The providers at the Trager Institute and Republic Bank Foundation Optimal Aging Clinic encourage all patients to get vaccinated. If you have any questions about the COVID-19 vaccines or vaccination schedule, please visit the Kentucky COVID website kycovid19.ky.gov - Kentucky COVID Vaccine (egov.com) or call the Kentucky COVID-19 hotline at 1 800-722-5725 for the most up-to-date information.
Thank you to everyone who attended our bi-weekly Tuesday COVID-19 Information Sessions via Zoom! Our last COVID-19 Information Session took place on Tuesday 1/19. Going forward, we will be sharing updates and announcements surrounding the coronavirus via our emails and this COVID-19 Information & Resources page rather than via bi-weekly live Zoom sessions.
Recordings of each of the COVID-19 Information Sessions we hosted will remain accessible on this page. Scroll down to view the recordings!
We were excited to welcome Mona Huff, Community Health Education Coordinator, as the guest speaker for our COVID-19 Information Session. Mona led a conversation on how good health behaviors may protect against contracting COVID-19, as well as how to help manage one’s symptoms if they do contract COVID-19.
Tuesday january 5, 2021
COVID-19 & Public Transportation
At this week's COVID-19 Information Session, we were excited to welcome guest speaker, Carrie Butler, Executive Director of TARC. Carrie led a conversation exploring the role that publictransportation has played in Louisville throughout the pandemic including measures that have been taken to help keep our city safe while also keeping us moving!
Tuesday December 8, 2020
COVID-19 & Infection Control During the Holiday Season
At this week's COVID-19 Information Session, we were excited to welcome guest speaker, J. Hudson Garrett, Ph.D. from the Division of Infectious Diseases at UofL and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI). Hudson led a conversation exploring the upcoming holiday season in relation to COVID-19, including measures we can take to reduce the spread of infection and the impact that could be felt by nursing homes, hospitals, and the health care system as a whole.
Tuesday November 24, 2020
COVID-19 & Wastewater
At this week's COVID-19 Information Session, we were excited to welcome guest speaker, Dr. Rochelle Holm, Ph.D. Dr. Holm led a conversation exploring what we have learned through monitoring of our sewer system in Louisville during the COVID-19 pandemic. As an integral part of the Co-Immunity Project, Dr. Holm gave a unique perspective on identifying geographic and demographic factors that can contribute to outbreaks.
Tuesday November 10, 2020
COVID-19 & the Post COVID Clinic
At this week's COVID-19 Information Session, we were excited to welcome guest speaker, Dr. Aruni Bhatnagar, Ph.D., Director, Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute. who led a discussion on the Post COVID clinic. This clinic is designed for follow-up care for any subsequent long-term health issues that may arise due to COVID-19 infection. Dr. Bhatnagar explored what the Post COVID Clinic hopes to accomplish including creating a registry of all confirmed COVID patients in Jefferson County.
Tuesday October 27, 2020
Voting & COVID
At this week's COVID Information Session, we were excited to welcome guest speaker, Jared Dearing, Executive Director of the Kentucky State Board of Elections. Mr. Dearing led a conversation exploring voting and how it looks different during COVID-19. As the executive director of the State Board of Elections, Mr. Dearing was able to provide a unique perspective and clarity to our democratic process during a nationwide pandemic.
At this week's COVID-19 information session, We were excited to welcome guest speaker, Ruth Carrico, Ph.D, FSHEA, RN, CIC, UofL School of Medicine Division of Infectious Diseases. Dr. Carrico lead a conversation exploring the challenges of combating the seasonal flu during a pandemic. Through her work with infectious diseases, Dr. Carrico gave insights to how diseases function and ways to prevent or lessen their spread.
Tuesday September 29, 2020
Research at UofL in the Time of the Pandemic
At this week's COVID-19 information session, We were excited to welcome guest speaker, Jon Klein, MD, PhD, Vice Dean for Research and Director of Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute at the University of Louisville School of Medicine. Dr. Klein lead a conversation exploring the University of Louisville’s response to COVID-19. As the director of the University’s response and planning related to COVID-19, Dr. Klein shared his insights on the lessons learned, successes, and upcoming preparations for the fall.
