LifeWays Suspends Non-Essential Services; Other Changes

(March 16, 2020 8:03 PM) Due to the continuing spread of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the United States, LifeWays has focused significant efforts on sustaining our mission of providing outstanding behavioral health services while ensuring the safety of both consumers and staff. LifeWays will be moving to Tier-3 level of preparedness as of March 17, 2020. This means LifeWays will only offer the following essential services and utilize telehealth where possible. As always, please continue to use our 24/7 Access Crisis Line at 1 (800) 284-8288.

Essential services will occur at both locations: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through Friday

• Medical Services will continue to provide urgent injections and post-hospital services.
  Genoa Healthcare (1200 N W Ave #500, Jackson, MI 49202) and Segue, Inc. (212 E. Biddle St. Jackson, MI 49203 and 3200 W. Carleton Rd. Hillsdale, MI 49242) are backups for injections.
• Crisis Residential and the Respite Center will remain open.
• Medication Delivery, Community Living Supports, and Residential will continue with current plans for balancing necessary face-to-face services with telehealth. 
• Home-based providers will utilize telehealth whenever possible and use face-to-face services only as a last resort.

Non-Essential Services by phone or telehealth.

• Brief screens and intake assessments will continue over the phone at 1 (800) 284-8288.
• Medical Services medication refills and appointments by telehealth, when possible.
• Case Management, Outpatient Therapy and Jail Services will transition to only telehealth.
• Integrated Health will provide care management and wellness coaching over the phone.

Non-Essential Services suspended.

• Wellness groups and fitness coaching at the YMCA are suspended.
• Crisis R&R and Transportation Services are suspended. 

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.
                                                                                   

All people will be screened for symptoms prior to entering the Jackson building and in the lobby at the Hillsdale building.  Because LifeWays serves potentially vulnerable individuals, such as those with underlying health conditions (e.g., diabetes, heart disease, lung disease), as well as a large segment of individuals over the age of 65 years, we are asking all consumers with fever, cough, sore throat or shortness of breath, recent travel or contact with someone with a confirmed case of COVID-19 to remain home. We are also asking for all consumers to avoid presenting to LifeWays if they or a household member has had a fever within the past 72 hours.

We sincerely appreciate your flexibility during this time to help us ensure the health and safety of all the consumers as well as LifeWays staff. During infectious disease outbreaks, our mental health is often affected. Amid such an outbreak, you should monitor your 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.