Submitted by the Washington State Department of Health.

A program created by the state Department of Health and partners to support people who have been exposed to or tested positive for COVID-19 has reached almost 13,500 people and played a role in saving lives. Working with local health jurisdictions and their partners, DOH launched Care Connect Washington in December to get services and support to people who need them in order to quarantine or isolate at home.

Through the program, regional networks of community-based partners connect clients to services they are eligible for, such as medication delivery, health care, helping to apply for unemployment, local housing agencies, food banks, childcare providers and more.

Care Connect also provides kits with crucial food and personal care items needed during isolation or quarantine at home. To date, Care Connect has distributed 25,000 food kits and 23,000 care kits to clients. Care kits include items like disposable masks, protective gloves, thermometers, hand soap and hand sanitizer. In addition to preventing new COVID-19 infections, the program has saved lives by providing pulse oximeters to clients who tested positive.

Care Connect services are available by referral only. Referrals come from a variety of sources, including case investigators and contact tracers, who ask about each person’s ability to successfully isolate or quarantine. Help is made available based on need.

You can learn more about Care Connect services and partners at doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/COVID19/CareConnectWashington.