Forty-Seventh
Community Health Advisory Coronavirus (COVID-19)
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weekly message from the Executive Director
Our Numbers This Week
As many of you may remember last week, we reported our second consecutive drop in the numbers of reported positive COVID-19 cases. Unfortunately, this week we reported 34 positive cases which makes it a 24% increase, though we reported one less consumer case than last week (22 consumers). We reported 6 cases with our community Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and 6 cases within our staff at VMRC.
Vaccinations Update
A lot of work is being done regarding vaccination policy that impacts our community. Between the State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) Director Aaron Carruthers, advocating with the Vaccination Advisory Committee, and our Department of Developmental Services (DDS) advising the administration of our community's needs, positive progress is all but imminent. While nothing has come out yet, please continue to monitor our social media and health advisories for developments. I recently heard from two residential providers (Steven Campbell and Candice Bright) who reported great progress on getting their staff and consumers all vaccinated (almost everyone who agreed to getting it got it), and we continue to get anecdotal stories of people living at home with their families getting access to this much needed and lifesaving vaccination. I'd also like to share with our readers that Vartan Hekimian of The Paulson Community realized they had extra vaccines available after his staff and consumers were vaccinated, and he opened the door to VMRC to contact some of our vulnerable consumers living at home (our service coordinators and cultural specialist were able to facilitate consumer access to this limited opportunity). We are truly lucky in our region to have so many wonderful service providers. As with any medical treatment, be sure to consult a health professional about whether the vaccination will be right for you.
More Contacts from VMRC
As we reported last week DDS sent out a statewide directive for all regional centers that they must make a contact with everyone on their caseload from January 2021 through early March 2021. DDS says the purpose of the contact is to ask about the health, safety and well-being of our consumers and family, and to obtain information regarding testing and vaccinations and any outstanding needs, such as services and supports and personal protective equipment (PPE). This will be our third time we will be contacting 100% of our caseloads in shortened time spans. The first two initiatives occurred because we were being responsive to the needs and survey feedback from our region, but this new significant workload increase is being mandated by DDS at the same time they are consuming our staff with a dozen different administrative audits from state government audit teams.
Impact on Morale at VMRC - A Message to Staff
The new mandates we are requiring of our staff may seem like we do not fully appreciate the overwhelming demands that are put on you. It may seem as though we are not acknowledging the new workload stressors and the fact that the pandemic has disproportionately impacted woman in the workforce (about 80% of our employees are women), but please understand the leadership and management at VMRC appreciates and recognizes your contributions every day. We recognize that many are now working as early as 5:00 AM, many have adjusted your days to working late into the evening, a few are working on Saturdays, and several have expanded their work duties in service to our community at PPE distribution events, emergency PPE deliveries, COVID-19 Testing Events, advocating and arranging for vaccinations, delivering bags of free groceries from our food banks, and so much more.
We know the "check-in" phone calls are receiving people desperate for human connection, and that it is now rare to have a quick check-in with someone, and cutting people off who need your counsel is against your training and against who you are as a professional and a person. We understand our team of afterhours emergency response professionals have worked long hours over several months, and that you are often dealing with COVID-19 related life and death decisions.
Finally, we acknowledge that while part of the work is easier (no more commuting in traffic between meetings and less social distractions) there are new and more difficult changes to case management, from helping to address social isolation and increased segregation, to addressing your consumer's newly enhanced mental and physical health concerns, accessing services as the network of providers has dramatically diminished, seeing your consumers in near death situations in the hospitals, and for so many dealing with the death of your consumers you've grown close to over the years. We've heard you're feeling attacked by these new mandates, and disrespected, and that some of you feel there is an implication that you are not doing enough to help our community in need, but please know we are aware of the positive impact you are having on your consumers and families every day, and that we appreciate our entire workforce, who is part of a team singularly focused on supporting our consumers and their families in our region.
Other updates
3. If you need PPE you can order your free personal delivery (we are out of gloves) of PPE and our transportation providers are delivering throughout our region: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PYB8ZBY
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Tony Anderson
Executive Director
Valley Mountain Regional Center
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Case Management Update
Clarification of Caregivers in California COVID-19 Vaccine Plan
The webpage below was recently posted on the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) website, clarifying that certain family member caregivers of regional center consumers are eligible as healthcare providers for Phase 1A vaccinations, consistent with the January 13th DDS notice.
