COVID-19 UPDATES: PGST Launches Emergency Quarantine Assistance Program and Texting Notification System - Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe
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THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE PORT GAMBLE S’KLALLAM TRIBE | WWW.PGST.NSN.US | 360-297-2646 | OCTOBER 2021 COVID-19 UPDATES: PGST Launches Emergency Quarantine Assistance Program and Texting Notification System The Emergency Quarantine Assistance program was improved in large part to encourage people to quarantine after testing positive with COVID-19 or being identified as a close contact. PGST has a robust contact tracing sys- tem that directs close contacts to quarantine for at least 10 days from the point of exposure. To apply for Emergency Quarantine Assistance, send your quarantine letter, address, and enrollment letter to Tawny DeCoteau via email (tawny@pgst.nsn.us) or over Facebook Messenger. Call 360-297-6219 with any questions. PGST has also launched a new notification system that sends messages via text and/or email. All PGST gov- To help in the fight against COVID-19, the Port Gamble ernment staff and enrolled Tribal members who have S’Klallam Tribe has recently implemented a new assis- updated email or cell phone information on file were tance policy and texting notification system. automatically subscribed. During the first week in October, Tribal Council ap- The notification system will be used to send informa- proved the Emergency Quarantine Assistance program tion on emergencies, COVID-19 alerts, upcoming to provide financial relief to those who have been quar- events, and other timely information for the community antined due to COVID and are unable to work. Each and staff. The system, which is contracted through a qualified recipient will receive one $500 VISA card for third-party vendor called AlertMedia, came out of a need every seven days they are under quarantine. that was identified during the pandemic when members of the Emergency Response Team would hand deliver This program is open to enrolled PGST members or notices on outbreaks to households on the reservation. qualified non-members living on the PGST reservation, To reach more people, more efficiently, the Tribe is mov- including spouses, former spouses, legal domestic part- ing towards delivering immediate information via text, ners, or other dependent. They must also be 18 years email, and on social media. of age or older and have been ordered to quarantine by a public health official in writing. Full-time employees To register to receive notifications, text the word ‘sub- of the Tribe are not eligible as they receive COVID sick scribe’ to 360-996-1635. leave. ~COVID-19 Updates Continued on Page 6
PAGE 2 | OCTOBER 2021 | PORT GAMBLE S’KLALLAM TRIBAL NEWS PGST Vision Statement Our vision is to achieve the full potential of the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribal sovereign nation to be self- sufficient, proud, strong, healthy, educated and respected. PGST Mission Statement The mission of the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe is to exercise sovereignty and ensure self-determination and self-sufficiency through visionary leadership. We will ensure the health, welfare and economic success of a vibrant community through education, economic development, preservation and protection of the rich culture, traditions, language, homelands, and natural resources of our Tribe. Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe 31912 Little Boston Road NE Telephone: 360-297-2646 Website: www.pgst.nsn.us Kingston, WA 98346 Fax: 360-297-7097 Email: info@pgst.nsn.us Tribal Council Jeromy Sullivan, Chairman Matt Ives, Councilman Chris Tom, Vice Chairman Amber Caldera, Councilman Renee Veregge, Councilman Donovan Ashworth, Councilman Entity Directors • Kelly Sullivan, Executive Director • Sam Cocharo, General Manager, • Greg Trueb, CFO The Point Casino • N/A, Administrative Director • Nic'cola Armstrong, Executive of Tribal Government Director, Tribal Gaming Agency • Kara Horton-Wright, Administrative • Joan Garrow, PGS Foundation Director of Tribal Services Executive Director • Troy Clay, Chief Executive Officer, • Kara Horton-Wright, Interim Port Noo-Kayet Gamble S'Klallam Housing Authority Executive Director This newsletter is a product of the Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe. For advertising inquiries or to submit items for publication, please contact Ginger Vaughan at ginger@quinnbrein.com.
