Community Response Team Newsletter
Public Health & Emergency Preparedness Updates
February 27, 2023

Dear Community,

Change is in the air. After a Public Health Emergency was declared in March 2020, we have lived for three years under that declaration, which has allowed the government to free up a certain amount of resources to help us through the pandemic. At the end of March, with the National Public Health Emergency coming to an end (and California declaring an end to the state’s Public Health Emergency at the end of February), we will start to see some changes on the horizon in how we access some of the resources we have grown accustomed to having available, such as free vaccines, testing, and healthcare benefits.

On the vaccines front, the County COVID and Flu vaccine pop-ups that have regularly come out to West Marin are winding down and are set to end operations by the end of March. With that said, some vaccine opportunities will still exist out here through local medical providers, such as The West Marin Medical Center. Currently, COVID vaccines will continue to be free of charge and will stay that way until the federal government stockpile dries up. That may be some months away, but nonetheless access is going to be more limited.

We have also gotten used to a steady supply of free rapid COVID tests in all areas of West Marin. This supply chain will start to dwindle. However, as of now, we have a well-stockpiled supply in West Marin and we can continue our free COVID test distribution efforts for at least the next few months. It is also not too late to order from the federal government at https://www.covid.gov/tests. You can also get reimbursed by insurance for up to 8 tests per month.

The current federal stockpile of COVID treatments looks good but later in 2023 is where we might start seeing changes in access and cost. Remember if you are infected with COVID, you can get free, safe, and effective treatment at any age. Contact your healthcare provider or if uninsured or cannot access your provider, Sesame Care will offer free telehealth services and prescriptions for COVID treatment.

One of the more immediate and impactful changes to the Public Health Emergency ending is for those with Medi-Cal. By March 31st, there will be no more automatic re-enrollment and California will resume its normal process to redetermine eligibility. Learn more about the end of the continuous coverage requirement.

For those needing medical care of all sorts, and are under or uninsured, know that The Ritter Center's Street Medicine and the SPAHR Center will be bringing their healthcare services to West Marin again this month to Point Reyes Station (March 2) and Bolinas (March 30). Please see the details below. Learn more about the services they bring here.

On a topic that has only increased in its severity since the pandemic started, The SPAHR Center is hosting a frank discussion about the fentanyl crisis on March 15, 22, and 25. This will include Narcan training which is open to teens, parents, and other concerned adults. In-person and Zoom options are both available. Learn more here.

Lastly, as we turn our efforts into pandemic recovery, know that there are financial assistance opportunities in West Marin. West Marin Community Services has financial assistance if you or your family have lost income due to COVID infections. Learn more in English and Spanish. Also, Community Action Marin and Health and Human Services are having a financial assistance event in Bolinas on March 2nd. Learn more in English and Spanish.


Take care and stay safe,
The West Marin Community Response Team