Current Events
View Non-COVID Related Current Events
Click to read about a Job Opportunity available to those in the Siletz Area.
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Scroll down the page to find more resources and information available to Tribal and non-Tribal members.
Lincoln County Public Information Weekly Update 7/3
Lincoln County Now Distributing Masks for Businesses
Lincoln County has masks available if you need face coverings for your workforce, their family members and the clients, customers you serve.
For more information and to fill out an application, visit the link below.
Face Coverings Distribution to Public Flyer
COVID Cases Press Release | 6/12/2020
The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians has experienced two positive test results for COVID-19 through Siletz Community Health Clinic (SCHC). These individuals are between the age of 20 - 30, and are isolating per CDC Guidance. An Investigator from Lincoln County Health Department will conduct the initial investigation into source of contact. Staff at SCHC have been trained in contact tracing, and will assist the Investigator in identifying and notifying other individuals who may have been in contact with these individuals to provide them with instructions on next steps.
It is important to understand that this virus is in the community. It is vitally important to stay home as much as possible, physically distance, wear a face covering to protect others when unable to physically distance, and wash hands and sanitize surfaces frequently.
More information can be found at: https://www.co.lincoln.or.us/hhs/page/2019-novel-coronavirus; - OR - through the Call Center at (541) 265-0621, email: lincolncocallcenter@co.lincoln.or.us.
Open weekdays from 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. You will be asked to leave a call back number and we will return your call within 15 minutes. This is to allow volunteers to work remotely. Your call back may come from a “private number”.
Resource Flyers
Contact Tracing: What to Expect
What to Expect on a Contact Tracing Call
What to Do Next (Eng & Spanish)
If you have close contact with someone with a confirmed case, someone who may have it, if you develop symptoms, or if you get a negative result after quarantining.
Notices for Siletz Community Members
This is a friendly reminder that due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, all outdoor recreational areas in Siletz are closed.
This includes playgrounds, basketball courts, parks and other community spaces.
Please continue to practice social distancing for your safety and the safety of our community. Thank you.
Elders Firewood Distribution on July 18th
From 8 AM - 2 PM
To protect everyone during the COVID health crisis, elders and drivers must stay in vehicles and staff will do the loading. Masks required at all times.
You must contact the Elders Program at 541-444-8212 to get on the list for pickup or delivery.
Read the Flyer for More Information
Cancellations
Culture Camp
Culture Camp for this year will be available virtually in the Member Area on this website. Login July 14th-16th to participate!
To login: On the left-hand side above the menu, enter your Roll Number and the Last Four Digits of your Social Security number and click the small arrow to the right. After clicking, you will be logged in. To view the Member Area, click "Member Area". Culture Camp will be under the "Our Language" tab. On July 14th-16th, there will be a link on that tab that says "Culture Camp 2020". Click that link to view the virtual camp resources.
Elders Council
Elders, are you missing your time together at the monthly Elders Council Meetings? You’re invited to participate in the virtual Elders Council Meeting, July 11, 2020 at 1:00 pm.
If you are interested in participating from your computer, smart phone, or by calling in, please contact one of the following staff with your name, email address and phone number:
Brian Crump 541-444-8233, email brianc@ctsi.nsn.us
AJ Warren 541-444-8212, email ajw@ctsi.nsn.us
Raina Johnston 541-444-8261, email rainaj@ctsi.nsn.us
Anita Bailor 541-444-8220, email anitab@ctsi.nsn.us
Don’t have email or access to a computer? No worries, just call us and we’ll tell you how to connect by phone.
Excess Surplus Sale for May 28th
The Excess Surplus sale that was originally scheduled for Thursday, May 28th is set to be rescheduled to a later date.
Regarding the 05/25/2020 Memorial Day Ceremony
Due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, to keep our membership safe, the May 25, 2020 Memorial Day Ceremony was not held this year. Below is a PowerPoint presentation to help honor our services members.
