed just as Americans prepare to spend the holidays with family and friends, gatherings likely to accelerate the trend. Faced with rising infections and the surge in holiday travel, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday endorsed booster shots of the coronavirus vaccines for all Americans over the age of 18. Americans can now get their COVID-19 booster shots from Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson. As with the first round of vaccines, some people may experience a few mild to moderate flu-like symptoms after the shot. Here are 5 Common Side Effects After Each Booster: 1. According to clinical trial data collected by Pfizer-BioNTech, the most commonly reported side effects after the booster shot were: -Injection site pain -Fatigue -Headache -Muscle pain -Chills Source: Pfizer-BioNTech/FDA 2. According to clinical trial data collected by Moderna, the most commonly reported side effects after the booster shot were: -Injection site pain -Fatigue -Headache -Muscle pain -Joint pain Source: Moderna/FDA 3. According to clinical trial data collected by Johnson & Johnson, the most commonly reported side effects after the booster shot were: -Injection site pain -Fatigue -Headache -Muscle pain -Nausea Source: Johnson & Johnson /FDA Anyone who has received their first two doses of Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine at least six months ago is now eligible for the booster. Anyone who got the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least two months ago is now eligible. Most people should get the booster shot once eligible, but everyone’s individual health is different. If you have questions or concerns, consult with your doctor before proceeding. Experts say, “It’s a low risk, high reward choice.” The booster shots are available in American Samoa. Please contact the Department of Health (DOH) to find out the locations and times available. It’s up to us to make a change. Written by: Kathy Fitisone, Asst Office Mgr, Alliance
American Samoa has been extremely fortunate that we have not experienced the raging effects of COVID that are being experienced throughout the world. We are thankful for all those on the frontline who have put systems in place to ensure the safety of our island population. While the processes and procedures in place are not one-hundred percent fool-proof, they have allowed us to repatriate our loved ones. They have allowed for minimal travel so that those wanting to come home and those needing to leave may have the option. One of the processes currently in place upon arrival to American Samoa is quarantining for a pre-determined length. This is probably the most enduring part of the process. The traveler is in a state of limbo – home, but not yet home. It can be a source of frustration for those on either side of the fence. How can we help? There are several ways to support the process. First and foremost, we must all abide by the established rules and procedures. Trying to circumnavigate the quarantine process could be detrimental to the well-being of the entire population. Stay away from the Quarantine Sites until Drop Off Days. Secondly, if you know someone in quarantine, let them know you are there to support them – call, message, video chat. See if there are things you can do for them that will help make the transition easier once they are released (maybe pay their phone bill or air out their house). It is not easy being isolated and alone, so a little love and kindness will definitely go a long way. Keep abreast of what is happening in the community. The Department of Health is doing a great job disseminating important COVID-19 related information through various media outlets. Trust the process and know that those in charge have the best interest of the entire island at hand and at heart. Finally, remember to practice good hygiene – washing hands and using hand sanitizer, wearing masks where and when required, and practicing social distancing. Written by Tina Tofaeono, PROVISION
Our island has been blessed to not have Covid or the Delta variant on our beautiful shores. The Department of Health continues to increase awareness regarding vaccination, and at least 59.9% of our total population has received at least one dose and 53.1% are fully vaccinated [1] With our borders closed we feel safe, but those countries who have opened borders are concerned with new variants. Currently, the Delta variant is the most prominent strain of Covid-19 and has been reported in 96 countries. The symptoms of the Delta variant appear to be the same as Covid-19. However, doctors are seeing people getting sick quicker. Typically, vaccinated people who contract the Delta Variant are either asymptomatic or have very mild. Their symptoms are like those of a common cold, such as cough, fever, or headache with the addition of loss of smell. Unfortunately, the Lambda variant, which is out of South American is also emerging. With the Delta variant sweeping across our nation some experts are recommending wearing masks, even if you are fully vaccinated. Health experts are urging people that want to get back to a “normal” lifestyle to get vaccinated. If people remain unvaccinated, new strains of the virus will continue to develop and cause problems. They’re also advising