An article written by health workforce leaders and published today in the New England Journal of Medicine calls for health care delivery organizations, educators and government leaders to “cut through bureaucratic barriers and adapt regulations to rapidly expand the U.S. health care workforce and sustain it” for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The article was written by eight leaders of public and private research centers who interact with and study the U.S. health workforce, including Peter Buerhaus, director of the Montana State University Center for Interdisciplinary Health Workforce Studies and professor in the MSU College of Nursing. Additional authors are Erin P. Fraher, Patricia Pittman, Bianca K. Frogner, Joanne Spetz, Jean Moore, Angela J. Beck and David Armstrong.

“Current efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic aim to slow viral spread and increase testing, protect health care workers from infection, and obtain ventilators and other equipment to prepare for a surge of critically ill patients. But additional actions are needed to rapidly increase health workforce capacity and to replenish it when personnel are quarantined or need time off to rest or care for sick family members,” Buerhaus and the other authors wrote in “Ensuring and Sustaining a Pandemic Workforce.”

The authors of the article, which was published in the Perspective section of the journal, recommended a number of measures that could expand and sustain the health care workforce. Among their suggestions:

• Having governors remove barriers to expand capacity by enacting emergency orders that modify or temporarily rescind medical malpractice policies that inhibit health professionals’ ability to expand their scope of practice.

• Changing internal policies such as workflows, task-delegation protocols or union agreements in hospitals and nursing homes to allow health workers to fully use their knowledge and skills.

• Expanding the types of services that can be covered by insurance, broadening the number and types of providers eligible for insurance payments and allowing services to be provided in a wider range of settings.

• Allowing hospitals to provide benefits to support staff, such as multiple daily meals, laundry service for personal clothing or child care services.

• Sending respiratory therapists to hospitals most in need and developing programs to quickly train workers who can operate ventilators competently.

• Allowing medical students in their third and fourth years who are no longer in clinical rotations to perform various medical tasks to free up clinicians for COVID-19 care.

• Identifying health care professionals who have either retired or temporarily left the workforce and encouraging them to return to work.

• Training dentists, optometrists, chiropractors and other health professionals whose practices have temporarily closed because of COVID-19 to conduct screenings, take vital signs, provide telephone follow-up, collect epidemiologic data and provide community education.

• Planning for the needs of millions of people in the U.S. who require treatment for mental health disorders.

• Allowing health care workers to offer telehealth services across state lines, even if they’re not part of interstate licensing compacts.

• Examining regulations to determine whether health professionals’ scope of practice is being unnecessarily restricted.

“How well the country handles the COVID-19 crisis depends largely on how effectively our health workforce is used,” the authors wrote. “Much can be done to ensure that the workforce is prepared to defeat the pandemic.”

The full article is available at nejm.org.

A second article by Buerhaus and colleagues David I. Auerbach and Douglas O. Staiger, “Older Clinicians and the Surge in Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19),” was published March 30 in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Among other points, the authors noted that hospitals and other care delivery organizations should carefully consider how best to protect and preserve their workforce, with careful consideration involving older physicians and nurses.

The older nurses and physicians caring for patients today are “an essential and vitally important component of many organizations,” Buerhaus and his colleagues wrote, especially because many older nurses and physicians have experience with disasters, triaging, decision making, and managing staff and resources under times of great stress.

“While hospitals and other organizations ramp up their preparations, this is the time to determine whether there may be different roles for older clinicians that ensure they are able to contribute over the long-term course of the pandemic,” the authors wrote in the article, which appeared in the journal’s Viewpoint section. “This is not to suggest that these older nurses and physicians should necessarily be precluded from providing clinical care or should be isolated, but rather to consider if their direct clinical duties can be shifted to emphasize roles with less risk of exposure.”

In light of closures across the state due to the novel coronavirus, Montana State University’s Museum of the Rockies has launched a new, free online learning resource for community members.

The online library of resources comprises lessons, curriculum guides, games and videos intended for school-aged children, families, museum members, caregivers and the community to help stay engaged with the collections, exhibits and programs the museum has to offer. The resources are contributed by every department in the museum and will be updated weekly.

Highlights from the resource library include:

• More than 30 videos where audiences can learn from the museum’s educators, curators, staff, research associates and program partners, as well as go behind the scenes for special programs in the collections.
• Fourteen lesson and activity guides that offer original content, including “Our Home, Our World: Discovering Earth and Space Science in Kumamoto and Montana,” an educator’s guide created with museum partners in Montana and Japan.
• More than 50 audio recordings of evening lectures from the museum and its program partners, sponsored by Gallatin Valley Community Radio.
• Access to digital collections from the museum, including its photo archive and the new Marlene Saccoccia Quilt Heritage Project with the Montana Memory Project.
• An archive of the museum’s social media posts from 2020 with educational information about its collections and exhibitions.