PORT GAMBLE S’KLALLAM TRIBAL NEWS | OCTOBER 2021 | PAGE 3 A Few Facts About Delta Learning More About the Variant at the Center of the Current Phase of the Pandemic As the pandemic continues, there’s a lot of discussion or who still feel sick after 10 days, should isolate longer. about COVID-19 variants, especially Delta. To help you better understand Delta, how it differs from the original Routine home care includes home care includes rest, virus, and the threat it poses, here are a few facts about the fluids, and over-the-counter pain relievers. COVID-19 Delta variant: Reasons for calling 9-1-1 or going to the ER are the same Delta is just one of several variants of COVID-19. as for any illness, including: Every time a virus replicates in a host, it mutates. Most of • Difficulty breathing the time this mutation has no real effect, but sometimes it • Chest pain or discomfort provides an advantage that allows the virus to thrive even • Confusion more effectively. A variant is born. • Inability to stay awake • Inability to keep fluids down As of September 2021, there have been several COVID-19 • Bluish lips or face “variants of concern” as identified by the World Health Organization, including Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta. If you are uncertain about what to do, please call the Health Center at 360-297-2840. Everything is Delta now. At this time, almost all cases of COVID-19 are due to the Additionally, if you have risk factors for severe complica- Delta variant. tions, such as diabetes, cancer, COPD, bad asthma, heart disease, or kidney disease, please contact the Health Cen- Delta is more contagious than other strains. ter. You may be a candidate for a new treatment called A large part of the reason that Delta is dominating the monoclonal antibodies (MABs). COVID conversation is because it is roughly twice as contagious as previous variants. This means Delta spreads While breakthrough cases are more likely with Delta, faster and more effectively throughout the population. vaccines are still extremely effective, especially at pre- venting hospitalization and death. Delta and all other variants of COVID-19 have similar Vaccinated people are about five times less likely to get symptoms. You cannot identify the variant by its symp- the Delta variant, and about 10 times less likely to be hos- toms. pitalized because of it. Still, breakthrough cases happen, All variants of COVID-19 can present with symptoms especially after heavy exposures, such as in households or that can include fever, chills, runny nose, sore throat, during sleepovers or long car rides. cough, fatigue, congestion, nausea, vomiting, body/mus- cle aches, diarrhea, and loss of taste and smell. Not every- Once sick, vaccinated people are just as contagious as the one will have all symptoms. unvaccinated. More severe symptoms—such as difficulty breathing, blu- Elders and the immunocompromised are also more likely ish lips or face, confusion, or persistent pain or pressure in to get breakthrough cases. The best thing you can do to chest—require immediate medical attention. protect them is to get vaccinated. Treatments for COVID-19 are the same no matter the variant. For all variants, patients are asked to isolate for at least 10 ~Delta days, even if symptom-free. People with severe symptoms, Continued on Page 6
PAGE 4 | OCTOBER 2021 | PORT GAMBLE S’KLALLAM TRIBAL NEWS American Community Survey Explained By Roxanne Hocket cials, planners, and entrepreneurs use this information to Many tribal and community members have been asking assess the past and plan the future. When you respond to me about a Census Worker coming to their door or about the ACS, you are doing your part to help your commu- their receiving a survey in the mail. It’s LEGIT! nity plan for hospitals and schools, support school lunch programs, improve emergency services, build bridges, Did you know that as of the 2010 decennial census, the and inform businesses looking to add jobs and expand to questionnaires were shortened to a mere 10 questions? new markets, and more. This was done to get more people to participate, so that they could get a more accurate head count of people in IS THE AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY LEGITIMATE? the U.S., but more information is required about our The American Community Survey is a legitimate survey households to determine Federal and State budgets for conducted by the Census Bureau. grant programs that we happen to use here at PGST. Therefore, the long-form questionnaire called the Ameri- Unlike the every-10-year census, this survey continues all can Community Survey (ACS) continues year-round and year, every year. We randomly sample addresses in every only a select few households are chosen to complete this. state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Answers are collected to create up-to-date statistics used If you are one of the lucky households asked to partici- by many federal, state, tribal, and local leaders. Some pate in the ACS, PLEASE do so! American Community Survey questions have been asked in the decennial census since it first began in 1790. Not only will you be helping to provide more accurate Do you want to verify that mail, phone