Safety is our number one priority at NorthStar. We continue to follow evolving Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations to ensure our protocols are up to date and effective to be proactive at our residential and outpatient facilities. Our medical, clinical, and administrative staff are working together daily to ensure NorthStar continues to provide the very best care for our clients.Infection control and prevention are prioritized at NorthStar, and we have taken additional steps to protect our staff and clients:
- Our admissions team is screening potential clients for signs and symptoms of COVID-19, recent travel history, and potential exposure to an infected individual. Referrals to appropriate medical care will be made if necessary.
- All locations adhere to strict infection control guidelines set by the CDC, Office of Behavioral Health (OBH), Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) and our national accrediting body, The Joint Commission.
- We have increased the frequency of disinfecting all surfaces at all locations of care.
- We have updated hand hygiene protocols according to CDC standards and encourage clients and staff to not touch their eyes, nose, or mouth.
- We are requiring clients and staff to wash their hands before entering any group facilities.
- Supervised medication administration protocols are being reinforced with each staff member individually to ensure clients wash their hands before handling their medications.
- Clients will join outside 12 step meetings virtually.
- Clients in residential level of care will have their temperature taken daily and heightened social distancing (6-10ft) has been implemented.
- Visitation from outside vendors, contractors, and guests is postponed until further notice.
- Events commonly held on our campus will be offered virtually to adhere to social distancing recommendations.
- Families are encouraged to participate in visitation virtually, and if they must be onsite, they are required to adhere to our strict hand washing guidelines.
- Staff who are experiencing any illness symptoms are encouraged to stay home.
- Staff who can work virtually are encouraged to do so.
IOP and OP Services Temporarily Offered Online In an effort to limit physical contact and keep our clients as safe as possible, NorthStar is offering temporary online Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) and outpatient (OP) sessions.Effective immediately, any current or prospective client will partake in our programming online to ensure clients can continue to receive the care they need under the current limited contact recommendations.Online sessions will be done through HIPAA compliant software and will include:
- 9 hours of IOP group scheduled as normal
- Individual sessions
- Family sessions
- Psychiatric follow up
Residential Services Running & Accepting New ClientsOur residential locations for men and women remain open and accepting new clients. We are adhering to strict infectious disease protocols to keep our clients and staff safe:
- Heightened social distancing (6-10ft)
- Rigorous cleaning of any surfaces clients come in contact with (including vehicles)
- Mandatory CDC specific hygiene for clients and staff
- Transitioning family visitation online
- Transitioning 12 step meetings online
NorthStar Transitions has not experienced any cases of COVID-19, however being a part of the solution to prevent the spread of this illness is of our utmost concern.As this situation continues to evolve, we are monitoring the recommendations from the CDC and will act in response to what is best for our clients.In this time of uncertainty, NorthStar extends our message of hope and a reminder to take care of your physical and mental health. We are here for you and your loved ones and will do everything in our power to maintain our excellence during this time.Please reach out to our admissions team with any questions: 303.558.6400