Memorial Day PowerPoint Presentation
CTSI-Community Message
3/17/2020
We are not aware of any cases of coronavirus or COVID-19 in the Siletz Community. However, the safety of our Community, Students, and Staff are a top priority for us. Therefore, we are moving forward with providing services in a manner that will keep you and staff safe. Beginning March 17th, until further notice, services will be provided via telephone, email and mail; Offices will be closed to walk-in clients. Payments can be made by telephone with a credit/debit card; by mail via a check or money order. There is a drop box at the rear of the Tribal Administration building to drop off payments, applications, etc. The Clinic will be closing to non-essential appointments, and will work to fulfill your needs – such as Pharmacy – in different ways. Clinic staff will reach out to you to reschedule non-critical appointments.
Our staff is working very hard to continue providing critical services to our community members. As this situation develops, we will continue to update this message.
To access these services, please call:
Siletz Community Health Clinic: (541) 444-1030Siletz Tribal Housing: (541) 444-8322. Payments can be mailed or put in the Drop Box477-SSP: (541)-444-8247USDA Food Program: (541)-444-8393Human Resources: (541)-444-8274Indian Child Welfare (ICW): (541)-444-8272Natural Resources: (541) 444-8232Enrollment: (541)-444-8258Elders: (541)-444-8220
Eugene Area Office - Phone- (541)-484-4234
Portland Area Office -Phone-(503)-238-1512
Salem Area Office -Phone-(503)-390-9494
For accurate, up to date information about COVID-19 please dial 211
View the #StayHome PSA made by the Siletz Community.
Read more about Social Distancing Here.
Siletz Community Health Clinic Services During COVID-19
Phone # 541-444-1030
Please call the clinic for current available services as things change rapidly and we may offer more or fewer services depending on COVID-19’s impact to the community. Current services being offered are listed below along with some answers to questions we’ve been asked.
Available Services
Medical/Lab – visits are available by phone or video. Some patients are brought in when their health care requires it. Please call your medical team to discuss any concerns.
COVID-19 - if you think you have been exposed to someone with Covid-19, please call the clinic and we will discuss self-isolation guidelines and determine if you meet criteria for testing. The clinic does provide Covid-19 testing.
Optometry - visits are available to patients with an eye emergency or hardware emergency. Please call the optometry department to discuss any concerns.
Medication Assistance Therapy (MAT) – visits are available by phone or video.
Behavioral Health (A&D counseling/mental health counseling) – visits are available by phone or video.
Pharmacy – continues to provide services. You may pick up your medication at the clinic for curb-side pick-up or your medication can be mailed to you. Delivery services are also available in the Siletz community.
Tribal member specific:
Dental – visits are available to patients with a dental emergency only. Please call the dental department to discuss any concerns.
Community Health – continues to support members in navigating resources during the pandemic. For additional information, follow Community Health @ ‘Siletz Health Clinic’ on Facebook.
Purchased/Referred Care – is providing PRC #s and processing claims. Staff is working altered/reduced hours, so please call back if you do not receive a call back as staff may be out.
Questions we’ve been asked:
1. Will the clinic call me to reschedule my March appointment that was cancelled?
a. If you’ve not received a call from the clinic to-date, please contact the clinic to schedule a phone or video appointment.
2. May I schedule a routine physical now?
a. Probably not, but call if there are special circumstances. For example, if you need a physical for your job, every effort will be made to assist you.
3. I have an optometry appointment scheduled in 3-weeks, will my appointment be cancelled?
a. Possibly. The clinic is cancelling appointments within a 2-week period in hopes that appointments will not have to be cancelled, but for now it’s likely to be cancelled.
4. I’m a tribal member and need A&D services (or MAT) now. Do I have to wait until the pandemic is over?
a. No, call the clinic to schedule. You may access any service being offered.
We thank you all for doing your part in overcoming the pandemic and doing your best to keep us all healthy and safe. We’re all in this together.
SILETZ COMMUNITY HEALTH CLINIC HAS TESTING FOR COVID-19 AVAILABLE TO REGISTERED PATIENTS
HOW CAN I BE TESTED?
Call the clinic at 541-444-1030 and ask to speak to a nurse. The nurse will discuss your symptoms with you and, if indicated, will set up a time for you to come to the clinic for testing.
CAN I GET A COVID-19 TEST IF I HAVE NO SYMPTOMS BUT JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE I DO NOT HAVE IT?
No, you cannot. At this time, the tests we have are only for use on people who have symptoms of COVID-19.
