Let me be the first to welcome you back! ICHS has reopened our dental clinics following Gov. Jay Inslee’s announcement on Monday, May 18 that dental services can resume. We are taking every possible precaution to ensure the safety and well-being of you and your loved ones so you can get the preventative care you deserve. In addition to in-person appointments, we have telemedicine options available for virtual visits.
Over the past few weeks, our dental teams have received training on safety policies and procedures to deliver care during this unprecedented time. We have also made all necessary changes to meet Washington state public health criteria for reopening.
While things may be different at our clinics, one thing hasn’t changed: our commitment to your health.
Screening: All patients, visitors and staff are screened and have their temperatures checked before entering ICHS facilities. Staff are trained to identify COVID-19 symptoms.
Masking: We are following universal masking procedures.
Safety Equipment: Dental providers are fully equipped with masks, face shields and other safety equipment during all appointments to ensure staff and patient safety.
Waiting times: We have updated appointment scheduling to expedite patient visits.
Layout: We have modified ICHS facilities to support physical distancing.
Cleaning: We are thoroughly cleaning all surfaces and sanitizing equipment before and after each patient.
Call us today at 206.788.3700 to schedule an appointment. We are also here to address your concerns via telephone triage services and care coordination by phone.
Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to caring for you!
Seattle-Based Community Health Center is one of 12 Receiving Financial Support from the Non-Profit Organization
The Siemens Foundation today announced it is providing $100,000 to International Community Health Services (ICHS) to respond to the COVID-19 crisis. The community health center is one of 12 receiving financial support from the non-profit organization established by Siemens USA. Aligning with its dedication to social equity, the Siemens Foundation, including funding provided to it by Siemens Healthineers, is committing a total of $1.5 million to support these critical healthcare providers so they can continue serving their communities when they are needed most.
“We are grateful to the Siemens Foundation and its support of ICHS’ essential role in maintaining the health of our communities,” said Teresita Batayola, ICHS CEO. “ICHS is needed now, more than ever and these funds support our viability and strength. This generous gift helps us meet the challenge of ensuring health care for all, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. It supports ICHS efforts to deliver new remote models of care and bolsters our partnership in state efforts to reduce transmission through increased testing.”
This grant will help ICHS continue to provide services to vulnerable populations amid pandemic-related funding challenges and unanticipated financial burdens. Since its founding in the early 1970s, ICHS has been a primary source of affordable, in-language health care for the region’s diverse residents. Last year, ICHS served over 32,000 patients at its 11 locations, 69 percent of whom were low income and about 7 percent uninsured.
“Community Health Centers are the backbone of health care for low-income and vulnerable communities,” Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA). “The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly strained CHC personnel and resources, who are already underfunded. This generous donation to International Community Health Services will help them to continue their incredible work protecting and improving the health and safety of patients at a time when support for health care providers is desperately needed.”
“International Community Health Services is tirelessly working on the frontlines of the COVID-19 response, ensuring that historically marginalized and vulnerable communities receive the resources and care they need during this pandemic,” said Seattle Mayor Jenny A. Durkan. “I’m heartened to learn that their deep commitment to health and equity continues to be recognized, and grateful for their longstanding investment in the health of wellness of our community.”
ICHS was selected using equity criteria developed by the Siemens Foundation in consultation with the National Association of Community Health Centers, the Minnesota Association of Community Health Centers, and Siemens. The center is free to use the funding as it deems necessary in response to the crisis.
“As the COVID-19 crisis disproportionately threatens lower-income and medically underserved communities, it’s important for us to support the institutions that sustain our social compact,” said David Etzwiler, CEO of the Siemens Foundation. “Community health centers and their staff are on the front lines providing primary care every day and they now play an especially critical role in our medical services infrastructure when emergency services and hospital settings are overwhelmed. Vital services like these are paramount to supporting equity across America.”
