Healthcare
Column: The Tahoe region is not immune to the impacts of violence and abuse
Submitted by paula on Thu, 01/14/2021 - 2:41pm
You may not be aware that someone you know has been a victim, but statistically speaking, it is almost guaranteed. Violence and abuse take many forms, including domestic violence, sexual violence, stalking and cyberstalking, and child abuse.
● One in 4 women in the U.S. will experience some form of relationship violence in their lifetime.
● Every 73 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted.
● One in 10 people is stalked.
● Nearly 700,000 children are abused in the U.S each year; however, this data may be inaccurate as many child abuse cases go unreported.
Barton Health could be called on to accept patients from outside the area
Submitted by paula on Mon, 01/11/2021 - 10:20pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Hospitals across California have been experiencing the effects of the coronavirus, with overflowing intensive care units (ICUs) and a workforce stretched to its limits.
On January 5, 2021, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced a plan to reduce pressure on strained hospital systems and redistribute the responsibility of medical care across the state so patients can continue to receive lifesaving care.
This mandate is meant to share resources and staffing related to the current COVID-19 surge.
New COVID-19 travel advisory in California: Stay within 120 miles of home
Submitted by paula on Thu, 01/07/2021 - 9:37pm
The California Department of Public Health issued a revised Travel Advisory on Tuesday, January 6, 2021, one that supersedes the previous order issued in November and one meant to curb the spread of COVID-19. This new advisory affects all counties in California, whether they are under a Regional Stay Home Order or not.
The updated travel advisory
LTUSD to remain in distance learning due to current county-wide COVID data
Submitted by paula on Thu, 01/07/2021 - 8:42pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) Superintendent Dr. Todd Cutler has notified teachers, students and staff that they will have to postpone the reopening of in-person classrooms. Citing COVID-19 case levels not dropping to the desired levels in El Dorado County, and testing/tracing capacity, LTUSD will continue with distance learning at this time.
South Lake Tahoe residents may be called upon to participate in community health needs assessment
Submitted by paula on Thu, 01/07/2021 - 4:20pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Every three years Barton Health does an assessment of the health needs of the community, a tool that guides new programs and funding opportunities.
Questions from the Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) will address individual health choices, as well as environmental and social issues. Responses will be used to help Barton Health identify areas of opportunity and improvement for our local population, as well as foster partnerships and award health grants to help meet the outstanding health needs of our community.
Barton's expanded use of telemedicine expands care during COVID-19 and reduces need for transfer
Submitted by paula on Wed, 01/06/2021 - 2:43pm
As the second wave in COVID-19 cases increased the need for critical patient care at Barton Health, access to critical care specialists became increasingly important. To address this need, Barton Health has formed a partnership with Eagle Telemedicine, a team of experts including intensivists and specialists that expand access to a higher level of care when patients need it most.
COVID-19 vaccines start moving through first phase in El Dorado and Alpine counties
Submitted by paula on Tue, 01/05/2021 - 10:57pm
EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - During both the South Lake Tahoe City Council meeting and the El Dorado County Board of Supervisor meetings on January 5, questions were asked of the health care professionals as to when the public can expect to be vaccinated for COVID-19.
Barton's COVID response fund receives $110,000 in donations to help locals
Submitted by paula on Mon, 12/21/2020 - 10:40pm
The Barton Foundation’s 2020 virtual gala received overwhelming support from donors, raising a record-breaking $110,000 to benefit the Foundation’s COVID-19 Response Fund. These donations are immediately being put to use, helping community members hit hardest by the pandemic: those facing food insecurity and other economic hardship, as well as healthcare workers on the frontline.
Truckee, El Dorado and Placer County leaders ask AirBnB to not allow rentals during Stay-at-Home order
Submitted by paula on Mon, 12/21/2020 - 4:17pm
El Dorado County, Placer County and Town of Truckee representatives have sent a letter to Airbnb, asking for assistance stopping short-term rentals (STR) during the current Stay at Home Order. They told the vacation rental booking company that their help is needed to stop the spread of COVID-19 and asked them to not allow rentals in Truckee and the California side of Lake Tahoe during the order which is through at least January 1.