At this week's COVID-19 information session, we were excited to welcome guest speakers, Dr. Colby Helton, DAOM, L.Ac and Andrea Helton, MSAOM, L.Ac, acupuncture providers at AcuBalance: Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine for a discussion about the ways acupuncture can help reduce COVID-19 related stress, particularly for healthcare providers and caregivers. The conversation explored a wide range of at-home and community resources for self-care and stress relief for individuals experiencing concerns and fears related to health, safety, and uncertainly.
Tuesday September 2, 2020
COVID-19 & Housing Insecurity: Knowing Your Rights and Resources
At this week's COVID-19 information session, we were excited to welcome guest speaker, Ashley Gray-Ziba, Attorney at the Legal Aid Society in Louisville, for a conversation exploring the growing housing crisis related to COVID-19. This conversation unpacked the causes of the housing crisis and explored what people need to know to keep themselves and their loved ones safe in the event they face eviction. The speaker also shared key housing security resources for older adults and caregivers.
Tuesday August 18, 2020
At this week's COVID-19 information session, we welcomed guest speaker, Mark B. Carter, Executive Advisor for the Office of the Secretary for Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. Mr. Carter provided an overview of Kentucky’s COVID-19 contact tracing program, with particular attention on what people should to expect if they are contacted, how the program works, and common misconceptions. For questions, contact Mark Carter at [email protected] or the main Kentucky COVID email address: [email protected].
Innovating Technology to Reduce Social Isolation During & Beyond COVID-19
At this week's COVID-19 information session, we were excited to welcome guest speakers, Dr. Brent Wright, Associate Dean for Rural Health Innovation at the University of Louisville School of Medicine, and Rebecca Brown Rice, Director of Operations at the Louisville Healthcare CEO Council. This week’s speakers explored the innovative ways we are utilizing technology to reduce social isolation and loneliness both during COVID-19 and in our post-pandemic lives. The conversation explored the latest developments in technology, such as Smartglasses, and creative ways we are re-imagining our existing technology.
At this week's COVID-19 information session, we welcomed guest speaker Lyndon Pryor, Chief Engagement Officer at the Louisville Urban League, for a conversation about the impact of COVID-19 on the African American community. In particular, this conversation explored how the current pandemic has exposed deep inequalities throughout society, touching everything from medical care, unemployment, housing, police violence, gun violence, and systemic racism. We discussed how the Louisville Urban League is working to address the intersecting injustices brought to the forefront by COVID-19. Visit apathforward4lou.org to view the Louisville Urban League's guide for promoting racial equity in Louisville.
TUESDAY JULY 21, 2020
Logistics in Healthcare Delivery in Combating the COVID-19 Pandemic
At this week's COVID-19 Information Session, we welcomed guest speaker, Lihui Bai, PhD, Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Programs at the UofL Speed School, Industrial Engineering; co-director of Logistics and Distribution Institute (LoDI). Dr. Bai explored a range of logistics-related research and assistance activities to help the larger effort of combating the COVID-19 pandemic. Examples included: 1) developing a workflow simulation model to help estimate the capacity of a clinic considering COVID related workplace policies; 2) determining the daily optimal routes for a service vehicle for an N95 decontamination project; 3) determining optimal sites for potential surveillance testing; and 4) a proposed contact tracing program that aims to increase tracing capability as well as participation among the elderly population in rural areas.
TUESDAY JULY 14, 2020
Status Update on COVID-19 Pharmaceutical Interventions
At this week's COVID-19 Information Session, we were excited to welcome back guest speaker, Dr. Paul McKinney, Professor, and Associate Dean for Research of the UofL School of Public Health and Information Sciences. Dr. McKinney explored what we know to date on pharmaceutical interventions for COVID-19 - including the drugs that have been proven to work and the ones that look promising. As well, he shared what the US is doing to develop a vaccine.
TUESDAY JULY 7, 2020
Staying Positive in the Summer that Wasn’t: Strategies for Maintaining Our Mental Health During the COVID 2020 Summer
At this week's COVID-19 information session, we shared an update on what our mental health providers have learned about how COVID-19 is impacting clients. With the escalating cases across the U.S., many of the traditional summer activities that we look forward to all year are unavailable to us. With the loss of many of summer traditions coupled with the stress of COVID-19, it is critical we take care of our mental health. Our mental health providers shared strategies for staying positive this summer.