The $1.5 million total commitment is funded, in part, by the Siemens Healthineers Fund of the Siemens Foundation, supported by Siemens Healthineers business in the United States.
“It is a critical time to ensure all patients and families are able to access the care they need,” said Dave Pacitti, Siemens Foundation Board of Directors member; President of Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.; and Head of the Americas for Siemens Healthineers. “The nation’s community health centers are a vital safety net for millions of patients, and these investments will help them to continue providing affordable care that strengthens the entire U.S. healthcare system in combatting the pandemic.”
ICHS has temporarily added a free pharmacy home delivery service for your added safety and convenience during the Covid-19 outbreak and the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order. Now, there is no need to wait in a pharmacy line or make an extra trip. Your prescriptions* and over-the-counter medications will be delivered, hassle-free within two business days.
New prescriptions
Getting a new prescription? Simply tell your ICHS provider you would like to sign up for home delivery.
Refills and transfers
Just call us to arrange home delivery for your next refill or after transferring your prescription from another pharmacy to ICHS.
For more information
Call your ICHS pharmacy location for help and questions about our Rx home delivery service:
International District Clinic: 206.788.3770 Holly Park Clinic: 206.788.3563 Shoreline Clinic: 206.533.2720
*Prescriptions must meet 340B eligibility. Excepting controlled prescriptions. For ICHS patients within King County.
The health and wellbeing of our patients, families and communities continue to be our No. 1 priority, even as COVID-19 creates uncertainty and different ways of doing things for all of us. We’re being agile and making changes to how we deliver care to ensure your safe and uninterrupted access to health services when you need them.
People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms that appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Do you have symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing? Do you have at least two of these symptoms: fever, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, or a new loss of taste or smell? If yes, DO NOT visit an ICHS clinic. Click the CDC self-checker on the right and call us at (206) 788-3700 so ICHS nurses can direct you to the proper care and treatment.
Antibody testing,which looks for evidence of the body’s immune response to the virus, is not offered at ICHS. Current testing by the CDC and public health are for broad-based surveillance and research purposes only and not for individuals who want to know if they have been previously infected with COVID-19. At this time, many questions still remain regarding how antibody test results relate to immunity. Click here for more information.
The Washington State Department of Health has established a call center to address questions from the public. If you have questions about what is happening in Washington, how the virus is spread, and what to do if you have symptoms, please call 1 (800) 525-0127 and press #.
Here are a few important facts that public health wants to highlight, followed by their translations:
Most coronavirus illnesses are mild with fever and cough. A small percentage of people get severely ill with lung and breathing problems like pneumonia. Elderly people and people with underlying medical conditions are at highest risk for severe disease.
Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If not available, use hand sanitizer.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid contact with people who are sick.
Stay home while you are sick and stay at least 6 feet away from others.
Cover your mouth/nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
Wear a cloth mask which covers your mouth and nose, when outside your home.
Do not go to the emergency room if you think you have COVID-19. Emergency rooms need to serve those with the most critical needs. If you have difficulty breathing, call 911.
Information is changing frequently. We recommend regularly checking out King County Department of Public Health’s website: www.kingcounty.gov/COVID or subscribing to the Public Health Insider blog for the most up to date information.
Community Health Plan of Washington put together this resource sheet for immigrants identifing resources that provide information about COVID-19, health care access, legal rights, financial assistance, social services, and employment information. While it is not an exhaustive list, it provides key links to information in one place.
Confronting Racial Bias and Harassment
Viruses don’t discriminate, and neither should we. For those who may or already have confronted bias or harassment, there are resources, including in some cities, ways to report to local law enforcement an incident of bias. Please check online for additional information. We encourage everyone to promote correct information about the coronavirus, its risk and transmission, and the importance of not stigmatizing a group based on background or country of origin.
