COVID – 19 (Coronavirus) Response

Statement from Andy Wolfskill, CEO of Child & Family Guidance Center

March 13, 2020, Dallas, Texas

To Our Valued Clients and Consumers,
 
As our communities continue to feel the increased impact of COVID-19 (Coronavirus), it is important to share with you what we are doing to help keep people safe and healthy.  Please be assured we have been getting information from multiple local, county, federal, and even international sources and will continue to monitor these sources for additional information and recommendations.  The health of our employees, staff, and clients will continue to be of the utmost importance.  Following the guidance of the sources mentioned above, we have been in an “information sharing” phase.  If you have visited one of our locations, you have seen the signage posted providing information regarding stopping the spread of germs.  These signs provide important information about; hand washing, how to cover a cough or sneeze, avoiding close contact with others, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, not touching your face, and not coming to work if you are sick.
 
As of today, Dallas County has issued a Public Health Emergency Disaster Declaration after its first case of community-spread COVID-19 coronavirus.  In response to the declaration Child & Family Guidance Center (CFGC) is moving from an information sharing phase to a more active prevention phase.  Again, with guidance from multiple sources, CFGC will be implementing the following for the safety of those we serve:

  • Every presenting client will be greeted at the front door of each location for a brief health screening.  This screening will ask five questions:
    1. Have you been running a temperature or fever of 100.4 degrees or more in the last 48 hours?
    2. Have you been coughing, sneezing, or experienced difficulty breathing today?
    3. Have you vomited or had diarrhea today?
    4. Have you traveled internationally in the last 14 days?
    5. Do you have any chronic health conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes?
  • Any presenting client, parent, or guardian who answers “yes” to any of these questions will be given a mask to wear and asked to remain outside while staff attempt to secure prescriptions lasting until the client’s next appointment.  Where necessary, clients will be taken to an office where they can wait alone and not be in close contact with others.  These clients will be referred to urgent care or their primary care physician.
  • Clients over the age of 60 or who have chronic health conditions will be taken to a separate waiting area so as to avoid close contact with as many people as possible.
  • As part of the greeting at the door, every person entering the building will be asked to have their temperature taken with a “no-touch” thermometer.  If a person has a temperature of 100.4 degrees or more, the guidelines outlined above will be followed.
  • Chairs will be spread out in lobby areas to avoid close contact.  Some chairs have been removed to accomplish this and second waiting areas are being utilized.
  • Everyone is being asked to not shake hands.
  • Cleaning crews have been asked to increase efforts to disinfect all surface areas and door knobs.
  • Clients receiving field based services or “in-home” services will receive a phone triage call and be asked the five health screening questions listed above regarding everyone living in the home.  If the client answers “yes” to any of the five questions, the visit will be rescheduled.  If the CFGC employee is not able to complete a phone triage, the employee will complete the five question health screen at first contact before enter the client’s home or location of the meeting.  Employees will stand at least five feet away from others while completing the screening.  If the client answers “yes” to any of the screening questions, the appointment will be rescheduled and the client referred to urgent care or their primary care physician.
  • CFGC will be limiting visitors.  Presenting clients and children may enter, but all other adult visitors are asked to remain outside or in their vehicles.
  • Reminder calls and text messaging will include information regarding steps being taken in response to COVID-19.  Clients who are experiencing symptoms will be asked to call to reschedule.
  • CFGC is looking to increase the availability of tele-health services.
 
All the talk about the coronavirus understandably has many worried.  Health officials are urging providers to remain calm and we are encouraging those we serve to assist us in our efforts to remain calm.  Our top priority is the health and safety of those we serve and our staff.  We will continue to monitor the appropriate sources for information and guidance, and as the situation evolves we will be updating staff and clients with new information and decisions regarding service provision and operations.
 
For more information on Child & Family Guidance Center, visit www.childrenandfamilies.org.
Below are resources and information to help you stay informed on COVID-19:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the most reliable source of information for individuals and businesses.

Dallas County Department of Health and Human Services is a great source of information and resources, and is closely monitoring local cases across Dallas County.

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is working closely with CDC in monitoring any developments.

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