TUESDAY JUNE 30, 2020
Reopening Spaces of Worship: A Panel Discussion
At the week’s COVID-19 information session, we welcomed a special panel of Kentucky religious leaders to talk about creative ways to reopen to in-person experiences while keeping communities safe and healthy. Listen to their unique perspectives, moderated by Interfaith Paths to Peace, about how religious communities in Kentucky are responding to the challenge and the opportunity of reopening places of worship.
TUESDAY JUNE 23, 2020
Not Returning to Normal: Exploring the Possible Long-Term Opportunities of COVID-19
At this week's COVID-19 session, we welcomed guest speaker Ben Reno-Weber, Director of the Microsoft Future of Work Initiative. While much of our regular routine has been on pause since March, Ben shared why we must not return to “normal”. Ben, a long-time social and technology entrepreneur, encouraged us to take this time to evaluate possible long-term opportunities and led a discussion on how we can make positive changes in sectors that have been upended by COVID-19.
TUESDAY JUNE 16, 2020
Healthcare Reopening: A Panel Discussion
At this week's COVID-19 session, we hosted a panel discussion with experts from a cross-section of healthcare services, including oncology, dentistry, acupuncture, and long-term care. As the first industry to re-open, this healthcare panel shared what their respective fields are doing to keep patients, especially the most vulnerable, safe, and well-cared for. Panelists also discussed the lessons learned so far in the healthcare reopening experience including insights on visitations, symptom checks, and creative ways healthcare services are dealing with the aerosolized nature of COVID-19.
TUESDAY JUNE 9, 2020
COVID-19 Health Disparities: The Disproportionate Impact of COVID-19 on African American Communities
At this week’s COVID-19 information session, we were thrilled to welcome guest speakers Dr. Vicki Hines-Martin of the University of Louisville School of Nursing and Dr. V. Faye Jones of the University of Louisville School of Medicine for an exploration into the health disparities related to COVID-19 experienced by the African American community. We discussed the intersecting, systemic issues in our healthcare system and social structures that result in African Americans dying at a higher rate from COVID-19. This session also looked at this situation through the broader conversation about systemic health disparities and cumulative inequality over the life course - and the need for health equity in order for our community to fully heal from this pandemic.
Tuesday June 2, 2020
Restaurants are Up for the Reopening Challenge
We were excited to welcome guest speaker Stacy Roof, President & CEO of the Kentucky Restaurant Association, to speak on the topic of restaurants re-opening in Kentucky. Per the Kentucky Governors re-opening schedule, restaurants in Kentucky were allowed to open at 33% capacity on May 22nd. Stacy Roof shared how Kentucky's restaurants are handling this re-opening phase and the creative precautions they are taking to preserve the safety of their community. The conversation also included tips for individuals looking to stay safe while enjoying their local restaurant scene.
Tuesday May 26, 2020
COVID-19 and the Co-Immunity Project
At this week’s COVID-19 information session, we were joined by Dr. Ted Smith, associate professor of environmental medicine and Deputy Director of the Envirome Institute at the University of Louisville School of Medicine. Dr. Smith lead a conversation exploring the Co-Immunity Project, including the project’s history and its potential implications for public health as we re-open our communities. He shared the various ways the project is assessing community-level immunity against COVID-19 in order to help chart a path out of our current situation. This interactive session also explore questions relating to the possibility of protective immunity, the danger of false positives, and underreporting of COVID cases. Dr. Smith encouraged any healthcare workers who would like to be part of the study to visit the project’s website at: https://lhccinc.com/the-co-immunity-project/. Also, Dr. Laura Morton of the U of L Trager Institute gave an update on changes to hospital visiting policies, as well as general updates about the Optimal Aging Clinic.
Tuesday May 19, 2020
Preventing Elder Abuse During COVID-19
At this week’s COVID-19 information session, we were joined by two members of the Louisville Metro Police Department’s Special Victims Unit: Sgt. Scott Shafer of the Senior Crimes Victims Program and Sgt. James Clark of the Domestic Violence Unit. These guest speakers shared what they have seen as the impact of COVID-19 on elder abuse in their jurisdiction. The group discussed a variety of prominent financial scams that many older adults might be susceptible to during this period, such as fraudulent caller IDs, contractor scams, and door-to-door scams. We also discussed the reduced rate of reported physical elder abuse and domestic violence since February, which the speakers attribute to potential underreporting of cases as victims may feel less able to report abuse while they are sheltering at home with the perpetrators. During this interactive conversation, the group shared a variety of resources for reporting elder abuse and for protecting ourselves against financial scams.