You can help, please join us
ICHS and community health centers around the nation are facing critical supply shortages, staffing issues and funding challenges. Our work to ensure health care for all is more important now than ever. Please consider a gift to ICHS. Your generosity will help us set up COVID-19 testing sites, make sure local people and families facing hardship can access care, and provide lifesaving resources to protect our patients and clinical teams. Donate now
Within the parking area of the ICHS Shoreline Clinic Monday through Friday; from 1 to 3 pm By appointment only: 206.533.2600
How it works
During your appointment, you will remain in your car. Interpretation will be available if you need language assistance. A health care provider will approach your car window to swab your nose and provide information on how to obtain test results.
Who will be tested?
Drive-thru testing is available by appointment only to all community members. You are not required to be an existing ICHS patient, but you are required to call ahead. Due to limited supply, testing is reserved for those currently experiencing Covid-19 symptoms – which include fever, cough, sore throat and shortness of breath. Once it is determined you should be tested, you will receive an appointment time.
Click here for a full list of King County testing sites that, like ICHS, are open to all, regardless of income, immigration status or health insurance.
Now you can see your doctor or mental health counselor through Telehealth.
A Telehealth visit is just like an in-person visit, but allows you to continue to receive primary and behavioral health care while limiting person-to-person contact, as we all do our part to limit community transmission of Covid-19. You can schedule either a telephone visit or a virtual visit.
A telephone visit lets you share a conversation with your provider over a phone line.
A virtual visit takes place face-to-face through live video with your primary care clinician or behavioral health provider. A virtual visit requires an internet connection and a computer, tablet or smartphone equipped with a camera, microphone and speaker.
Sometimes, it may be necessary for you to be seen in the clinic. If your care team determines this is the best way to address your care, they will let you know. If you need language assistance, please let us know when you schedule your appointment.
Make a Telehealth Appointment
For more information, please call: 206.788.3700
Call 911 for medical emergencies Telehealth is not for emergencies or potentially life-threatening medical conditions such as chest pain, severe shortness of breath, severe abdominal pain or headache. If you experience these symptoms call 911.
L-R: Michael Byun, executive director at Asian Counseling & Referral Service, Teresita Batayola, CEO and President at ICHS, Maiko Winkler-Chin, executive director at Seattle Chinatown-International District Preservation and Development Authority, Congressman Adam Smith, Ron Chew, foundation executive director at ICHS, Nigel Lo, CEO at KinOn, and Dr. Asqual Getaneh, ICHS chief medical officer. Photo by Rick Wong.
Congressman Adam Smith (WA-9) visited the International Community Health Services (ICHS) medical-dental clinic in the Chinatown-International District on March 6, to address the impacts Covid-19, also known as the coronavirus, is having on the local Asian Pacific Islander community. The congressman joined Teresita Batayola. ICHS CEO, Dr. Asqual Getaneh, ICHS chief medical officer, and leaders from several neighboring nonprofits, including Maiko Winkler-Chin, executive director at Seattle Chinatown-International District Preservation and Development Authority, Michael Byun, executive director at Asian Counseling & Referral Service, and Nigel Lo, CEO at KinOn.
One of the key topics of discussion was how community health service providers are faring amid the outbreak. ICHS has been proactively working with public health officials in Public Health — Seattle & King County and staff of the County Executive and Seattle Mayor’s office to coordinate its response and to educate the public on personal hygiene and social distancing to decrease the risk of transmission.
“Local and state health workers across Washington are working around the clock to combat the coronavirus outbreak and I thank them for their lifesaving efforts,” said Rep. Smith.
Community members discuss efforts to address Covid-19 with Rep. Adam Smith. Photo by Rick Wong.
Community leaders also discussed concerns regarding the impact on Asian-owned businesses and workers, as well as more vulnerable members of the community, such as the elderly. They reported an increase in anti-Asian bias and xenophobia, and shared suggestions on how the congressman and others in government could offer their support and additional resources.