Barton Health starts vaccinating front line healthcare workers
Submitted by paula on Fri, 12/18/2020 - 2:45pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Barton Health has begun the process of inoculating its frontline healthcare workers at the South Lake Tahoe hospital. The first 500 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine were received from the State of California Thursday.
Doses received during the vaccine rollout in Phase 1a have been specifically allocated for healthcare workers and hospital Skilled Nursing Facility residents, under California’s tiered vaccination plan.
Coronavirus vaccines arrive in South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Thu, 12/17/2020 - 2:45pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The overnight snowstorm brought more than powder as the first shipment of the Pfitzer-BioNTech vaccine for the coronavirus arrived in South Lake Tahoe at Barton Hospital.
El Dorado County received a total of 975 doses with about five hundred doses shipped to South Lake Tahoe Thursday, Marshall Hospital in Placerville will receive theirs on Sunday. The local doses will be administered to Barton's healthcare workers and skilled nursing residents, beginning Friday, December 17.
Column: Healthier, happier holiday celebrations
Submitted by paula on Sat, 12/12/2020 - 1:20pm
As we prepare to say goodbye (and maybe even good riddance) to 2020, the end of the year brings several holidays. Whether celebrating Solstice, Hanukkah, Christmas, Boxing Day, Kwanza, and of course, New Year’s Eve, remember that indoor holiday gatherings with others not in your immediate household can put you, your community, and those you care about at risk. As challenging as it is, staying home for the holidays is your best way to protect yourself and loved ones, and help slow the spread of COVID-19 in a time when healthcare and essential workers critically need that support.
USFS closes more campgrounds in California due to COVID-19
Submitted by paula on Sat, 12/12/2020 - 12:06pm
National Forest developed campgrounds in the Lake Tahoe Basin have already closed for the winter season and dispersed camping in Desolation Wilderness and Meiss Country are not affected by the following closure.
Column: Persevering this winter’s surge together
Submitted by paula on Wed, 12/09/2020 - 4:07pm
We cannot turn on the news, surf the web or walk down the street without constant reminders that we, along with the rest of the world, are battling a virus that has already taken a huge toll on our lives. No one has been immune to the impacts of this virus.
New ear, nose, throat specialist joins Barton Health
Submitted by paula on Mon, 12/07/2020 - 10:08am
Barton Health has welcomed Alexander Manteghi, DO, to the team of providers as its new Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) physician in South Lake Tahoe. Dr. Manteghi
is treating children and adults, delivering a full array of surgical and non-surgical ENT medical services; including allergy therapy, treatments for ear and throat infections, sinus and nasal issues, head and neck illnesses, snoring, voice, and hearing problems.
Need health insurance? Virtual services have your enrollment covered
Submitted by paula on Mon, 12/07/2020 - 10:00am
State health insurance exchanges, like Covered California and Nevada Health Link, are now in open enrollment - the time when we can sign up for coverage for the year ahead. It’s always a good idea to make sure you and your family have health insurance, and with the current surge of COVID-19, you don’t want to be uncovered. Luckily, there are many options for families and individuals to enroll virtually, including free, bi-lingual enrollment services offered here in our community.
Douglas County Public Health Officer issues guidance after rise in COVID-19 cases
Submitted by paula on Tue, 12/01/2020 - 3:46pm
Douglas County has recently seen an alarming increase in COVID-19 cases in an extremely short period of time. This is part of a regional and statewide trend in rapidly increasing confirmed COVID-19 infections and they are experiencing strain to their healthcare system and first responders.