Tuesday May 12, 2020
Community Supports & Services During COVID-19: What Older Adults, Caregivers, and Providers Need to Know
At this week’s COVID-19 information session, we welcomed guest speaker Victoria Elridge, Commissioner of the Department for Aging and Independent Living at the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. Commissioner Elridge led an interactive conversation on the work of her department is doing during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure that older adults in Kentucky continue to receive long-term services and supports such as in-home services, meal deliveries, and person-centered services. The group discussed the services that are available to older adults and families, and how to access the services to ensure older adults receive the critical supports they need to continue aging-in-place during this time. We also discussed strategies for how community-dwelling older adults can stay safe during the re-opening phase and ways to ensure we can stay socially connected during this time.
Tuesday May 5, 2020
Being a Savvy Social Media Consumer During COVID-19
At this week’s COVID-19 information session, we welcomed guest speaker Karen Freberg, PhD for a conversation about how to be a savvy social media consumer during the COVID-19 pandemic. With so many competing versions of information spreading through social media, it can be challenging to know who and what to trust. Dr. Freberg, who researches social media and crisis communication at the University of Louisville, discussed how individuals can guard against fake news, scams, other misleading information that are exploiting the fear and confusion during the current pandemic. Dr. Freberg also shared ways organizations and providers can help disseminate reliable information.
Our Medical Director Dr. Christian Furman shared updates on the current phase of healthcare service reopening, and especially what the reopening looks like at our Republic Bank Foundation Optimal Aging Clinic.
Social Media Resources for Individual and Organizations
Navigating “Fake New” and Misinformation on Social Media for Individuals:
If you have questions about savvy social media use or if you are an organization with looking for more resources, contact Dr. Freberg at [email protected].
Tuesday April 28, 2020
Residents Rights During COVID-19
With the current spike in COVID-19 cases in Kentucky nursing homes, residents, staff, and families need to understand how to protect residents’ rights during this uncertain time. We explored this topic at this week’s COVID-19 information session with Sherry Culp and Natalie Brown-Radtke of the state and KIPDA region Ombudsman programs. They discussed the challenges facing the rights of residents in long-term care facilities as well as the ways the Ombudsman program is advocating for and supporting both residents and staff. In addition to a quick overview of the Ombudsman program itself, Culp and Brown-Radtke shared a summary of CMS COVID-19 waivers for nursing homes and what this means for residents’ rights.
Our Medical Director and Kentucky Governor’s Long-Term Care Task Force committee member, Dr. Christian Furman, shared an update from the task force regarding guidelines for long-term care facilities.
Tuesday April 21, 2020
Loss and Grief during the Coronavirus Pandemic
We were joined this week by Dr. Tara Schapmire, who led a discussion on the topic: Loss and Grief during the Coronavirus Pandemic. She explored the challenges that we are all facing with particular attention to the experience of older adults. As part of this conversation, Dr. Schapmire discussed the nature of grief and how we experience this emotion at both individual and collective levels right now. She also shared that the social isolation older adults may experience can increase the possibility of anxiety or depression. Dr. Schapmire provided several grief management strategies including setting a routine, daily social interaction (calls, text, video chat), journaling, going for walks if able, mental counseling (individual or group), staying informed but limiting social media, having dedicated time to grieve, and being intentional with your self-care.
Our Medical Director, Dr. Christian Furman, shared announcements from UofL Health and the Republic Bank Foundation Optimal Aging Clinic, including updates on masking policies and possible antibody tests. We are proud to share that both Dr. Furman and Dr. Laura Morton are both serving on Governor Beshear’s long-term care task force.
Tuesday April 14, 2020
Advance Care Planning During COVID-19 crisis
As part of National Healthcare Decisions Day on April 15, our session this week focused on Advance Care Planning during COVID-19 crisis. We were joined by several University of Louisville experts who shared what we need to know about advance care planning during this uncertain time, including recent COVID-19 specific goals of care. While this topic can be difficult, it is very important that we have conversations about our end of life values and wishes so that they can be known and honored. Our conversation this week shared resources for advance directives, including the MOST form, as well as strategies for having this conversation with our loved ones and patients. Members of this team are on the Kentucky Governor’s telehealth task force as well as the board of the Kentucky Society of Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine.