Later in April, the museum will launch MOR AT HOME, a members-only virtual programming initiative. The museum will also offer free, online streaming programs for Montana schoolchildren through its partnership with Streamable Learning later this spring.

To access the online resources, visit museumoftherockies.org/learn.

Montana Tip Jar was created to enable support of friends and neighbors who work in our state's service industries and have lost income due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Montana's restaurants, coffee shops, guide services, salons, and pubs (& more!) are places we go to connect; places that are important to the fabric of our communities; places where we meet friends, regardless on which "side of the counter" we sit.

Anyone working in one of Montana's service industries can register (2 min max) using the form below, allowing you to receive tips directly into your Venmo account.

Don’t forget, virtual tips are like hugs, though with a bit of social distancing!

Fishtail, MT  — On Friday, April 10, at 6:00 PM MDT, Tippet Rise Art Center will present a webcast of music, film and photography. With an introduction by the art center’s cofounder, Peter Halstead, the 90-minute online event will feature a recording of a full concert by the pianist Pedja Muzijevic playing works by Scarlatti, Satie, Schumann, and others in the Olivier Music Barn in July 2018. The concert’s intermission will include a greeting from Mr. Muzijevic from his home in Manhattan and a showing of the art center’s newest film, Xylem, The Heart of the Tree, by Emily Rund. The film follows the making of Xylem, the newest sculptural structure at Tippet Rise, designed by the internationally celebrated architect Francis Kéré.

 
To attend, please visit the art center’s Facebook page or YouTube channel, or  navigate to tippetrise.org.
 
Other offerings on the Tippet Rise website
No matter the time of day, visitors can access a variety of arts and entertainment on the Tippet Rise website, including:
•              Concert videos from the art center’s first four seasons of classical music, as well as other films, available on both the Tippet Rise website and the art center’s YouTube channel
•              Program Books for each concert season with essays, interviews, program notes and photographs
•              A collection of films of sculptor Mark di Suvero reading poetry by Friedrich Hölderlin, Rainer Maria Rilke, and others.
•              Insights on the artists behind the land art at Tippet Rise
•              The Tippet Rise Podcast
•              Links to a few of the many artists sharing their beautiful music with the world through online performances
•              A virtual tour of the Tippet Rise landscape, art and architecture via Google Arts & Culture and Google Street View
 
About Tippet Rise Art Center
Located on a 12,000-acre working ranch nestled at the foot of Montana’s Beartooth Mountains, Tippet Rise celebrates the union of music, land, art, and architecture. For more information about Tippet Rise, please visit www.tippetrise.org

BIG SKY – A collection of Big Sky organizations and community leaders have joined forces to bring ongoing behavioral and mental health services and community forum opportunities to community residents as the Covid-19 pandemic calls for social distancing and shelter in place ordinances.

Together, Women in Action, Bozeman Health Big Sky Medical Center, the Big Sky Community Organization (BSCO), in conjunction with educators and members of various community foundations are addressing the increased need for mental and behavioral health, wellness, education, attention to addiction, and social connectivity needs that are inevitable in our ever changing landscape.

The impacts of Covid-19 are far-reaching across our community, creating the need for expanded programming and resources designed to meet the broad demographic found in Big Sky.  “We are looking to provide something for everyone based on the diverse needs of the community”, shared Ciara Wolfe, CEO of BSCO.

“As in all communities, the needs associated with mental, behavioral and social health must be addressed in Big Sky.  Covid-19 is accelerating the need for us to address it more quickly, taking immediate action where we can while still planning the long-term goals”, said Maureen Womack, System Director of Behavioral Health, Big Sky Medical Center. “We want to continue serving those who have health needs, counseling needs, and generally those who are feeling alone, overwhelmed and potentially underserved through this difficult time”, added Jean Behr, Executive Director of Women in Action.

At this critical time, Both WIA and Bozeman Health are offering counseling and behavioral health support at no cost. Bozeman Health through the Help Center (dial 211) and WIA via their ongoing counseling services.

Offering virtual services and sharing those resources via community outlets like the newly established BigSkyRelief.org becomes critical as people are being instructed not to leave their homes.  The hope is that this collective effort will establish a central portal where health, wellness, education, social forums and resources will be available and accessible to anyone, at any time.  

The goal is to address the needs of the Big Sky community, in terms of physical and mental health, feelings of isolation or being overwhelmed whether in a physical, emotional, or social sense.   The collaboration plans to launch online resources as soon as possible, to meet the growing needs presented by the coronavirus pandemic.  Services will include financial assistance for virtual counseling sessions, access to public and community forums that serve a spectrum of age groups and interests, ideas for educational assistance during virtual learning for school-aged children, and attention to both ongoing and emergency physical and mental health needs.  