Douglas County cancels public holiday events due to rise in COVID-19 cases
Submitted by paula on Mon, 11/30/2020 - 7:31pm
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. = After consultation with the Douglas County officials, the towns, public safety agencies, and Douglas County Emergency Management it was determined in-person public holiday events in the towns of Gardnerville, Genoa, and Minden have been canceled. This includes the 25th annual Parade of Lights hosted by the Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce. County officials said the action was deemed necessary for the safety of the community, due to the most recent State directive limiting public gatherings to no more than 50 people.
Barton Health updates community on their surge preparedness
Submitted by paula on Wed, 11/18/2020 - 6:30pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The safety of patients and healthcare workers is Barton Health’s top priority. The health care system has operations in place to continue to meet the demand for medical services as COVID-19 cases surge across the nation and Lake Tahoe. After preparation for the anticipated increase of patient volume this fall and winter, aspects of Barton’s plan are being implemented to meet the needs for patient care.
Barton Health brings back services to Robert Maloff Orthopedics & Wellness Center
Submitted by paula on Tue, 11/10/2020 - 6:40pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With services stopped during the first months of the pandemic due to safety concerns, Barton Health is bringing back health and wellness programs to its Robert Maloff Center for Orthopedics & Wellness.
Barton Health welcomes two new primary care doctors to South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Thu, 11/05/2020 - 10:21am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Barton Health has welcomed two new primary care providers, Krista Ault, MD and Tyler Peterson, DO, at its network of family care medical offices in South Lake Tahoe.
These physicians will expand community access to care, a priority of Barton’s in response to its Community Health Needs indicating access to health services being a top concern of surveyed residents in the local area.
Guest Column: Supporting your community virtually with the Barton Foundation
Submitted by paula on Wed, 11/04/2020 - 3:39pm
This season of giving is more important than ever, as our community faces complex challenges brought on by the pandemic. To help provide additional financial resources in response to the pandemic, the COVID-19 Response Fund is the beneficiary of the Barton Foundation’s 30th Annual Gala, held virtually this year beginning November 30 through December 11, 2020 at BartonHealth.org/Gala.
Barton Health to use $100K grant to bolster mental and behavioral health services
Submitted by paula on Thu, 10/22/2020 - 9:11pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Barton Health is partnering with local therapists to expand care to vulnerable community members thanks to a $100,000 grant from Health Net®.
Through the Barton Community Health Center, Medicare and Medicaid patients can schedule virtual visits with Licensed Clinical Social Workers and Marriage Family Therapists contracted through Barton’s secure telehealth platform.
This cooperative effort builds upon Barton’s expert psychiatric services, and makes additional patient care available in a time of need.
Column: Delivering care for mothers and babies
Submitted by paula on Fri, 10/09/2020 - 9:31am
As a mother and as a physician, I understand there are many unknowns right now for moms as they prepare to deliver their babies. Despite the challenges we face with the COVID-19 pandemic, Barton Health continues to provide compassionate care that puts mothers and babies first. Barton’s practices in place honor the needs of mother and child while upholding everyone’s health and safety.
Letter: Barton nurses ask for fair contract
Submitted by paula on Wed, 09/23/2020 - 9:40am
To the Editor: As Barton nurses, we are at the forefront of the battle to beat COVID-19, and pandemic or not, we always strive to give the best care we can to our patients. We need our community’s support.
Almost three years ago, Barton Hospital’s managerial apathy to the ongoing concerns of Barton’s nurses regarding safety, working conditions, and employee retention compelled us to join the California Nurses Association. Barton immediately hired an expensive union-busting law firm and, as of today, has been successful in denying us the contract we deserve.
South Lake Tahoe among first to receive homeless housing funds
Submitted by paula on Thu, 09/17/2020 - 8:46pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless (TCH) will be receiving $9,576,000 to help their goal of ending homelessness in South Lake Tahoe. The community was one of seven California cities and counties to receive the first wave of Project Homekey grants totaling $76.5 million.
