Dear CSAcu community,
We hope this message finds you happy and healthy. We wanted to send one last email to inform you of the changes that have taken place, plan for reopening the clinic, and new measures that will be implemented to help everyone stay healthy.
We are excited to get back working and to see everyone! Firstly, we’ve updated our reception area with a new wheelchair ramp and new floors, so all can easily access our space. We also have a new, direct-access entrance just for the clinic, which opens onto the ramp. There are some new protocols in place, which will require work from everyone, staff and patients included.
Before the logistical update, though, a few words of reflection. CSAcu and the Board of Directors would like to express solidarity with all those standing up for racial justice and inequality. While CSAcu is not a political organization, our mission has always been to support the overall health of our community, and we view the multiple crises we are facing as challenges we must face united, and with compassion. Chinese medicine and the Daoist philosophy that informs it reminds us that we must move slower than we often want, and ought to move with gentleness and flexibility. The lesson that the young shoot bends while the dry old tree breaks when stressed is appropriate. My sincere hope is that we can try to remain as calm and flexible in these times in order to adapt and respond to the ever-changing reality around us.
Now, on to the practical matters! As of June 15, the clinic will be open by appointment only, as group acupuncture will continue to remain closed until we can determine the safest and most responsible way to proceed. Please view the online scheduling program to do so
We have made some absolutely wonderful changes to the clinic, including a wheelchair ramp, new door, and new floors in the reception area. We hope that these changes will benefit all who visit our office.
Kelli Carter will continue to have her normal office hours, but I will be unable to work full time due to the unavailability of childcare. Please accept my apologies for the downsized schedule, and hopefully this will open back up in the coming months.
I want to personally apologize to all my patients and clients of CSAcu for my inability to sustain quality communication during the COVID-19 lockdown, as I have been preoccupied with being the primary caretaker of my two small children at home while my wife was able to continue working. I hope to be able to step back into my full-time role soon. I thank everyone for their support and patience with me and hope to come back with renewed strength to continue the work that I love.
The following changes will be our “new normal”, at least for the time being. Please keep in mind that this is for the benefit and health of all patients visiting the clinic as well as the rest of our community. Remember that many patients of CSAcu are in categories considered vulnerable to COVID-19 complications, such as age, pre-existing conditions, immune deficiencies, etc.
- All patients are expected to arrive in a mask and wear one for the duration of the visit, unless lying face-down on the table
- CSAcu staff will wear a mask at all times
- Bathroom use is allowed but all are encouraged to use restroom before office visit in an attempt to keep high traffic areas as clean and free as possible
- Hand sanitizer must be applied when entering and before leaving the clinic
- No hugging (sorry!)
- Water/tea will no longer be offered
- The lending library will temporarily be closed
- No guests or family will be permitted during visits, unless needed for mobility
- Contactless payment is appreciated, and can be done with Venmo (otherwise all other forms of payment will continue to be accepted) www.venmo.com/CSAcu
- All areas of contact in the clinic will continuously be sanitized throughout the day in between patients.
- Anyone with recent symptoms such as: Fever, cough, sneezing, muscle aches, or sore throat must cancel their appointment. All patients will be screened for fever in office. There will be no penalty for late cancellation due to presence of symptoms.
o It is NOT sufficient to suggest that symptoms may be related to allergies or otherwise.
- If you become aware of a diagnosis of COVID-19 in the vicinity of a recent visit to the clinic, we expect that you notify the clinic as both a courtesy and in the interest of safety to staff and other patients.
- CSAcu staff will also be expected to follow these guidelines, and late cancellations on our part must be understood in this light. We appreciate your understanding in all these circumstances.
Lastly, if you require blankets during treatment, please consider BYOB – Bring Your Own Blanket!
It is our sincere hope that these measures will contribute to the health and wellbeing of all.
Yours in health,
Mateo Bernal, Executive Director