calls or in-person information, but you will be helping PGST establish an interviews are legitimate? identity distinct from those of Kingston, Hansville, and Kitsap County. One of my goals as Grants Director for If your household has been contacted to complete the PGST is to change our designation to “rural”, thereby in- American Community Survey and you would like to creasing the potential for us to access many more Federal verify that this survey is legitimate, you can call toll-free and State funding opportunities. Currently, due to the 1-800-354-7271. Census/ACS data collected from previous years, PGST has been thrown into the Kingston/Kitsap County buck- If someone has called you about the American Commu- ets and designated as an urban environment. I truly be- nity Survey and you would like to verify that the phone lieve we can overturn this by cooperating and responding call is legitimate, you can call one of our telephone cen- to the ACS when asked to do so. Accurate Data = Grant ters directly: Money! • Jeffersonville, IN: 1-800-523-3205 • Tucson, AZ: 1-800-642-0469 WHAT IS THE AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY? The American Community Survey (ACS) is an ongoing If someone has visited your address, and you would like survey that provides vital information on a yearly basis to verify that this visit is legitimate, you can call your about our nation and its people. Information from the Census Regional Office: 1-800-992-3530, and you can survey generates data that help determine how more than also confirm that he or she is a Census Bureau employee $675 billion in federal and state funds are distributed by entering his or her name into the Census Bureau Staff each year. Search (https://www.census.gov/cgi-bin/main/email.cgi). Our field staff will always show a valid Census Bureau ID Through the ACS, we know more about jobs and occupa- and a copy of the letter we sent you. tions, educational attainment, veterans, whether people own or rent their homes, and other topics. Public offi-
PORT GAMBLE S’KLALLAM TRIBAL NEWS | OCTOBER 2021 | PAGE 5 By law, the Census Bureau cannot share respondents’ an- IS MY RESPONSE TO THE AMERICAN COMMUNITY SUR- swers with anyone, -- not the IRS, not the FBI, not the VEY REQUIRED? CIA, and not with any other government agency. If your address was selected for the American Community All Census Bureau employees take an oath of nondisclo- Survey, you are legally obligated to answer all the ques- sure and are sworn for life to protect all information that tions, as accurately as you can. The relevant laws are Title could identify individuals. Any employee who violates the 18 U.S.C Section 3571 and Section 3559, which amends provisions of the oath is subject to a fine up to $250,000 Title 13 U.S.C. Section 221. or a prison sentence up to 5 years, or both. Your answers are important. The American Community To protect your privacy, the American Community Sur- Survey is sent to a small percentage of our population on vey NEVER asks for: a rotating basis. As part of a sample, you represent many • your Social Security number other people. Learn how you can respond to the survey • your mother’s maiden name today: https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs/re- • your personal information through email spond.html. • money or donations • credit card or bank account information WHY IS THE ACS REQUIRED BY LAW? Response to the survey is required by law because the WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION ABOUT RE- American Community Survey is part of the decennial SPONDING? census, replacing the “long form” that previously was sent To find answers to more frequently asked questions about to a percentage of households once every 10 years. responding to the American Community Survey, please visit our How to Respond – FAQs page: https://www.cen- WHY WAS I SELECTED? sus.gov/programs-surveys/acs/respond/faqs.html Your address was randomly selected through a process of scientific sampling and represents thousands of other If you have any questions or concerns, contact Rox- households like yours. We randomly select about 3.5 mil- anne Hockett, Grants Director and Tribal Census Li- lion addresses each year to respond to the survey. aison for Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe, at 360-297- 6249 or roxanneh@pgst.nsn.us CAN MY ADDRESS BE REMOVED? An address may not be removed from the American Community Survey sample as the validity of the sample data would quickly deteriorate if selected households were exempted. We try to keep the number of households in the sample Do you have a announce- as small as possible in order to limit the cost of the survey ment or story idea for and reduce the impact on respondents. We also take steps to reduce the chance that a household will get the survey Syecem? more than once in a 5-year period. YOUR PRIVACY IS PROTECTED Send it to us on Facebook The Census Bureau is legally bound to strict confidential- or email ity requirements and we never reveal your identity to any- body else. When you respond to the American Commu- ginger@quinnbrein.com. nity Survey, your individual records are not shared with anyone, including federal agencies and law enforcement entities.