Guest Speakers:
Christian Davis Furman, MD, MSPH, AGSF, Margaret Dorward smock Endowed Chair in Geriatric Medicine; Professor, Geriatric & Palliative Medicine; Medical Director UofL Trager Institute
Angela Leinenbach, DNP, APRN, AGPCNP-BC, Assistant Professor, UofL School of Nursing; UofL Trager Institute
Justin Magnuson, ICCOA & Project ECHO Coordinator, MOST Coalition Liaison, UofL Trager Institute
Laura Morton, MD, CMD, Associate Professor; Director, Division of Geriatric Medicine; John C. Wright MD Endowed Professor on Aging; Director, Geriatric Medicine Fellowship; Director, Long Term Care Program, University of Louisville
TUESDAY April 7, 2020
Can We Apply Lessons Learned from the Spanish Influenza Pandemic of 1918-19 to the Coronavirus Pandemic of 2020?
In this week's session, we were joined by guest speaker Dr. Paul McKinney, University of Louisville School of Public Health and Information SciencesProfessor and Associate Dean for Research; Director of the UL Center for Health Hazards Preparedness; Director, Clinical Investigation Sciences Program. Dr. McKinney explored the lessons we might learned from the Spanish influenza pandemic of 1918-19 during the Coronavirus pandemic of 2020. As part of this discussion, Dr. McKinney explored the similarities and differences between the two pandemics, including ages most affected, local and federal public health responses, the global contexts, and the reasons for a second wave of the Spanish Flu. The session also addressed new mask guidelines for both healthcare workers and the general population, as well as discussed questions about developing understandings of new interventions and immunity.
TUESDAY MARCH 31, 2020
Public Assistance Programs during a Pandemic
This week we welcomed guest speaker Emily Beauregard, MPH, Executive Director of Kentucky Voices for Health. An expert in health coalitions and advocacy efforts, Emily shared resources and information relating to public assistance programs in Kentucky in light of the COVID-19 crisis and the impact of both the “Families First Coronavirus Response Act” and the “CARES Act” on Kentucky, as well as opportunities for advocacy during this time. Our Medical Director, Dr. Christian D. Furman, shared an update on polices for treating patients within the UofL Health system, as well as updates on mask policies and a new drive-through testing available to ULP patients. If you know or experience any barriers to care or issues with Medicaid/benefit enrollment, please contact Emily Beauregard at [email protected].
Kentucky Voices for Health Public Assistance Program Resources During COVID-19:
Current Efforts to Monitor Virus and Protect the Healthcare Workforce
In this week’s session, we were joined by guest speaker Ruth Carrico, Ph.D, FSHEA, RN, CIC, UofL School of Medicine Division of Infectious Diseases. She provided an overview of the efforts being taken by UofL Health and the larger health system in Louisville to monitor the virus and to protect the health of the healthcare workforce.
Other speakers:
Christian Furman, MD, Medical Director of the Republic Bank Foundation at the UofL Trager Institute - provided update on the procedures for clinic patients on how to access their providers
Barbara Gordon, MA, Director of Community Engagement, UofL Trager Institute - shared an update on the continuing services available to older adults through the Area Agencies on Aging in Kentucky.
Erica Osborne, Program Manager, UofL Trager Institute - shared several programs and resources available through the UofL Trager Institue that include support programs for caregivers and PEARLS, a program that helps individuals 60+ alleviate depressive symptoms.
Tuesday March 17, 2020
COVID-19: Practical Strategies for Dealing with the Current Crisis
The University of Louisville Trager Institute hosted its first free, virtual information session addressing pressing questions about the Coronavirus (COVID-19), with a particular focus on older adults and individuals with chronic diseases. This session included updates on COVID-19, resource information, and practical strategies on dealing with the current crisis from the following individuals:
Christian Furman, MD, Medical Director of the Republic Bank Foundation at the UofL Trager Institute
Joseph D'Ambrosio, PhD, JD, LMFT, CSW, Director of Wellness at the UofL Trager Institute
Pam Yankeelov, PhD, Director of Research at the UofL Trager Institute
