Procedures, Services, and Resources During Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak
During the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, we expect some service and program disruptions at Unity Care NW. We will also need to change procedures at our health centers to protect patients and staff. This page will be updated regularly with the latest information about program and service suspensions and new procedures for receiving care at Unity Care NW.
Arriving to your appointment
Unity Care NW has implemented new procedures for all patients arriving at our health centers. In order to protect the health and safety of patients and staff:
1. Patients are asked to call (360) 676-6177 to make an appointment. At this time, we are unable to accommodate walk-in appointments.
2. Arriving patients will be screened before entering the building. A greeter will take your temperature and ask you several questions.
3. Everyone entering a Unity Care NW facility will be required to wear a mask. You can bring your own, or we can provide one to you. If you are unable to wear a mask, you may be able to schedule a telehealth appointment. Call (360) 676-6177 to discuss your options.
4. Only one parent or caregiver may accompany children or patients in need of assistance into the health center. All other patients are asked to come to their appointment alone. If you are accompanying a child, please leave other children at home, if it is possible to do so.
5. Please cleanse your hands before entering at our hand washing station.
6. Our restroom facilities are reserved for patients only at this time. Only those patients who have a scheduled appointment or are accompanying a patient and have been screened for entry have access at this time.
Change to North Whatcom Health Center Pharmacy Hours
Effective Tuesday, April 7, the North Whatcom Health Center Pharmacy hours will be Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., with a closure from 1:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. for lunch. Bellingham Pharmacy hours are unchanged.
Behavioral Health Groups and Acupuncture Services Suspended
All Unity Care NW Behavioral Health groups and acupuncture services are suspended until further notice due to COVID-19. We will notify participants when we are able to resume. You can also stay up-to-date by checking for updates on this page or under Latest News on our website.
COVID-19 Changes to Medical Record Requests
We no longer accepting walk-in records requests or permitting patients to pick their records up in our office. The one exception is for patients with a scheduled appointment who arrange to pick up records at the time of their appointment. All other records requests will be delivered by U.S. mail, fax, or through the Patient Portal.
Housing Assistance and Bellingham Food Bank News
There are two new housing assistance programs to help people having difficulty with rent and mortgages payments because of COVID-19. Find more information about eligibility about these programs and how to get help here.
Also, the Bellingham Food Bank is now offering pre-packed food boxes at updated drive-up locations below, until further notice. You can visit twice a week and choose any location. There is car, walk-up, and bike accessibility. You can pick up food boxes for up to two families. For more information about dates, times, and locations, click here for flyers in English, Spanish, and Russian.
WIC Program
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) is open for business! Benefits are delivered remotely. To find the WIC clinic near you, call 1-800-322-2588 or text “WIC” to 96859. If your situation has changed due to COVID-19, you may qualify for WIC. Find out by calling 1-800-322-2588. Families who don’t use WIC could help our WIC families by leaving WIC products on the shelf and choosing something else if possible. The products marked with a WIC shelf tag are the only things WIC families are able to buy with their WIC benefit.
Interested in Donating Supplies for Health Care Workers?
Information on making donations through the Whatcom County Unified Command can be found here.
Transportation Resources
You can find information about Whatcom Transit Authority (WTA) and its response to COVID-19 here.
Tips on Dealing with Stress and Isolation
As we’re asked to physically distance ourselves from one another, we can quickly become isolated. These tips on managing the stress and uncertainty of this moment may be helpful: here and here.