PAGE 6 | OCTOBER 2021 | PORT GAMBLE S’KLALLAM TRIBAL NEWS COVID-19 Updates The Tribe is also still offering appointments for the Continued from Front Page COVID-19 vaccine. Book online at bookpgst.timetap. com. Vaccines are also available at most local area stores Those already in the system, can also do this to gain access that have an in-house pharmacy, including WalMart, to their account, complete their registration, and make Costco, Safeway, and Rite-Aid. any changes to their contact information. To help PGST community members and staff get their The Tribe continues weekly drive-thru testing of all staff questions answered about COVID-19, the vaccine, the members, reporting those results on Facebook. Tribe’s response to the pandemic, and the vaccine man- date, the Tribe is hosting a Zoom Q&A with PGST Med- They have also implemented a daily drive-thru communi- ical Director Dr. Luke McDaniel. This community and ty testing site at Ravenswood from 10 to 11 am, Monday staff event is scheduled for Tuesday, October 26 at 6 pm. through Friday. All Tribal members and Health Center patients can use the site for general testing, re-testing, or For the latest information on the Tribe’s response to results needed for travel, appointments, or returning to COVID-19, please visit the Facebook.com/PortGamble- work after being quarantined. SKlallams or www.pgst.nsn.us/covid-19. Delta There will be other variants of COVID-19, some of which Continued from Page 3 might be even more dangerous of Delta. Every time a virus replicates, it mutates. As long as a virus As of the beginning of September 2021, approximately has sufficient hosts to infect, it is inevitable that one of the 54% of Americans are fully vaccinated. 60% of Washing- resulting mutations will become a new variant. tonians have been fully vaccinated. Currently, the World Health Organization is closely Hospitalizations of children occur more frequently in watching five “variants of interest”, including Eta, Iota, communities with low vaccination rates. Kappa, Lambda, and Mu. These variants are identified An August 2021 study from the CDC found that hospi- such because of genetic mutations that affect the virus’ talization rates for children were highest in communities transmissibility, disease severity, vaccine/immunity resis- with low vaccination rates. Late summer 2021 saw the tance, or other characteristics that can be identified as a highest hospitalization rates for kids from birth to aged 4 public health issue. since the start of the pandemic. The Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe is following guidelines That same CDC report also showed that unvaccinated from its medical staff and the Washington State Depart- adolescents are as much as 10 times more likely to be hos- ment of Health in its ongoing fight against COVID-19. pitalized with COVID-19 then their vaccinated counter- They have implemented a three-prong approach, which parts. The Pfizer vaccine is approved for use in children includes mask requirements, testing—including weekly and teens aged 12 and up. for all staff independent of vaccination status—and vac- cines. The Tribe has implemented a mandate for all staff During a White House press briefing, CDC Director Ro- to be vaccinated by November 1, 2021. They are also chelle P. Walensky, M.D., M.P.H., said: “What is clear strongly encouraging all community members to get the from these data is community level vaccination coverage FREE vaccine as soon as possible. protects our children. As the number of COVID-19 cases increase in the community, the number of children get- ting sick, presenting to the emergency room and being admitted to the hospital will also increase.”
