LifeWays Moves to Tier 3 Response Level; Reintroduces Some Onsite Services

In conjunction Michigan’s Stay Home, Stay Safe Order being lifted, LifeWays Community Mental Health has transitioned from Tier 4 COVID-19 level on its Preparedness and Response Plan to Tier 3.

LifeWays Tier 3 Services: Adding minimal staff on-site as well program on-site activities, including face-to-face contacts only for those deemed appropriate. 

This means that:

• Screening protocols will continue, social distancing requirements will continue, telehealth codes will remain active, and group meetings will continue to be held via video.
  

• LifeWays will begin adding in some face-to-face services for those individuals who are requesting face-to-face services, as well as those who are experiencing psychiatric decompensation or requesting a service. A review will occur to determine appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) necessary for face-to-face versus Telehealth for service provision. This includes emergency services, Crisis Services, Access Services, Outpatient Therapy, Children’s Home-based, Peer Services, Case Management/Supports Coordination, Private Duty Nursing, Personal Care, Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Therapy, and Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) services.

• On Tuesday, June 2 the Center for Family Health Hybrid Clinic (primary care) restarts operations on Tuesdays from 1-5.
  

• Administrative staff will maintain remote or begin partial remote as space and PPE allow.
  

• All staff will be required to wear a mask when in the office and at all home visits. Masks will also be available to provide to consumers. No staff will go into a face-to-face contact without first completing a health screening.
  

• Screenings will occur curbside and once cleared the individual will be escorted to the lobby or other waiting area.
  

• All staff will be required to participate in identified training regarding PPE and COVID-19 issues, with documented completion prior to returning on site.

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. According to the Centers for Disease Control, reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed cases.

LifeWays extends appreciation to the community for flexibility during this time to help ensure the health and safety of its consumers and LifeWays staff. Amid this pandemic, LifeWays encourages everyone to monitor their own physical and mental health. Know the signs of stress and try to recognize it in yourself and your loved ones. If you are struggling with your mental health, you can contact LifeWays Community Mental Health 24/7 at 1 (800) 284-8288.

LifeWays Community Mental Health

LifeWays Community Mental Health provides mental health support, information, and services to residents of Jackson and Hillsdale counties. LifeWays ensures that all county residents who have a severe mental illness, emotional disturbance, intellectual or developmental disability, or substance use disorder receive the services they need to assist them in recovery. For more information, visit LifeWaysCMH.org. Hope and help begin at LifeWays Community Mental Health.