May 2020: Weekly COVID-19 Patient Resources
Dear Patients, Family Members, and Caregivers:

The outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) has become stressful for many people. You may find yourself overwhelmed with the amount of information coming out from multiple sources. IPRO ESRD Network of New York would like to share some important patient education resources that might be helpful for you, your family, friends, caregivers or others in your community.
May is High Blood Pressure Education Month
Blood Pressure   is the pressure of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. Arteries carry blood from your heart to other parts of your body.

Blood pressure normally rises and falls throughout the day, but it can damage your heart and cause health problems if it stays high for a long time. Hypertension, also called high blood pressure, is blood pressure that is higher than normal.

  • Having hypertension puts you at risk for heart disease, kidney disease and stroke, which are leading causes of death in the United States (US).
  • Only about 1 in 4 adults (24%) with hypertension have their condition under control.
  • About half of adults (45%) with uncontrolled hypertension have a blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg or higher. This includes 37 million U.S. adults. 
  • Half of adults (30 million) with blood pressure ≥140/90 mm Hg who should be taking medication to control their blood pressure aren’t prescribed or aren’t taking medication.
  • Chronic uncontrolled high blood pressure can cause arteries around the kidneys to narrow, weaken or harden. These damaged arteries are not able to deliver enough blood to the kidney tissue.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Blood Pressure Resources:
Save-the-Date!
IPRO ESRD Network Patient Webinar Series
Staying Connected through Virtual Peer Mentorship
During COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has created a complex and stressful situation for the ESRD community. As the COVID-19 public health emergency continues to evolve, the country has adopted a variety of ways to limit disease exposure and "flatten the curve". Dialysis facilities have also followed suit by making changes to policies including the restriction of caregivers and the implementation of social distancing.

Please join the ESRD Network and the National Kidney Foundation for a webinar that will focus on strategies to help patients/family members, and caregivers to overcome challenges of social isolation and help them stay connected through virtual peer mentorship during COVID-19.

Monday, June 1, 2020 at 1:00PM ET

Guest Expert Speakers:
  • Marissa Argentina, LMSW: National Kidney Foundation Peers Program Director
  • Barbara Breckenridge: Patient Advisory Committee (PAC) Senior Advisor, National Legacy Patient Subject Matter Expert (SME), Patient Advocate/Health Educator, ESRD Network Divisional Board Member
Network's Four Week Healthy-Habit Challenge
During our last Patient Webinar Series: "COVID-19: Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle" we called-to-action our ESRD Patients, Caregivers and Staff members to a 4-Week Healthy Habit Challenge.

Starting 6/1 Things to Think About:
  • Is there a behavior you would like to start after listening to the presentation today?
  • Are you willing to incorporate this behavior after listening to the presentation today?

Use the photo to the right to SHARE your healthy habits with us on any of the below social media.
Mental Health Resources
Combating Social Isolation, Stress, Anxiety, Telehealth and .....More!
Please visit   www.samhsa.gov/coronavirus . This page offers up to date information about new guidance and resources to assist individuals, providers, communities, and states across the country during this pandemic. 

  • Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator: is a confidential and anonymous source of information for persons seeking treatment facilities in the United States or U.S. Territories for substance use/addiction and/or mental health problems.
  • Findtreatment.gov: where you can find thousands of state-licensed providers who specialize in treating substance use disorders, addiction, and mental illness. Find treatment now
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255): where you can find free and confidential support for people in distress, 24/7.
  • National Helpline 1-800-662-HELP (4357): For treatment referral and information, 24/7.
  • SAMHSA also has free smartphone applications. If you go to your app store or google play in your smartphone you will find Suicide Safe; Talk They Hear You; KnowBullying; and the disaster app with counselor which is active now.

Please visit Community Health Access to Addiction and Mental Health Care Project (CHAMP)
  • CHAMP is an ombuds program for NYS residents who need behavioral health services. Medicare Rights is the Medicare specialist organization for CHAMP, so we take Medicare-related CHAMP cases. However, other CHAMP organizations help people who have all forms of health coverage or no coverage at all. NYS residents can call the CHAMP helpline at 888-614-5400 (and, if it’s Medicare-related, our helpline at 888-333-4114). For more information please see the CHAMP Brochure and Medicare Rights’ toolkit on Medicare coverage for behavioral health services.

Check Out the Happy Not Perfect App:
  • Life brings stress, anxiety, challenges, ups, downs and sharp turns, and Happy Not Perfect wants to help people feel in control of their circumstances and how they feel. Happy Not Perfect, is a brand solely and ‘souly’ dedicated to looking after your mental wellbeing and help you have less stress, better sleep and a calmer mind.
COVID-19 Patient Resources
World Health Organization (WHO)
COVID Resources
COVID-19 Insurance Resources
Telehealth Services
If you are feeling sick, use telehealth services before going to the doctor's office, urgent care or the emergency room. Telehealth services keep you safer and those around you safer. The Department  requires insurance companies to waive co-pays for telehealth visits . This encourages New Yorkers to seek medical attention from their homes rather than visit a hospital or doctor's office — ultimately reducing strain on the healthcare system and preventing further spread of the virus.
Health Insurance FAQs

What if I think I have coronavirus (COVID-19)?
The recommendations about getting care for coronavirus (COVID-19) are changing rapidly. Check the  NY Department of Health’s website on Coronavirus information  for the most up-to-date information on what you should do. You can also check the  Center for Disease Control’s website  for more information.
If you are experiencing symptoms, if possible, you should call ahead to your health care provider or local health department before seeking treatment in person.
(Click the images to view them larger)
The IPRO ESRD Network of New York team is available to offer you support 24-hours, 7-days a week.

Please call our dedicated COVID-19 Hotlines. Patients: 516-209-5626 or Providers 516-209-5578 to discuss positive cases, concerns/needs, reporting questions, or to request support/resources.

We are also accessible to provide technical assistance or guidance during this public health emergency.

Visit the Network's website for up-to-date information on CMS and CDC guidelines, alerts, educational resources, and stakeholder webinars.  
IPRO ESRD Network of New York
1979 Marcus Avenue, Suite 105, Lake Success, NY 11042
Main: 516-209-5778 | Fax: 516-326-8929
ESRDNetwork2@ipro.us | https://network2.esrd.ipro.org/