For emergency and behavioral needs, please call 911 or go to the Emergency Department at Big Sky Medical Center. For urgent and non-emergent behavioral health needs, please call The Help Center at 211. The Help Center (211) will make sure to help you receive the care you need.  Both WIA and The Help Center are able to offer counseling and behavioral health support at no cost. For a complete list of local resources, please visit www.bigskywia.org.

Original release date: April 2, 2020

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has released an article on defending against video-teleconferencing (VTC) hijacking (referred to as “Zoom-bombing” when attacks are to the Zoom VTC platform).  Many organizations and individuals are increasingly dependent on VTC platforms, such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams, to stay connected during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The FBI has released this guidance in response to an increase in reports of VTC hijacking.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency encourages users and administrators to review the FBI article as well as the following steps to improve VTC cybersecurity:
    •    Ensure meetings are private, either by requiring a password for entry or controlling guest access from a waiting room.
    •    Consider security requirements when selecting vendors. For example, if end-to-end encryption is necessary, does the vendor offer it?
    •    Ensure VTC software is up to date. See Understanding Patches and Software Updates.

CISA also recommends the following VTC cybersecurity resources:
    •    FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Alert: Cyber Actors Take Advantage of COVID-19 Pandemic to Exploit Increased Use of Virtual Environments

    •    Zoom blog on recent cybersecurity measures

    •    Microsoft Teams security guide


Copyright © 2020, Pro Techs Computer Solutions All rights reserved.

MontanaPBS will livestream the second installation of a broadcast special, “Answering Questions About Coronavirus,” at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 2. The program will be available to view on-air, online at montanapbs.org/live and on the MontanaPBS Facebook page.

During the special program, host John Twiggs will hold a conversation via video conference with Dr. Joshua Christensen, infectious diseases specialist at Providence-St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula; Brent Donnelly, district director at the U.S. Small Business Administration; and Coralee Schmitz, chief operating officer at the Rimrock treatment center in Billings. The panelists will be joined by an interview guest, U.S. Sen. Jon Tester.

In addition, MontanaPBS producer Jackie Coffin will report from the field about challenges Montana’s rural hospitals are facing. She will also report on Montana’s vulnerable populations and how they are coping with the pandemic.

Phone operators will be available to take audience questions at 1-888-828-5876. Viewers can also submit questions via Facebook by following MontanaPBS or emailing online@montanapbs.org.

The broadcast is anticipated to last 60 minutes; however, the conversation may continue online at montanapbs.org/live and on the MontanaPBS Facebook page should there be a high volume of questions from viewers.

Additional resources, web links and previous episodes are available at montanapbs.org/covid19.

Montana Shakespeare in the Parks will begin streaming some of its best performances free online in showings scheduled throughout April and May.

Beginning Friday, April 3, MSIP Live will show recordings of its recent plays every two weeks via Facebook. Shows will begin at 7 p.m. MDT and be available online for 24 hours.

A list of the performances and dates follow:

• April 3: “Othello”
• April 17: “You Can Never Tell”
• May 1: “Henry IV, Part I”
• May 15: “Twelfth Night” (Shakespeare in the Schools performance)

“We have remained focused on our mission of providing our communities with access to free professional theater,” said Kevin Asselin, executive artistic director for Montana Shakespeare in the Parks. “In this time of uncertainty, our goal is to investigate new ways of reinventing our programming so that we can remain accessible in a time when our audiences need a break from our challenging circumstances.”

The mission of Montana Shakespeare in the Parks is to engage and enrich both rural and underserved communities with professional productions of Shakespeare and other classic plays and, through educational outreach, to inspire creative expression and appreciation of the arts in young audiences.

For more information, visit https://facebook.com/montanashakespeareintheparks/ or email susan@montana.edu.

Right now the best thing we can do as a community to slow the spread of COVID-19 is to stay home! This is such a simple thing we can all do to help those that are elderly or immune-compromised and to ease the burden on our wonderful health care workers. The more people who choose to do this, the quicker we can get back to normal life. However, being quarantined and social distancing can be hard because it's nothing we've ever experienced. Getting cabin fever or feeling stir crazy? Here are some ideas to get through this!

 
1. The old stand-by's
Chances are somewhere in your house you have a stash of puzzles and board games that don't get used much. Now is the time to dust them and settle in for a game of Monopoly. When else will you have time to play it until the end?
 
2. Facetime happy hour with friends or family
With social distancing, making connections with friends and family can be tough. Luckily we live in a time of technology so you can still check in on your friends and hang out virtually. Stay comfy on your couch, grab a drink or cup of coffee, call your best friend or mom and settle in for a chat. Think of how much money we'll all save! If you have kids at home, chances are they are missing their friends as well so maybe loosen up the screen time rules and let them connect and catch up.