“It is critical that members of the community follow guidance of health experts and avoid misinformation about coronavirus,” said. Rep. Smith. “Misinformation has led to the stigmatization of those of Asian descent based on fear and xenophobia – this is a danger to the wellbeing of our communities and to public health. We must remain unified and vigilant at this critical time to combat this epidemic and to uphold our resilient and diverse communities. I applaud ICHS, ACRS, Kin On, and other community partners for their dedication to protecting the health and wellbeing of all of our community members.”
“We appreciate Congressman Adam Smith’s longtime support – he is a strong ally as we work to address the challenges of the Covid-19 outbreak together,” said Batayola. “His visit today offered a valuable chance to discuss his impact and how we can work collectively to keep our local community members safe and healthy, and help reduce the misinformed racist stigma against Asian Americans.”
From left: Sharissa Tjok, Outreach & Enrollment Coordinator; Rachel Koh, Chief Operations Officer; Asqual Getaneh, Chief Medical Officer; Gildas Cheung, ICHS Board President; Hermes Shahbazian, Chief Financial Officer; Gov. Jay Inslee; Ron Chew, ICHS Foundation Director; Teresita Batayola, President and CEO.
Governor Jay Inslee visited the International District clinic of International Community Health Services on Tuesday, March 3, to meet with ICHS leadership and held a press conference on the state’s efforts to address the Covid-19 (coronavirus) outbreak.
During the press conference, Governor Inslee and State Health Officer Dr. Kathy Lofy reiterated the importance of being vigilant about washing hands and staying home if you become sick. “We are all in this together,” he said. “We are all potential subjects and we all got to pull together on this issue.”
Inslee’s tour, scheduled before the spread of Covid-19, was originally planned to discuss barriers to health care coverage and the state’s efforts to expand coverage with Cascade Care, the nation’s first public option for health insurance. ICHS CEO Teresita Batayola and her leadership team discussed with Inslee concerns about ICHS patients’ health care access in the wake of federal rules targeting immigrants and refugees.
Despite a forecast of rain, sunny skies greeted runners and walkers for the fourth annual ICHS Foundation Lunar New Year 5k on February 23. The event raised $30,000 to support health care access for families who couldn’t otherwise afford it, taking place on the Interurban Trail just blocks away from the ICHS Shoreline Medical and Dental Clinic.
Approximately 300 attendees ranged in age from 1 to 88, including one family of participants that included three generations – the parents running and grandparents walking with grandchildren. Highlights included a traditional Chinese Lion Dance performed by the International Lion Dance Team and a lively group warmup led by Toshiko Aramaki, a Shoreline-area exercise instructor.
“It was wonderful to see so many people, of all ages, enjoying themselves for a great cause,” said Ron Chew, ICHS foundation director. “We look forward to building upon this year’s success, so start training for the Lunar New Year 5k in 2021, the Year of the Ox!”
The event would not have been possible without the generous contributions of many volunteers, sponsors and partners from within the community. The City of Shoreline and Aurora Rents were Presenting Sponsors. Race check-in was held in Shoreline City Hall and the Lunar New Year performance and vendors in the courtyard of Aurora Rents.
Volunteers from the Shoreline Fire Department donated time as medical emergency responders, while international education students from Shoreline Community College helped serve as event staff. Local organizations with a presence included the Shoreline/Lake Forest Park chapter of the League of Women Voters, Shoreline Senior Center and Prevail Physical Therapy.
Presenting Sponsors:
Aurora Rents
City of Shoreline
Platinum Sponsor:
Swedish Hospital
Gold Sponsors:
Rainier Vehicle and Vessel Licensing, LLC
Silver Sponsors:
Amerigroup
Community Health Plan of Washington
Tai Tung Inc.
Bronze Sponsors:
Asian Counseling & Referral Service (ACRS)
Aurora Borealis
Merchant’s Parking Association
Mei-Ling Woo State Farm Agency
Seattle Chinatown International District Preservation Development Authority
To our esteemed patients,