WHAT IF I HAVE SYMPTOMS, BUT AM NOT OVER 50 AND DON’T HAVE CHRONIC CONDITIONS THAT WOULD MAKE ME MORE AT RISK OF GETTING COVID-19, CAN I BE TESTED?
YES! You can now be tested for COVID-19 regardless of age or past health history. If you have any symptoms that are on the UPDATED COVID-19 symptom list, and an order from your healthcare provider, you can be tested.
WHAT ARE THE UPDATED COVID-19 SYMPTOMS?
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Chills
- Repeated shaking with chills
- Muscle pain
- Sore Throat
- NEW loss of taste or smell
Resources for Families during COVID-19 Pandemic
Tribal & Community Members
Below are links to access government assistance programs and information on resources during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic.
COVID-19 Resource List - https://www.benefits.gov/help/faq/Coronavirus-resourcesSocial Security Benefits - https://www.ssa.gov/coronavirus/Oregon DHS Resources - https://www.oregon.gov/DHS/COVID-19/Pages/Home.aspxFederal USDA Assistance - https://www.rd.usda.gov/coronavirusBenefit Finder - https://www.benefits.gov/benefit-finder211 Resources - http://www.211.org/services/covid19#Resources
We will continue to monitor and share information that is beneficial to our tribal and community members as it becomes available.
More Resources
DHS will continue to work with federal partners to provide greater assistance to Oregonians in need. To apply for Nutrition Assistance, visit needfood.oregon.gov or call 2-1-1.
COVID-19 Housing Relief Assistance
Limited rent and mortgage relief is available to Siletz households negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Assistance is a one-time payment to Siletz household’s landlord or Mortgage Company.
Assistance is available anywhere in the United States and is available to low-income and non-low-income households.
To learn more about this assistance and to download an application, visit these links.
Households residing on Tribal land that benefited from the rent and homebuyer waiver will not be eligible for this assistance.
Program is first come, first served and assistance is available only until funds are exhausted.
Rental Assistance
The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians is applying for HUD Indian Community Development Block Grant – CARES funding in the amount of $900,000. The Tribe is seeking these funds to provide Siletz Tribal households experiencing negative impacts due to the COVID-19 pandemic with one-time rent relief assistance. Household income must be at or below 80 percent of median income. Rental assistance total amount not to exceed $3,000.00 total per rental and is limited to fair market rent payments due April, May, or June 2020. Rental assistance is not available to households residing in Siletz Tribal Housing. Payments may not be made to individuals.
Impact must be due to circumstances directly related to COVID-19 (i.e. loss of income due to lay-off, inability to work due to government shut-down, loss of income due to quarantine, etc.)
If you wish to provide feedback, please call Sami Jo Difuntorum at 541-444-8312.
COVID-19 Food Assistance
The purpose is to provide Siletz Tribal households experiencing negative impacts due to the COVID-19 pandemic with food assistance. Funding for the COVID-19 Food Assistance Program is based on a first come, first served basis. Services are available throughout the United States of America. This program will open June 1, 2020 and will remain open until funding is exhausted.
Please read the COVID-19 Food Assistance Policy for further information on Eligibility, Uses, and the Procedure.
COVID-19 Food Assistance Application
Water/Sewer Relief Program
The water/sewer relief program is for Siletz Tribal households who are experiencing a negative impact due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is open to applications starting July 1st and will stay open until all funding has been exhausted. This program is based on a first-come, first-served basis.
Water/Sewer Relief Application
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program
Assistance is available for qualifying Tribal members through LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program) offered by the Housing Department.
PGE COVID-19 Bill Assistance
PGE is offering support to their customers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes:
- Allowing requests for more time to pay;
- Options to change billing due dates;
- Payment plan options;
- Energy assistance to qualified individuals.
Contact PGE
To see if you qualify for assistance, visit portlandgeneral.com/assistance.
Get up-to-date information about PGE's coronavirus response, visit portlandgeneral.com/coronavirus.
For tips on how to conserve energy, visit portlandgeneral.com/tips.