Coping with Coronavirus Anxiety: Five practical tips
Submitted by paula on Wed, 09/16/2020 - 11:00am
Event Date:
September 17, 2020 - 5:00pm
September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and a good time check in with yourself and loved ones. So many of us are struggling to keep our mental health in check right now. It’s normal to feel anxious about the impacts of COVID-19. Preventing our worries from consuming us can reduce stress and uncertainty—and even more severe behavioral health issues like suicide.
South Lake Tahoe City Council candidates respond to #IRunWithMaud questions
Submitted by paula on Thu, 09/03/2020 - 4:03pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There will be two new members of the South Lake Tahoe City Council after the November 3 election. In the coming weeks the pubic will have chances to hear from the candidates both via zoom, in print and possibly in person. Below are eight of the ten candidates responses to questions asked by the local #IRunWithMaud group.
Barton earns second Blue Distinction® Center designation
Submitted by paula on Wed, 08/12/2020 - 8:48pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Barton Memorial Hospital has been designated as a Blue Distinction® Center for Knee & Hip Replacement. Solidifying a legacy of orthopedic care in the Lake Tahoe region, this national certification marks Barton’s expertise in delivering high-quality medical services and better patient outcomes with knee and hip replacement surgeries.
Free weekly COVID testing in Kirkwood and Woodfords
Submitted by paula on Tue, 08/11/2020 - 9:10am
ALPINE COUNTY, Calif. - There is a new schedule for COVID testing in Woodfords in Alpine County. Starting this week, testing will take place every week on Thursdays instead of the previous every other week schedule. These tests are for those with or without symptoms.
Tests are in the parking lot of Alpine County Health and Human Services in Woodfords, across the street from the Fire Station.
Embarc Tahoe dispensary now open in South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Sun, 07/05/2020 - 1:34pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The first cannabis dispensary to operate under the new City of South Lake Tahoe rules and regulations is now open.
Embarc Tahoe has opened its doors and held an official ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday with Mayor Jason Collin, Mayor Pro Tem Tamara Wallace, members of the Embarc Tahoe team and the South Tahoe Chamber of Commerce.
Owner Christy Wilson moved into what was once Tahoe Teriyaki and has since been several different businesses.
4th of July Tahoe Truckee Honor Flyover circling Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Tue, 06/30/2020 - 7:11pm
Event Date:
July 4, 2020 - 11:00am
LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - There won't be fireworks shows around Lake Tahoe but there will be the 4th of July Truckee Tahoe Honor Flyover honoring our nation's independence and frontline healthcare workers. Warbirds will take to the sky, flying over Truckee and Lake Tahoe communities.
A contingent of historic plans will leave the Truckee airport at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday the 4th and fly counterclockwise around Lake Tahoe (schedule below), coming back into Truckee by 12:15 p.m. The planes will not be on display at any airport, just a great show in the air.
Governor: Californians must now wear face masks in most public settings
Submitted by paula on Thu, 06/18/2020 - 12:17pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - As California reaches over 5,000 deaths, Governor Newsom announced Thursday that almost everyone in the state will now be required to wear face masks in public.
“Science shows that face coverings and masks work,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “They are critical to keeping those who are around you safe, keeping businesses open, and restarting our economy.”
Barton Foundation to give away $100,000 in local grants
Submitted by paula on Tue, 06/16/2020 - 12:58pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The Barton Foundation began accepting applications on June 15 from local nonprofit organizations for this year’s $100,000 Community Health Grant program. Area service groups and organizations that share Barton Health’s commitment to improving community health and well-being are encouraged to apply online at bartonhealth.org/foundation.
Applications will be accepted through June 30, 2020.
Column: This time, our future must be different
Submitted by paula on Wed, 06/03/2020 - 3:55pm
It’s difficult to find the right words. Even now, a week after the on-camera murder of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, by police officers, and all of the fallout felt nationwide, I’m still trying to understand the world, how to respond as a community leader, and how to explain it to my kids. All of the frustration, sadness, and outrage — it all seems so familiar since we’ve all been witness to these acts before, all seen and read and heard about cases of unarmed black people and other people of color killed in police custody when it was clearly avoidable.