 
3. Take a hike
We don't know about you, but we have never been happier to live in Montana! The mountains have not closed and we are lucky to be in a place where we can get out to nature AND social distance at the same time. Getting fresh air every day will get us through this! Just stay respectful on the trail, keep 6 feet from others and as much as it's hard to resist petting cute puppies that run up to you, now isn't the time.  Click here and here and here for some trail suggestions!

 
4. Volunteer
There are several groups still looking for volunteers in this uncertain time. This is a good way to get out of the house in a safe way and to help out the community. The Gallatin Valley Food Bank has been busy prepping emergency food boxes and have opportunities to help with this. They are limiting the number of volunteers and following all the CDC requirements for social distancing and hand washing. Click here for more information. Many non-profits are unable to take volunteers right now so financial contributions are more important than ever.

 
5. Support local businesses
Bozeman has always prided itself on supporting local and these businesses need our help more than ever. We may not be able to dine out, but several Bozeman businesses are offering free delivery or take out. As for retail, some stores are open and taking into account CDC recommendations and some have gone to online shopping. Click here for a list of what restaurants and shops are offering during this time. Take a break from cooking while supporting your favorite local restaurant.

 
6. Spring clean
With all the extra time on your hands at home, now is the time for that deep spring cleaning! Clean out the garage, wash the windows, go through that junk drawer, do all the things you put off because we live in a busy world. You know what they say, a clean house creates a calm mind. If you have donations to make, keep in mind most of the thrift stores in town are not taking donations at this time so you will have to hang on to it for the time being.

 
7. Go for a walk in the neighborhood
Has anyone else noticed how many people are out and about in the neighborhoods? It's like taking a step back in time with kids riding bikes and neighbors chatting in their front yards, 6 feet apart of course. Nothing cures cabin fever faster than some fresh air. Make daily walks a part of your quarantine, it will keep things in perspective.

 
8. Check-in on the elderly/immune-compromised in your area
COVID-19 has reached our area and unfortunately, Gallatin County is the hot spot in Montana. Check-in with anyone you know who is elderly or immune-compromised to see if you can help them with a meal or grocery shopping because they are probably hunkered down right now. This pandemic is scary for everyone, but even more so if you are in a high-risk group. Even a phone call so they can hear a reassuring voice is helpful right now.

 
9. Create some inspiration
This is a great one if you have kids. Have them make posters to hang in the windows or on the front porch. Include some inspirational quotes like "We're all in this together" "We can do hard things" "Stay home, save lives" to bring a smile to everyone outside. Once the snow melts the same thing can be done on the sidewalk with chalk. With all the social distancing, this is a fun way to connect with the outside world.

 
10. Learn to cook or bake
Now is the time to try all those recipes from your Pinterest boards! Learn to bake bread, make spaghetti sauce from scratch or bake a cake just for the heck of it!
 
11. Watch old classics or binge on Netflix
We're not suggesting everyone become couch potatoes but our lives are busy so when else will you have an excuse to watch Netflix all day? Catch up on your favorite shows or introduce your kids to all the old classic movies. We can worry about limiting screen time when this passes.
 
12. Start planning for camping/garden/fishing/golfing season
Summer is right around the corner so start planning your adventures. When times are tough it's nice to have something to look forward and if there's one thing Bozemanites look forward to, it's summer! Need some inspiration? Click here!

This article, 12 Fun Things to do at Home While Quarantined was provided by Bozeman Real Estate Group. To read the original article click here.

Montana State University Extension will offer several webinars that discuss economic effects from the current COVID-19 pandemic.

The webinars will be offered from 2 to 3 p.m. each Thursday from April 2 until April 23. The courses will be presented by MSU Extension specialists and economists from the University of Montana Bureau of Business and Economic Research and the Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research to provide insight to how the coronavirus is currently impacting the economy in their areas of expertise. The webinars are free and open to the public.

Topics that will be covered in week one include “Assessing the Impacts of Coronavirus in Montana, the U.S. and the World” presented by Pat Barkley from the BBER; “Small Business, Coronavirus Stimulus” by George Haynes from MSU Extension; and “Individuals and the Stimulus” by Joel Schumacher, associate specialist with MSU Extension.

Week two will feature presentations that cover travel and recreation, agriculture and health care by Norma Nickerson from the ITRR, Kate Fuller of MSU Extension and Robert Sonora from the BBER. Topics for weeks three and four are to be determined.

To register and participate in the webinars, visit http://farmpolicy.msuextension.org/covid19/. For more information, contact Joel Schumacher at jschumacher@montana.edu.