PORT GAMBLE S’KLALLAM TRIBAL NEWS | OCTOBER 2021 | PAGE 7 Events @ Heronswood Bats, Bugs, and Beasts in the Halloween Garden The Traveler’s Garden: Vietnam with Dr. Patrick McMillan with Dan Hinkley Bats and spiders may give you the creeps, but Heronswood hosts over 150 species native to they are invaluable assets in the garden. Join Vietnam and this under-explored country contin- wildlife expert Dr. ‘Batrick’ McMillan as he reveals ues to provide breathtaking plants for western those creatues that go bump in the night. gardens. Join Dan Hinkley as he recounts his many trips to this fascinating country over the last 12 - 1:30 pm Zoom Lunchtime Lecture 20-plus years. Pricing for PGST community: $15 12 - 1:30 pm Zoom Lunchtime Lecture Pricing for PGST community: $15 The Holly & the Ivy: Christmas Gardens Conifer Cultivation and Identification without Invasives with Dr. Ross Bayton with Dr. Ross Bayton As residents of the Evergreen State, there is a ten- Christmas is the season of good will, but if your dancy to take conifers for granted. As they are all garden is overrun with English holly and ivy, then around us, why add more to your garden? Join co- the festive spirit may be lacking. Join Dr. Ross nifer nut Dr. Ross Bayton as he helps to foster a new Bayton (no, he’s not English) as he suggests a appreciation of this diverse and fascinating group. range of non-invasive plants that will bring some 10 am-1 pm in-garden class festive cheer into your garden. Pricing for PGST community: $35 12 - 1:30 pm Zoom Lunchtime Lecture Social distancing and masks are required. Class Pricing for PGST community: $15 may be rescheduled in event of poor weather. For the full 2021 Event Calendar: Heronswood.odoo.com/event
PAGE 8 | OCTOBER 2021 | PORT GAMBLE S’KLALLAM TRIBAL NEWS Around The Rez Opportunities and announcements for the S'Klallam Community Emergency Quaran- Sign up for Text Noti- Been Exposed to tine Assistance fications from PGST COVID? Please Iso- If you are an enrolled PGST member or qualified non-member living on the PGST has launched a texting notifi- cation system to send information on late as Instructed When you receive a letter from our reservation (e.g. spouse, dependent, etc.) emergencies, COVID alerts, and timely Health Center contact tracers saying and have been instructed to quarantine community news. you’ve been exposed to COVID, please because of COVID, you may qualify to follow the provided instructions on receive financial assitance under a new Enrolled tribal members and staff with isolation and testing. program. an updated cell phone information with the Tribe have already been subscribed Each patient is assessed individually and The Emergency Quarantine Assistance and should be receiving texts. given letters tailored for their specific provides $500 for every 7 days of quar- situation. These may differ slightly fron antining to help offset the hardship of If you would like to subscribe, text the patient to patient depending on the missing work and other obligations. word ‘subscribe’ to 360-996-1635. situation. Isolation recommendations are based on symptom onset for 10 days. To apply, send your quarantine letter Tribal members or staff who have been Quarantine is based on last exposure for from a public health official/office, receiving texts, but would like to update 10 days.Questions? Contact the Health address, and enrollment letter to Tawny their information, can text ‘subscribe’ Center at 360-297-2840. DeCoteau via Facebook Messenger or to the number above to receive a link to tawny@pgst.nsn.us. Please call 360-297- gain access to their account and change 6219 with any questions. how they would like to be contacted. Get Help with Excess Get Your COVID Garbage Burn Ban Lifted The Landfill Assistance Policy provides As of September 23, 2021, the burn ban Questions Answered vouchers to Tribal households willing has been lifted throughout the reserva- Do you have questions about to access and use the approved Kitsap tion. COVID-19 and the vaccine? Join Dr. County transfer station when Tribal des- Luke McDaniel on Tuesday, October ignates times for voucher distribution. With the lifting of the ban, fires are al- 26 at 6 pm via Zoom for a Q&A event lowed on the reservation, backroad gates open to PGST community members Every household with at least one are opened, and woodcutting is allowed and all staff. Chairman Jeromy Sullivan enrolled PGST member living in the as consistent with PGST procedures and and Noo-Kayet Investments CEO Troy house at least 50% of the time from July guidelines. The gun range has also been Clay will also be on-hand for comment 1, 2020 to present is eligible to apply. reopened. and to answer related questions. Households outside Kitsap County may also apply, but must use the approved As always, use extreme caution when Visit the Tribe’s Events page on Face- transfer stations within Kitsap. doing any activity that may result in an book for the link to this Zoom event. uncontrolled fire. Please contact 9-1-1 For more information or to apply for for any emergencies. assistance, please visit the Tribe’s website at www.pgst.nsn.us.