vaccinated people to avoid large gatherings and to mask up indoors where the vaccination status of others is unknown. This is to protect yourself as well as anyone that is not vaccinated because there’s still so much unknown about this variant. Vaccination is the best protection against the variant and the FDA approved the first vaccine earlier this week. The Pfizer vaccine is a two-dose vaccine, with a waiting period between the first and second shot. American Samoa has been offering vaccines, but we still have a long way to go. Remember to protect yourself and your loved ones by having clean hands, wearing a mask (that covers your nose and your mouth at the same time), and that your hands are clean when putting on and taking off your mask. If you’re using a cloth mask, make sure to wash it regularly and dispose of any disposable face masks and continue to practice social distancing. “If it is sunny out, people put sunscreen on as a precaution. If you are at a crowded gathering, potentially with unvaccinated people, put your mask on and keep your distance.” Says Dr. Yildirim. Although we do not have COVID in our territory, we must act as if we do. It is up to us to do our part. We are a close-knit community, dedicated to our families and love for our villages and our churches. It’s common for us to greet one another with a kiss or a hug, but we need to be careful during this time. A simple head nod with a smile or even an elbow bump will have to do, during these changing times. This virus has taken many loved ones and like everything in life, this is an ongoing risk. [1] First regular HA flight postponed—rescheduled Sept. 13—maybe. (Samoa News, 2021). Retrieved: https://www.samoanews.com/local-news/first-regular-ha-flight-postponed-rescheduled-sept-13-maybe Written by: Luana Yoshikawa-Scanlan, MBA, PRIME Consultants
Is it more important to be Equal or Equitable?Dominykas Niaura, a writer on the staff of ‘BoredPanda.com’ posted a story shared by a teacher logged in as ‘aloneindarkness7’ (2019). This teacher starts her school year off with a simple lesson in equity for her 8-year-old students: I have students pretend they got hurt and need a band-aid. I ask the first one where they are hurt. If he says his finger, I put the band-aid on his finger. Then I ask the second one where they hurt. No matter what the child says I put the band-aid on their finger exactly like the first child. I keep doing that through the whole class. No matter where they say their injury is, I do the same thing I did with the first child. After they’ve all received band-aids, in the same spot, I ask if that actually helped any of them other than the first child. They’ll try to get me to understand that they were hurt somewhere else. I act like I’m just now understanding what they needed. Then I explain, “there might be moments this year where some of you get different things (in the classroom) because you need them differently, just like you needed a band-aid in a different spot.” While equal and equitable may sound alike, achieving equity can lead to significantly better results for people who need resources, and opportunities, in a different way from others. Equality means everyone is treated the same way as if they have no individual differences or needs, and in so doing they should share the same experiences and the same results from their efforts. Equity means treating people according to what they need to achieve the same experiences as others and the same results from their efforts. All people do not need the same things. Social barriers like racism and wealth, personal barriers like disabilities, age, and gender can make it difficult for people to access resources and opportunities. For example, free healthcare may make a hospital visit equally available for everyone, but those without transportation to the hospital may not receive that healthcare in a fair way. They may need additional assistance such as a bus pass or taxi fare in order to access the hospital. The issue is the inherent lack of something, which in many cases is the lack of access to the opportunity to even try, that others may not have to deal with in their quest for healthcare. Are policies fair to all people? Are resources accessible by all people? Equity in policy and government is needed to ensure that people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse limitations, can attain their goals by providing opportunity and access to everyone fairly according to their circumstance. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control defines health equity as a process and equality as an outcome of that process (cdc.gov/minorityhealth). In this article we focus on health equity as a process, and access to COVID-19 vaccination as the outcome. Kaiser Permanente is one of the largest nonprofit healthcare provider systems in the U.S. with over 12 million members. Kaiser defines health equity as the ‘fair and just treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all people in pursuit of their health and well-being.’ (Kaiser Permanente COVID-19 Vaccine Equity Toolkit, 2021) Kaiser provides examples of ‘enablers of vaccine equity’ including flexible hours at vaccine sites, multilingual site staff and information materials, transportation to the sites. These enablers meet the diverse needs of people wanting access to a life-saving vaccine. The people of American Samoa, regardless of status have been given equitable access to COVID-19 vaccination. Not only were shipments of vaccines received immediately from the CDC, but the local healthcare system set up ‘vaccine enablers’ like multiple vaccine sites throughout the islands, with transportation to and from sites, and multilingual healthcare providers available to answer questions. This is one of the few times that we, as a community, have experienced health equity. Unfortunately, this is not the case in other countries. The unequal distribution of COVID-19 vaccines throughout the world prompted the (WHO) World Health Organization’s Director-General to declare, “Vaccine equity is the challenge of our time.” (https://news.un.org). Less than ‘one-percent of the population in low- and middle-income countries’ is vaccinated as of August 3, 2021 according to the Global Dashboard for COVID-19 Vaccine Equity https://data.undp.org/vaccine-equity/. Wealthier countries like the U.S. have committed to shipping vaccines to poorer countries. However, the lack of infrastructure and manpower to administer vaccines in many of these underdeveloped countries require an average 57% increase in health budgets to vaccinate 70% of their population (WHO). The shipping of vaccines to these countries (providing equal numbers of vaccine shots) does not achieve access or equitable vaccination in these countries. It is simply the ‘band-aid’ for the problem. In 2019, Samoa experienced an unprecedented outbreak of measles, resulting in 5707 cases and at least 83 deaths. Simply sending measles vaccines to Samoa was not enough to stop the disease. Lt. Governor of Hawai’i, Dr. Josh Green, assembled a cohort of 65 doctors and nurses to join 150 immunization teams from New Zealand and Australia to immunize 50,000 people in Samoa. The WHO-backed mission was described as ‘organized chaos’ [1] by reporters as volunteer healthcare providers managed to keep vaccines cold without proper containers, assess sick children without being able to speak the Samoan language, and distribute vaccines with limited resources. Based on the medical team’s experiences, if the vaccines had been simply shipped to Samoa it would have taken longer to reach the vaccination goal and possibly resulted in more deaths. While Samoa would have had vaccines in hand (equality with other countries), it lacked the infrastructure and manpower to vaccinate 50,000 people in one week (the enablers for vaccine equity). Equality meant the vaccines were in Samoa. Equity meant that vaccines were in the arms of the people. The ultimate goal is to ‘liberate’ our world from disease. But until such time, we should strive for equity beyond equality. [1] https://www.civilbeat.org/2019/12/hawaii-medical-team-delivers-vaccines-to-measles-ravaged-samoa-2/ During the Covid-19 Pandemic the Alliance has received an increase in requests for assistance from victims of domestic violence. The requests are simple, “I need to get away from my abuser, can you help?” During the Pandemic, the Alliance has provided aid to victims through support letters to access travel to the mainland. We offered cellphone and cellphone plans for advocates to be accessible. Victims have been able to contact us through our social media platforms to request assistance to leave their abusers, and we continue to provide information about the intersections of COVID-19 and domestic violence every month in our newsletters, social media, and our website to increase education for our community. Our ability to do this has been due to the funding provided in March of 2020 through the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act Supplemental funding
. On May 24, 2021 Human and Health Social Services announced $200 Million in American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding awarded to support domestic violence survivors and their children. As the dual coalition, the Alliance was awarded over $200,000 to be used in the next five years to offer critical support for victims of violence. There is flexibility in the provisions of the funding to provide supportive services which include counseling mobile advocacy, peer support, relocation expenses, etc. Please follow us as we develop meaningful ways to assist victims of domestic violence through ARP funds. Over the next few months, we will share with the community new services available to help victims of violence navigate away from their abusers, to find healthier lives. The Alliance will continue to boost knowledge regarding COVID-19 and impact on increasing violence for our families. We will continue to support local advocates through cellphone services, electronic usage, making it easier to access their clients and information to improve the lives of those harmed by domestic violence. We will be introducing assistance for travel to help victims leave their victims in cases where that is their only hope to survive. When victims state, “I can’t afford to leave.” We are excited to inform the community about what we will be doing over the next five years to increase safety, and wellness for our community. Please continue to follow us as we share. |
AuthorWritten by staff or Alliance Partners |