State of California travel bans still in place, even as El Dorado County lifts their order
Submitted by paula on Thu, 05/28/2020 - 9:17am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - On Wednesday, May 27, El Dorado County rescinded its nonessential travel ban into the Lake Tahoe Basin, just as it did when letting the County-specific Stay At Home order expire in April.
The messaging is confusing as local orders are lifted, and state orders are still in place.
The action by the County does not mean that travel into Lake Tahoe Basin is all of a sudden okay though.
COVID-19 case update for Lake Tahoe area counties
Submitted by paula on Wed, 05/20/2020 - 11:07pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There were no new cases of COVID-19 in El Dorado County on Wednesday. There have been no new recoveries and the active case number remains at 14. An additional 205 people were tested for the coronavirus.
There have been 25 cases in the Lake Tahoe area (including South Lake Tahoe, Meyers, Kyburz, and Tahoma).
Pollock Pines, Camino, Kyburz - 2 (Zip codes 95726, 95720, 95709)
El Dorado Hills - 19 (Zip Code 95762)
Diamond Springs, El Dorado - 3 (Zip codes 95623, 95619)
North County - 3 (Zip codes 95664, 95614, 95651, 95635, 95634, 95633)
Column: Summer outdoor plan critical to COVID management
Submitted by paula on Mon, 05/18/2020 - 10:17am
Ambiguity, uncertainty, and contradictions abound in this pandemic. Add time to the list of contradictions swirling around us. Morning and night sometimes seem a week apart. The first month of shelter‐in‐place dripped by for many of us. The second month was gone before we knew it. And now summer is fast approaching. We welcome the season because in ordinary times it can elevate our well‐being, but these are not ordinary times. With most of the attention and intensity now on reopening, the question that hangs in the balance is, are we ready? Is it the right time?
Face coverings to be required on South Lake Tahoe buses and at transit stations
Submitted by paula on Sat, 05/16/2020 - 8:26am
All passengers on Tahoe Transportation District (TTD) buses will be required to wear a face covering while on transit buses and in transit facilities starting Monday, May 18.
This new requirement is to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in public settings where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain and in line with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
Federal CARES Act sends $8.6M to help free Lake Tahoe transit services
Submitted by paula on Wed, 05/13/2020 - 3:43pm
LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - Lake Tahoe transit providers Tahoe Transportation District (TTD) and Tahoe‐Truckee Area Regional Transit (TART) will be getting a boost from the federal government after they received word that $8.6 million form the CARES Act is headed their way. Transit services are especially critical to essential workers during this COVID crisis, the agencies said today.
These funds will help sustain free transit services for the public.
Alpine County releases their roadmap to reopening
Submitted by paula on Tue, 05/12/2020 - 8:29am
ALPINE COUNTY, Calif. - Alpine County is grateful to report that we still have only one resident with a laboratory confirmed case of COVID-19 infection. That occurred in March, the person was not hospitalized, and has recovered. Surrounding counties continue to report either no change or a small increase in the number of cases (El Dorado – 56, with 20 in South Lake Tahoe, Douglas (NV) – 24, Calaveras – 13, Amador – 8, Tuolumne – 2, Mono - 32).
South Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County businesses move towards green light on reopening
Submitted by paula on Sat, 05/09/2020 - 12:41pm
EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - Many South Lake Tahoe businesses will be able to open soon, but not until they have plans in place that comply with the State’s COVID-19 guidelines and the State approves and publishes the public health director's signed Variance Attestation and supporting documents.
Barton Health Doctor of the Year: Dr. Kandra Yee
Submitted by paula on Fri, 05/01/2020 - 10:46am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Dr. Kendra Yee received a "landslide" of nominations from staff and physicians to be the 2020 Barton Health Doctor of the Year.