Important School Closure Announcements
COVID-19 EDUCATION RESPONSE EFFORTS
The CTSI Education staff wants families to know that while this is a scary time, it’s important to know:
1.) Check your student’s school or district website regularly for updates to distance learning, chrome book/lap top check out processes and meal distribution sites. *The CTSI Website is updating school links as information comes in.
2.) Oregon schools have until April 13th to implement Distance Learning for their students. Some schools may get this up and running sooner. Distance learning is required learning and is important for your student.
3.) Districts are providing Chrome books / laptops for students to use at home – contact your school for check out options and pick up sites. Many schools are also helping with access to the internet. Many internet providers are eliminating or reducing their fees. Check with your carrier.
4.) Districts are also providing paper packets for students who do not have access to the internet or have other barriers to digital learning *For Supplemental Learning. *More information to come on Distance learning options.
5.) Respond to your districts promptly if they reach out to regarding your needs. They need to hear from you so they can better serve every student.
If you are experiencing any barriers to communicating with your students school or to accessing distance learning for your student, please reach out to your area Education Specialist. We are all in this together.
Contact your Tribal Education specialist if you need help connecting with your child’s school regarding obtaining a learning device or accessing internet services.
For Small Business Owners and the Self-Employed
The federal government passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, to aid families and small business during the Coronavirus Pandemic. Watch this video to learn more about how the CARES Act can help you as a small business owner or if you're self-employed.
Staying Active During Quarantine
FitnessOnDemand is available for Tribal member use, so you can stay active while social distancing. View this flyer to learn more about the program and who to contact to access this service.
Importance of Keeping Children At Home
Even with the weather getting nicer, it's imperative that we make sure our children are still practicing social distancing. We must keep our children, our families and our communities safe during this pandemic.
New reports of coronavirus outbreaks have been linked to children playing together in the Lummi Nation.
Read this article about the Lummi Nation.
The FCC's Lifeline Program
Individuals who have recently become eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Medicaid are also eligible for the FCC’s Lifeline program. Visit this link for more information.
Legal Aid Benefits Hotline Available for Tribal Members
Legal Aid Services of Oregon and the Oregon Law Center, civil legal service provides for low income Oregonians operate a Public Benefits Hotline, where low-income Oregonians can talk to lawyers and paralegals for advice on public benefits including Unemployment Benefits.
Hours of operation are limited Monday - Thursday. More information about legal aid can be found at Oregon Law Help.
OREGON PUBLIC BENEFITS HOTLINE: 1(800) 520-5292
Unemployment
For those trying to contact the Oregon Employment department, email is the best way as phone call wait times are averaging over 100 minutes. Anyone with claim status questions should reach out to OED_COVID19_info@oregon.gov.
If you were denied a claim because you said you were not looking for work at this time, the department has made a fix for that. Continue to file weekly claims. If you were denied because you were self-employed or a 1099 contract worker, please visit the PUC links below.
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUC) Information (Oregon)
Lincoln County Testing Sites and Prescription Delivery Information
Economic Impact Payments
$1,200 COVID-19 Payment Information
The U.S. Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service have announced that distribution of economic impact payments will begin in approximately mid-May and will be distributed automatically, with no action required for most people.
For more information, visit https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/economic-impact-payments-what-you-need-to-know.
To learn more about the payments, distribution schedule and more information for those who don't normally file, follow this link: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/ORLEG/bulletins/284a644. There are other resources and information included on the webpage for your use as well.
Check on the status of your payment here.
Read this flyer for more information about the Economic Impact Payments.
Read this flyer if you still need to file your taxes.
If You are a Non-Filer
For non-filers, please visit the IRS Website to learn how you can register for the Economic Impact Payment online through a web tool on their website.
County Transit System Update
Read the Transit News & Updates for Lincoln County.
Telecommunications Service Survey
The Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) is conducting a survey to get feedback on what Oregon residents think of the availability of telecommunication services.
To respond to this survey, visit this link: https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/d7e14e7518ef498793683ae50f3324c1.
Emergency Hotel Program
"CHANCE has secured some funding from CSC for motel sheltering for medically fragile homeless individuals during this pandemic. Providers working with the client should be making the referrals to CHANCE 541-791-3411 (follow prompts for location Albany, Corvallis, Lebanon, Lincoln City and Newport) or hotelvoucher@chancerecovery.org. Homeless clients should NOT call CHANCE directly. If they do, CHANCE will advise them to get a referral from a health care provider or homeless advocate. CSC will not take referrals from anyone for these motels—CHANCE is the point of contact."
