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Why We’re Vaccinated

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Lots of people have questions about the COVID-19 vaccines.
We've compiled a resource list here to help people get their questions answered.

Vaccines Work. Here Are the Facts.

Lot’s of folks have said they’re worried or unsure about the new vaccines.

There’s also been a lot of mis-information floating around scaring people. We still don’t know everything about COVID and its effects, long term on people who get it. Even if you are not worried about yourself, help protect others by getting vaccinated. 

Here’s why we got vaccinated:

“I was so glad to access the vaccine in February because the pandemic was raging, and working with public and having elderly family members made me want to protect everyone.”-Cris 

“I come into close contact with so many people through my work so it felt right to get vaccinated as soon as I could.”-Tanuja

Read more...

Check out COVID ACT NOW’s dashboard of up to date info on risk levels and more.

Here’s what YaleMedicine.org has to say about the Delta variant. 

 

 

Click to access why-should-i-get-vaccinated-for-covid-19.pdf

Masks, social distancing, isolation and quarantine are all still very effective tools against the spread of COVID.

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Mask Update

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Delta Variant

As a medical facility, we are very concerned for your health. While we recognize that many people are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, the Rhode Island Department of Health continues to require masks in healthcare settings, even for vaccinated people. Unvaccinated people with compromised immune systems or other reasons for not being vaccinated also come to PCA, and it’s our job to help keep everyone healthy. We are continuing to require masks when you enter PCA and the entire time you are here for treatment, without exceptions.

We are also paying attention to the Delta variant of COVID-19. Though full vaccinated people are thought to have protection against Delta variant, it is much more highly contagious than previous variants of the virus amongst unvaccinated people. This is spurring on new cases and looking like a 4th surge may bring us into the Fall. 

Since Delta variant is the most quickly spreading variant in the United  States, we want you to be aware its symptom profile is slightly different than the original virus. It’s reported that cough, fever and loss of smell are less common. More common symptoms of the Delta variant are headache, sore throat, runny nose, digestive upset (nausea, diarrhea) and fever.

If you’re sick or have a cold of any severity, or any symptoms mentioned above, we need you to reschedule your appointment for at least 10 days after you started having symptoms or until you get a confirmed negative result on a PCR (not rapid)  COVID test. Follow this link for guidelines from RIDOH: https://covid.ri.gov/covid-19-prevention/quarantine-and-isolation)

 If it’s more than 12 hours before your appointment, you can cancel online.   If it’s less than 12 hours, give us a call and leave a voice message.

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Help Wanted

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Looking for part-time work?

We’re looking for the right person to help out with reception, office duties, and  light cleaning. The position requires working extensively with the public, attention to detail and accuracy. 

Working at PCA is fun, collaborative  and can be fast paced at times. While our overall vibe feels quite relaxed, we’re serious about providing access to affordable acupuncture to our community. 

 
Interested? Email us with a resume or describe your relevant work experience. 
hello at pca-pins.com
Spanish language skills are a big plus. 
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New Acupuncture Law!

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COME CELEBRATE WITH US on July 3rd 9AM to noon

FINALLY- An Updated Acupuncture Law

A HUGE thanks to everyone who supported the passage of this legislation over the past several years. 

H5154/S0047 will be signed into law by the Governor next week. 

5 Needle Ear Acupuncture

Where can I learn more about 5NP?

Visit POCA’s Auricular Acu-Tech Training page.

Visit NADA’s website for more info on 5NP

Watch a full length documentary about the history of 5NP, and the community healthcare activism of the Black Panthers and Young Lords that has made it possible for us to continue this work today. https://youtu.be/Ua-m7AANkQ

What is the 5 Needle Protocol aka 5NP?

5NP is a set of points located in the outer ear that have been used together to address physical and emotional symptoms related to toxic stress, drug and alcohol detox, chronic pain, anxiety, PTSD, depression, trauma, shock and more. These points can be treated with tiny acupuncture needles or even with “ear beads” or “ear seeds,” that are small pellets attached to a tiny bit of bandage adhesive. 5NP has been used for over 40 years and around the world to support harm reduction, recovery and emergency response work.

 

Who can practice it in RI? 

As of 2020, acupuncturists and Licensed Chemical Dependency Professionals (LCDP) can practice 5NP. In order to use this ear protocol in their work, LCDPs must first complete a weekend-long training that involves classroom hours and hands-on instructions. There are additional practice sessions required for trainees to complete the course and receive their certificate.

A recent change in RI law that will takes effect upon passage (and was passed into law on 6/25/21!) allows Licensed Social Workers, Licensed Mental Health Counselors, Certified Peer Recovery Specialists, Certified Chemical Dependency Professionals, and nurses to use 5NP as part of their work once they complete the approved training. 

 

How can I get trained?

The People’s Organization of Community Acupuncture (POCA), a national organization of practitioners, patients and supporters, has a training program that qualifies those who complete the training to use 5NP. POCA is collaborating with Providence Community Acupuncture, a local acupuncture clinic, to host trainings in RI. Visit https://stage.pocacoop.com/ears for more specific info on trainings.

Since the 1970s, The National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) has continuously been providing treatments, trainings, and advocacy for laws like the one just passed in RI . Visit their website to find a NADA sponsored training.https://acudetox.com/training/upcoming-training