The CDPH and DDS letter can be reviewed on these links:
“The information clarifies that family members of certain people are considered “health care workers” pursuant to the State of California’s Vaccination Plan and are prioritized for COVID-19 vaccination within Phase 1A. These family members include those who care for people with any of the following conditions. This list is not necessarily exhaustive:
• Cerebral Palsy
• Down Syndrome
• Epilepsy
• Specialized health care needs, including dependence upon ventilators, oxygen, and other technology
The eligibility of these family members can be determined by documentation from their California Regional Center, verifying the qualifying condition of the member of their household who has an intellectual or developmental disability.”
Consumer Contacts in Progress
As mentioned in last week’s Health Advisory, VMRC staff will be completing COVID-19 check-ins to review the general health, safety, and well-being of our consumers and families. We hope to discuss information regarding testing and vaccination information, as well as any outstanding needs, such as services and supports or personal protective equipment (PPE).
If you have not heard from VMRC staff yet, please know that you will be receiving a call or email in the coming days. If contact cannot be made, you will be sent a letter from your Service Coordinator and we will request that you contact us if the consumer tests positive for COVID-19, gets vaccinated for COVID-19, or is hospitalized for any reason.
VMRC will plan recurring follow-up contacts and increase contacts on an individual basis as needed unless the consumer, family or authorized representative requests less frequency.
Upcoming Zoom Events
Self Determination
Advisory Committee Meeting
February 18, 3:30-5pm
Meeting ID: 959 9208 7214
Passcode: 566053
Orientations
Thursday, February 18, 2021 from 1pm-4pm
Register in advance for this webinar:
Monday, March 29, 2021 from 1pm-4pm
Register in advance for this webinar:
Saturday, April 3, 2021 from 10pm-1pm
Register in advance for this webinar:
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Remember, all interested in SDP must attend an Orientation before starting the program process. Please contact Angelique Shear at (209) 955-3294 or ashear@vmrc.net with questions.
Virtual Parent Support & Outreach Meetings
FCSN brings our families with special needs together weekly, offers resources and discusses various topics to support the families. It is a great way to meet other families during the Shelter in Place.
● Cantonese Sessions – Every Fridays from 3:00 to 4:30pm
● Mandarin Sessions – Every Fridays from 5:00 to 6:30pm
Special Education Trainings
DREDF will be hosting the following Spanish trainings. The below links are for registration. If you need help registering please call 510-644-2555, ext. 5325.
• 2/22/21 - Special Education: Behavior and Mental Health (7-8: 30pm)
When behavior interferes with learning: The Connection between Disability and Mental Health Needs at School.
• 3/22/21 - Special Education: The Essentials (7-8: 30pm)
An overview of the special education process, the
Rehabilitation section 504 and the Education for Persons with
Disabilities (IDEA)
• 4/26/21 - Special Education: Transition to Adult Life and Training for
Parents (7-8: 30pm)
Learn how to develop a transition plan through the IEP process for young adults. Tips and Defense Strategies.
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Cindy Mix
Director of Consumer Services
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Clinical Update
A lot of our focus is on vaccination of our consumers. As of the time of this writing, regional center consumers are able to get vaccinated if they live in care homes or ICFs or skilled nursing facilities, or if they are 65 years and older. There have been a lot of advocacy efforts by various groups to have our consumers living independently be included in the Phase 1b of vaccine distribution. We are hoping for positive news.
To know when it is your turn to get vaccinated, you can find out by going to https://myturn.ca.gov/landing and fill out the questions that they ask you.
Latest CDC guideline on masking is the recommendation to wear a cloth mask over a surgical mask, and knotting the ear loops of medical masks, then tucking in and flattering the extra material close to the face.[1] This provides protection of up to 95% by decreasing the exposure to infectious aerosols.
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Furthermore, CDC has released new guidance on quarantine for vaccinated people. According to CDC, individuals exposed to someone suspected or confirmed with COVID-19 infection are not required to quarantine as long as they met the following conditions:[1]
- Are fully vaccinated (i.e., ≥2 weeks following receipt of the second dose in a 2-dose series, or ≥2 weeks following receipt of one dose of a single-dose vaccine)
- Are within 3 months following receipt of the last dose in the series
- Have remained asymptomatic since the current COVID-19 exposure
Persons who do not meet all 3 of the above criteria should continue to follow current quarantine guidance after exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.
VMRC will release its updated quarantine/isolation guide for consumers next week based on this current guidance and CCL guidance that they will release on the 17th of February.
For COVID-19 Vaccine consents, please send to VMRC only if consumers meet the standards below:
For consumers who are unable to give their own informed consent, not legally conserved, no durable power of attorney, no family involvement or cannot reach family members, or who has a medical provider that is not accepting consent by an involved family member, and need VMRC to sign consent for them, we are asking that care home providers do the following:
1. fill out the demographic information prior to sending the consent to us, and
2. to ask the primary care provider/medical provider if it is his/her
recommendation/prescription/order for the consumer to get the vaccine,
3. and let us know prior to sending the consent.