Please read the Emergency Hotel Program for more information and eligibility requirements.
Mental Health Services
If you are feeling overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, anxiety or depression and need to speak with someone or learn what you can do to combat these feelings, use one of the resources below:
• For concerns with suicide, please call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255
Other Resources
Links
COVID-19 Spread Tracker for Oregon
Oregon Heath Authority Coronavirus Page
Flyers
Shopping Safety for Essentials
Lincoln County Testing and Prescription Delivery
People at Risk for Coronavirus
Other Current Events
Local Notices
Yard Debris Burning Season Coming to A Close
Read more information and dates here.
Job Opportunity for Those in the Siletz Area
The Census Bureau has a critical need for 20 more census takers to serve in the Siletz Reservation area. Past history probably won’t be an issue. The work is part-time and temporary. These enumerators will work only in the immediate Siletz area. They will not enter any homes but will need to speak face to face with area residents. PPE gear including Masks, Gloves and sanitizers will be provided. Pay is $18/hr.
You will probably not be asked to drive. If you are asked to drive, the Tribe will insist that you have a valid Driver’s license and auto insurance. Use of your auto will be compensated at 57.5 cents per mile.
Actual enumeration is expected to start after the beginning of August, depending upon Covid-19 conditions.
Help your friends and relatives in our community.
Go to 2020census.gov/jobs to apply.
Contact Terrance Altemus at 541-444-8271 if you have any questions.
Grab & Go Free Summer Meals for Youth Ages 1-18
Notices and Events
NAFOA's Career Basics Online Program Open for Summer
This free, online program is available to Native youth and young professionals between the ages of 18 and 26. Deadline to register is July 20th.
For more information and to register, visit this link: https://mailchi.mp/nafoa/ed-career-basics-summer-r1?e=c1456c0768
Boarding School Healing Webinar Series
View the Schedule and Last Year's Lessons
CTSI Summer Read Team
Jump into summer learning!
- Free Books for Students and Families
- Weekly Virtual Meet Ups with Other Students and CTSI Staff
- Groups for all ages, Pre-K to 12th Grade
- Prepare for Oregon Battle of the Books
When
Every Wednesday at 1:00 PM starting July 8th to August 19th.
To sign up:
Email: JacobR@ctsi.nsn.us
Call: 1-541-270-1909
View the Summer Read Team Flyer
Online Indigenous Summer Film Festival
For the first time, Vision Maker Media will be hosting an online, five-week-long celebration of American Indian, Alaska Native and worldwide Indigenous films from August 31 - October 5, 2020. Sign up for updates on films, Q&A's, prizes and more! #OnlineVMFF https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GDFD8R8
PBS will also be having a short film festival July 13-24, which will feature Ben-Alex Dupris's film Sweetheart Dancers, amongst others.
Read more about the PBS Short Film Festival here.
Upcoming Calendar Events
Virtual Elders Council Meeting
1:00 PM
Brian Crump 541-444-8233, email brianc@ctsi.nsn.us
AJ Warren 541-444-8212, email ajw@ctsi.nsn.us
Raina Johnston 541-444-8261, email rainaj@ctsi.nsn.us
Anita Bailor 541-444-8220, email anitab@ctsi.nsn.us
Don’t have email or access to a computer? No worries, just call us and we’ll tell you how to connect by phone.
First Day to Submit to Youth Talent Show
We're inviting all Tribal youth, families, and household members to submit a video of their talent to the CTSI Youth Talent Show.
Deadline to submit is July 26th.
Virtual Culture Camp
Culture Camp-Canceled
Elders Virtual Meet and Greet
2:00 PM
Brian Crump 541-444-8233, email brianc@ctsi.nsn.us
AJ Warren 541-444-8212, email ajw@ctsi.nsn.us
Raina Johnston 541-444-8261, email rainaj@ctsi.nsn.us
Anita Bailor 541-444-8220, email anitab@ctsi.nsn.us
We look forward to spending some time together with you!