Dr. Yee is Chief of COVID-19 Emergency Operations, Chief of Staff, Medical Director of the Emergency Department, and a practicing Emergency Medicine Physician at Barton Memorial Hospital.
Heartfelt nominations for Dr. Yee spoke to her vision and dynamic leadership on the frontline of the coronavirus pandemic, and steadfast care for patients and healthcare workers alike:
Placer County reminds would-be visitors that non-essential travel to Lake Tahoe still under state's orders
Submitted by paula on Fri, 05/01/2020 - 7:53am
NORTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With Placer County’s local health order expiring May 2, county officials and the North Lake Tahoe Resort Association are reminding would-be-visitors that while they are preparing now for when North Tahoe reopens, that date still depends on the state’s timeline for loosening physical distancing requirements.
El Dorado County extends ban of all nonessential travel to Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Thu, 04/30/2020 - 5:41pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The current order restricting travel into the Lake Tahoe Basin has been extended by the El Dorado County Public Health Officer Dr. Nancy Williams.
Originally set to expire on April 30, the ban's extension begins at 12:01 a.m. May 1.
The ban is for all nonessential travel into the El Dorado County portion of the Lake Tahoe Basin from outside the basin. Dr. Williams will review the current situation with local health care professionals at least every 14 days.
Barton Health receives seventh "A" in patient safety from watchdog group
Submitted by paula on Thu, 04/30/2020 - 10:53am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Barton Memorial Hospital received news of another ‘A’ grade for patient safety from the Leapfrog Group. Assessment data from 28 quality measurements demonstrated better patient outcomes at the Lake Tahoe hospital; the result of collaborative, team-driven systems in place at Barton Health that protect patients from harm.
El Dorado County lifts orders but California stay-at-home orders still in place
Submitted by paula on Tue, 04/28/2020 - 7:55am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - One layer of stay-at-home orders has been lifted for El Dorado County as its Public Health Officer, Dr. Nancy Williams, has lifted her stay-at-home directive effective April 30, the original date it was to be lifted when set on March 19.
This doesn't mean that South Lake Tahoe and the county are open for business though as the State's order is still in effect.
"We are requesting from the Governor that we [South Lake Tahoe] can move towards reopening in a phased approach with attention paid to his six guidelines," said South Lake Tahoe Mayor Jason Collin.
Douglas County holding special meeting to discuss recovery and economic impacts
Submitted by paula on Mon, 04/27/2020 - 2:13pm
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - The Douglas County Board of County Commissioners will be conducting a 1:00 p.m. special meeting on April 29, 2020, to discuss recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and economic impacts to local businesses in Douglas County. The county is actively seeking public comment from residents in regard to economic impacts on local business in Douglas County.
152nd Airlift Wing to fly over Lake Tahoe/Northern Nevada hospitals to recognize their COVID-19 battles
Submitted by paula on Sun, 04/26/2020 - 9:29am
Event Date:
April 28, 2020 - 12:00pm
The Nevada Air Guard High Rollers will be honoring the men and women in healthcare who are battling COVID-19 by doing a flyover of Lake Tahoe and Northern Nevada area hospitals with a C-130 on Tuesday, April 28, 2020.
152nd Airlift Wing will start from its base in Reno and pass over Renown South Medical Center at noon, and for an hour pass over the following hospitals.
Carson Tahoe Hospital, Carson City - 12:07 p.m.
Carson Valley Medical Center, Gardnerville - 12:10 p.m.
Barton Memorial Hospital, South Lake Tahoe - 12:14 p.m.
Column: Enjoy outdoor recreation wisely
Submitted by paula on Fri, 04/24/2020 - 1:19pm
Beautiful weather and a case of cabin fever from shelter in place directives have many of us yearning to get outside. Being in nature provides many wellness benefits. When we leave home to enjoy the bounty of outdoor activities, parks, and trails around us, we can honor those working on the front-line of the coronavirus pandemic by doing our part to stay healthy and keep each other safe.