4. For those that you cannot reach the family members, please indicate in the blank area of the consent that at least two attempts were made to contact the family member and when the contact was done.
The fastest way to get back the consent is via email. Whomever among us three who can sign the consent soonest will sign it and send it back. I am anticipating that CVS/Walgreens will ask for another consent for the second dose because they want to know if there is any vaccine reaction. The same process will be followed.
To have more opportunities with our consumers, families, vendors, and staff for dialogue and address any questions regarding COVID-19, there will be a Q&A Forum with the Clinical Director where you can ask questions or give feedback. This will be done twice a month, will be recorded and a link to the recording will be available for future reference posted at VMRC website and included in this Health Advisory.
Topic: Q&A with Clinical
Time: Feb 22, 2021, 12:00 PM, Monday Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 969 2799 0688
Passcode: 701933
One tap mobile
+16699006833,,96927990688# US (San Jose)
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Claire B. Lazaro, MSN, RN, NP, PHN, FNP-C
Director of Clinical Services
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Understanding Depression
If isolation, anxiety, economic uncertainty, and the daily onslaught of bad news generated by the coronavirus pandemic are taking a heavy toll on your mood, you’re not alone. In the U.S., nearly half the respondents to a recent Kaiser Family Foundation poll felt the pandemic was harming their mental health—and that picture is repeated around the world. The stress of social isolation, the worry about jobs, money, and health, and the profound feelings of loss that many of us are experiencing at the moment can trigger depression for the first time or exacerbate symptoms if you’ve already been diagnosed.
When you’re suffering from depression, life can seem overwhelmingly bleak and hopeless. It can interfere with your ability to think straight, drain your energy, and make it difficult to get through the day. Even as some countries and regions begin to ease stay-at-home restrictions, it seems unlikely that life will fully return to normal any time soon. But no matter what constraints you’re living under at the moment, these strategies can help you counteract loneliness, ease negative thoughts, improve your mood, and cope with symptoms of depression.
How COVID-19 affects depression
This is a distressing, uncertain time. Even as some places start to open up again after months of lockdown, the end may still seem a long way off. You may have lost your job, be struggling financially, and worried about if and when the economy will pick up. You could be grieving the loss of loved ones or the life you knew before the pandemic, or feeling frustrated and cut off by continued social distancing. Living in the age of coronavirus can have a profound effect on your mood.
But at the same time, depression can make things seem even worse than they really are. When you’re depressed, everything is filtered through a lens of negativity. By simply recognizing that, you can start to change your focus and take the first step to feeling more optimistic.
Distract yourself. When you’re depressed, out of work, and isolated from your social network, the negative thoughts running over and over in your head can seem never ending. But you can break the cycle by focusing on something that adds meaning and purpose to your life. Perhaps there’s something you’ve always wanted to learn, like a new language or a musical instrument? Or perhaps you’ve always wanted to write a novel, take up cooking, or grow your own vegetables? Focusing on a project or goal, even a small one, can give you a welcome break from negative thoughts and worries—and add a sense of meaning to your days.
Find simple sources of joy. While you can’t force yourself to have fun, you can push yourself to do things that will boost your mood throughout day. Try listening to uplifting music (even getting up and dancing around if you can) or finding a reason to laugh by watching funny videos on YouTube or episodes of your favorite sitcom. Spending time in nature—whether it’s walking in the park, paddling on the beach, or going for a hike—can ease stress and put a smile on your face, even if you’re alone. Or try playing with your kids or a pet—they’ll benefit as much as you will.
Limit your consumption of news. Yes, you want to stay informed, but overconsuming sensationalistic news or unreliable social media coverage will only fuel your negativity and fear. Limit how often you check news or social media and confine yourself to reputable sources.
Maintain a routine. Sleeping too much or too little, skipping meals or exercise, and neglecting your personal care only feeds into your depression. Establishing and maintaining a daily routine, on the other hand, adds structure to your day, even if you’re alone and out of work. Try to include set times for exercising, spending time outside, and communicating with friends each day.
Express gratitude. When you’re depressed, especially at this awful time, it can seem that everything in life is bleak and hopeless. But even in the darkest days, it’s usually possible to find one thing you can be grateful about—the beauty of a sunset or a phone call from a friend, for example. It sounds cheesy but acknowledging your gratitude can provide a respite from negative thinking and really boost your mood. For a meditation to help you develop this habit, click here.