PAGE 10 | OCTOBER 2021 | PORT GAMBLE S’KLALLAM TRIBAL NEWS Happy Birthday! ...to everyone celebrating in OCTOBER October 1 October 8 Elaine Schneider October 25 Angela Charles Bernett Najera Virginia Bryant Jaymee Jones Leola Purser October 16 Joel Jones Jeromy Jones Makenzie Wellman Bryce Black Brittnay Sanders Tia Knepper October 2 October 9 Joseph Lund October 26 Julia Anderson Ruby Crawford George Jerry Sparks Cynthia Symes James Gresham Janet Reynolds Brittney Stephenson Valorie Bryant Anthony Jones Joshua Sutherland Dawn Stephenson Jennifer DeCoteau Hatsi Trevathan Jolene George October 27 Kyle Loescher Alisha Williams Cedar Calhoun Aaliyah Sullivan October 17 Chenoa Jones October 10 Keanei Ashby Lexus Jones-Hart October 3 Yvette Jones Maelynn Ashley Stephen Schneider Lillian Combes Preston Moran Devin Sullivan Kyle Jacobs October 20 Marie Donaldson Alexandra Raphael October 11 Juan Hernandez Jaxxon Rogers Austin DeCoteau Hannah Leavitt October 28 Ann Beckham Matthew Purser Danette Ives Jennifer Schneider October 21 Delecia Jackson October 4 Maylene Adams Victoria Quinney Eddie Charles October 12 Sheila Charles Michael Stewart Marie Hebert Steven Frederick Armez Jackson Jaleena Woodruff Stephanie Keys October 29 Maverick Redbird Wendy Roane October 22 Miranda Ives Zachary Moran Michelle Jones October 5 October 13 Nevaeh Sullivan Aaron Purser Candace Aguayo Katrina Smart Tyler Hayes Ralph Purser Gabriella Doleman Trisha Sampson Mila Sullivan Abraham Jackson October 23 Stephanie Taylor October 14 Isaiah Jones October 31 Ava Williams Marc Plankenhorn Mason Purser Dadrian Arciaga Kaliya Purser Lance Bjorklund October 6 Kathy Sullivan October 24 Krista Hanna Talisha Affonce-Carter Misty Wellman Cheryl Archambault Donette Fulton Kyle Wellman Sena Dailey Karleigh Gomez Anthony Seachord October 15 Avery Ives October 7 Lisa DeCoteau Naciya Knight Donovin Opulencia-Rogers
PORT GAMBLE S’KLALLAM TRIBAL NEWS | OCTOBER 2021 | PAGE 11 CHECK IT OUT AT YOUR LITTLE BOSTON LIBRARY COMMUNITY NEWS — The Little Boston Book On Thursday, October 14, your library Group for adults will meet online October 6, from 1-2 p.m. to discuss our One Book, will be closed for system-wide staff One Community title “The Light of the training. World” by Elizabeth Alexander. The link to the Zoom meeting is on our Our building is open 10 a.m. to 4 website under Classes and Events. The p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. theme for this year is Hope and Resilience. Saturdays. We also have a teen book selection “Piecing Me Together” by Renee Watson, and a If you would like Curbside Pickup, we children’s book selection “Clean Getaway” will be happy to serve you. Please call by Nic Stone. Resources about loss, hope, and resilience for all ages are listed on our us at 360-297-2670 to let us know. website KRL.org. In addition, there are several programs online or outdoors during October that will Masks are required as of this writing. be listed in the library’s online calendar of event. We will see you soon at the library!
PRSRT STD U.S.POSTAGE PAID 31912 Little Boston Rd. NE Silverdale, WA Permit # 111 Kingston, Wash. 98346 TIDE TABLES FOR PORT GAMBLE, WASHINGTON OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021
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