If you need immediate help, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency room. Feeling suicidal? Call the 9-8-8 Lifeline. If you or someone you know is having a mental health crisis, it’s important to get help as soon as possible. It is also a good idea to plan ahead so you’ll know what to do in an emergency. See below for some resources to help you get prepared and respond quickly when needed. Local and National Behavioral Health Resources PCHP Member Services PCHP’s Behavioral Health team is here to help...
Have you been through a major health event recently, like being pregnant or having a medical or mental health emergency? You may be feeling stressed – especially if you don’t have family or friends nearby to help. Whether you’re pregnant, a new mom, recovering from a trip to the emergency room, or experiencing stress and loneliness, everyone can use a little extra support. That’s why Parkland Community Health Plan is happy to offer the free Pyx Health program to our members age 18 and older. A Hel...
You know to take yourself and your children to the dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. However, where would you go for treatment of injuries, infections, pain and other symptoms in your teeth or mouth? Parkland Community Health Plan covers certain types of dental emergencies, including care you or your children receive in a hospital or ambulatory surgical center. (Medicaid members can get routine dental care through their Medicaid dental plan – check your dental ID card to see which dental provi...
Does your child have diabetes? If so, you know that some days are easier, and some days are more challenging. Diabetes is a chronic condition. That means your child will need to manage their symptoms throughout their lives. The good news is you can help your child learn to plan ahead for any medical emergencies they might experience when away from home. A good place to start? By creating a diabetes management plan. Keep reading for tips for working with your child’s teachers, school nurse, and sports co...
Does your child have asthma? If so, you know that some days are easier, and some days are more challenging. Asthma is a chronic condition. That means your child will need to manage their symptoms throughout their lives. The good news is you can help your child learn to plan ahead for any medical emergencies they might experience when away from home. A good place to start? By creating an Asthma Action Plan. Keep reading for tips for working with your child’s teachers, school nurse, and sports coaches so ...
Texas is known for its hot summer days. And Texans know how to beat the heat during normal summer days. The rules are different, however, for extreme heat. “Extreme heat” means two or more days that are much hotter than average. According to the American Red Cross, extreme heat kills more people than any other weather event. Air conditioning and fans can help you to stay cool—unless the power goes out. Plan now with the tips below so you and your family can stay safe during an extreme heat emergency. Le...
Spring has arrived in North Texas – and the warmer weather can also mean a chance for severe storms in our area. Are you and your family are prepared to deal with the impact of bad weather? Check out these tips for staying safe and healthy during a storm. What Can You Do Before Storms Arrive? Make an emergency plan. Decide what family members will do during the storm. Know where everyone will meet if you split up. Write down emergency contacts and your family’s important personal information. Rem...
Planning ahead for severe weather is an important way to stay safe and healthy. That’s especially true if you have asthma or diabetes. Hurricanes, tornadoes, fires, floods, and other disasters can hit close to home. If you lost electrical power, would you be able to find your medication? If you had to evacuate, would you be ready to pack all medical supplies? Follow the tips here to plan ahead and take good care of yourself—rain or shine. Emergency Planning for Asthma Before the disaster: Ask your docto...
The holidays are a fun break from routine. You and your family might plan to visit or host friends and family, enjoy time off from school, and try new foods, games, and toys. With just a little more planning, you can prevent a trip to the emergency room during this busy time of year. Dr. Mariel Silva, a pediatrician in North Texas, explains why families end up at the ER—and how to avoid it. What are common reasons for holiday ER visits? According to Dr. Silva, parents take children to the emergency room...
Another school year is about to start. If your child has asthma, it’s important to make sure they have a plan to stay healthy during the school day. Get prepared by following the tips below: Work with your child’s doctor to create an Asthma Action Plan that explains how to treat different asthma symptoms when they happen. Stay up to date with vaccines. Make sure your child gets their yearly flu shot and recommended COVID shots (including boosters). Make sure to take controller asthma medicines as prescr...
Accidents, injuries and illnesses are a part of life—for you and your children. Most cuts, scratches, bumps and bruises are minor. You can recover at home, without seeing a doctor. But what if the cut is deep? What if the pain doesn’t go away? Should you call your primary care doctor, or should you call 911 and go straight to the emergency room? North Texas Pediatrician Dr. Mariel Silva is here to help. In the short videos below, Dr. Silva gives easy step-by-step instructions on how to make this importa...
When medical situations occur, we’re often faced with uncertainty about where to go for care, especially if the symptoms seem severe and our regular doctor’s office is closed. While the answer is not always simple, knowing the difference between walk-in clinics, urgent care and emergency care and where to seek treatment could save your life in a medical emergency. The differences between walk-in clinics, urgent care and the emergency room Recognizing the differences between ‘emergency’ and ‘urgent’ care...