Bud Mullanix
Director
Human Resources, Safety, Security, FGP & S.C. Program
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Community Services Department Updates
Weekly Residential Informational Session hosted by VMRC’s Community Services Department WILL RESUME ON FRIDAY FEBRUARY 19th
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 912 0489 6749
Residential providers are invited to join to learn about important changes and trends as it relates to the COVID pandemic
Community Care Licensing has distributed a New PIN (Provider Information Notice) that includes
Revised guidance related to the “Use of Face Coverings”/ Required Use of Face Coverings for Staff
UPDATE!UPDATE!UPDATE!
Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
Applications for Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Grants for Fiscal Year 20-21 are now being accepted. The following providers are eligible: Residential (Service Codes: 096, 113, 904, 905, 915, 910, 920) Day Program: (Service Codes: 028, 055, 063, 475, 505, 510, 515, 855) Employment Services (Service Codes: 950, 954)
Application to submit to VMRC has been extended from Friday, Feb. 12, 2021 to Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021 - 12noon sharp!
A 2nd Informational Session will be held via Zoom
Tuesday, February 16th from 10:00-11:00
Meeting ID: 990 4468 6021
Passcode: 593949
The Community Services Department
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Intake and Early Start Update
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The Latest on Special Education in California
Join us for this presentation with Special Education Attorneys, Elizabeth Eubanks and Mark Woodsmall, along with Neuropsychologist, Dr. Ann Simun.
Come here a Q&A session discussing the most Frequently Asked Questions we receive including:
· I do not want my child assessed in person; can the school district do virtual testing? Or, alternatively: my child won’t participate in virtual assessments, can the school district do them in person?
· What to do about assessments that never happened?
· The school district never fully implemented my child’s IEP during distance learning, is he/she entitled to compensatory ed?
· My child will not participate in virtual learning (or is not benefiting from it), can I get in-person education, even if the school district is only offering virtual learning?
· My child has been having significant social/emotional difficulties during COVID that weren’t present before. What is the school district’s role in addressing these difficulties?
Spanish interpretation is available!
Early Start
- Early Start Service Coordinators continue to reach out to families to determine needs and preferences during this time. We are conducting check ins along with our regular contacts.
- Early Start directives have been extended including virtual IFSP meetings, virtual Early Start services and extension of Early Start services for children over age three until the education agency has made an offer of a free appropriate public education.
- We continue our outreach campaign to increase Early Start referrals. Please help us by sharing the documents below. These brochures include the contact information for Early Start referrals and are available in English and Spanish.
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Tara Sisemore-Hester
Assistant Director of Clinical Services
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North Valley Hills Update
Dena Hernandez, Regional Manager
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Self-Advocacy Council 6 (SAC6)
Join SAC6 At the PCS Valentine’s Dance on Zoom instead of CHAT!
Let’s Check In with each other!
WHEN: Friday February 12, 2021
TIME: 11:00 AM -12:00 PM
WHERE: ZOOM - computer, tablet, cell phone
Meeting ID: 971 5368 3063
Password: Valentin#1
You must enter the Password or you can call in:
TOLL FREE NUMBER TO CALL IN:
· 1-877-853-5257 US Toll-free
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Five County Data Update
as of February 11, 2020
San Joaquin County
· 64,709 total positive cases and 965 deaths
· 31.7 new cases per 100,000 people and 9.1 % positivity rate (Widespread/Purple....Most Restrictive)
Stanislaus County
· 48,376 total positive cases and 888 deaths
· 35.1 new cases per 100,000 people and 9.1% positivity rate (Widespread/Purple....Most Restrictive)
Tuolumne County
· 3774 total positive cases and 52 deaths
· 15.0 new cases per 100,000 people and 5.5% positivity rate (Widespread/Purple....Most Restrictive)
Calaveras County
· 1822 total positive cases and 25 deaths
· 18.1 new cases per 100,000 people and 8.1% positivity rate (Widespread/Purple....Most Restrictive)
Amador County
· 1520 total positive cases and 31 deaths
· 17.8 new cases per 100,000 people and 5.4% positivity rate (Widespread/Purple....Most Restrictive)
State of California
· 3,461,753 total positive cases and 46,022 deaths
· 33.1 new cases per 100,000 people and 8.5% positivity rate
Valley Mountain Regional Center
· 590 positive consumer cases and 23 deaths
· 33 positive VMRC staff cases
· 4 positive volunteer case
· 254 positive provider cases and 1 death
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Local County, State and National Public Health Resources |
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