Twenty-Seventh
Community Health Advisory Coronavirus (COVID-19)
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weekly message from the director... |
A New Directive this Week on Alternative Services
The number one question I hear from adult self-advocates is still, "when will the day program open for services" and for the past three weeks we've been reporting on new developments that get us closer to the answers. This past Monday afternoon we received another directive that replaces the previous regulation and directive on "Alternative Nonresidential Services" which gives us the best vision of the road map to the future of nonresidential services.
If You are a Person with a Disability Receiving These Services What Can You Expect
Starting last Tuesday, September 1st, your program started to reach out to the people they serve to talk with them and you about the plans they have to meet their consumer's needs. When you have this meeting they will ask you if you would like to get the services they can give you. They will invite other programs that support you so all the services can work together and not conflict. They may ask you if you would like to receive their services to:
(1) help keep you safe from COVID-19
(2) find out from you what you can do, what you prefer, and what needs you have
(3) make the ISP with you and for you
(4) support you over the phone, Zoom, other computer video, etc.
(5) bring you supplies to your home that you need to receive services
(6) make self-guided packets to help you learn about the things in your IPP and ISP
(7) give you training to develop skills in your home safely
(8) give you in-person services in your home, in a community setting, or at the program’s site [must meet COVID-19 safety rules, and staff must be trained on safety precautions before they give you in-person services]
(9) help you transition to the Self-Determination Program; and
(10) anything else you and your program have creatively agreed to that is in line with your IPP.
Then, your program will tell the Valley Mountain Regional Center Service Coordinator that you had the meeting and what services you were interested in receiving. From there, they will inform VMRC of your responses to these questions. Their report must include what you said in the meeting, the date of the meeting, and who was there. You may remember VMRC has already asked you about some of these options and your answers will be used in helping inform these meetings.
Next, in October, your program will finish the ISP (Individual Service Plan) and show what services you'll receive and how much. The plan may involve service delivery together with other service providers, including residential service providers, to improve your participation. When the ISP is done they will give you a copy of it.
Within 30 days of being told about your interest in Alternative Services, VMRC will send you a follow-up letter to make sure you want the services agreed to in your ISP meeting. In our letter we will include your Service Coordinator's name and contact information, and their supervisor.
Finally, if your plans make a significant change to your IPP, then we will need to follow-up with you to make a change to the IPP.
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Tony Anderson
Executive Director
Valley Mountain Regional Center
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Case Management Update
Health Passport and Personal Profile May Assist When Seeking Care
Information gathered in the state of California by Risk Management experts is showing that statistically, individuals with intellectual disabilities are contracting COVID-19 at a lower rate than others in the general public. However, when they are diagnosed, they are dying at a rate twice as high as others who contract the virus. The reason is still unclear, but we would like to assist consumers and families by again suggesting you have a Health Passport completed and available, just in case. If you get sick, you might need to see a doctor by yourself. Your family or your caregiver can help you fill out a Health Passport to take with you. A Health Passport is a piece of paper that tells doctors about you, your medical needs, and how to keep you safe. https://www.dds.ca.gov/corona-virus-information-and-resources/
Samples of the Health Passport are available for your use. Some are fillable forms and others can be printed out and the information written on the form. If you need help, please contact your VMRC Service Coordinator or care provider. The one-page personal profile that is part of the IPP is also helpful in letting others, especially health care professionals, know more about you and your needs and preferences. It has been reported to us that some consumers have posted their personal profiles near their hospital beds during a stay and that the experience has proven to inspire all involved on the treatment team. Here are some examples you can use.
Also, people with a developmental disability can have a support person with them in the hospital, which might lead to more appropriate medical treatment. We need to use all the tools available for more positive outcomes. This link explains it further:
NCI and Performance Contract Public Meetings on Sept 23
Each year, VMRC hosts public meetings comprised of our stakeholders – individuals with developmental disabilities, their families and our service providers – in order to review information and provide the opportunity for feedback on the future direction and long‐term goals of the regional center. From those meetings we develop a contract with DDS that defines how VMRC will be evaluated on its performance during the upcoming year.
We will meet on September 23 in two separate sessions to review National Core Indicators (NCI) information, as well as to discuss our proposed Performance Plan for 2021. This year all meetings will be held virtually via Zoom. For more information about the NCI project, you can contact QAProject@scdd.ca.gov. The VMRC 2020 Performance Contract can be reviewed by accessing on the VMRC website—www.vmrc.net.
· Performance Contract and NCI Public Forum—9/23, 1pm-2pm
Meeting ID: 946 9384 9855
Passcode: 344312
· Performance Contract and NCI Public Forum—9/23, 5pm-6pm
Meeting ID: 950 1629 1992
Passcode: 006057
Written comments pertaining to the Performance Contract may be submitted to Cindy Mix at cmix@vmrc.net. Deadline for written comments is Friday, October 2, 2020.
Flex Alert Issued for Holiday Weekend
The California Office of Emergency Services and the California Independent Systems Operator (ISO) have issued a statewide Flex Alert, a call for voluntary electricity conservation, beginning Saturday and extending through Monday, from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Labor Day weekend temperatures are forecast 10-20 degrees above normal for California, and the power grid operator is predicting an increase in electricity demand, primarily from air conditioning use. Conservation can lower demand and avoid further actions, including outages, and lessen the duration of possible power interruptions.
Individuals are urged to conserve electricity when the grid is most stressed in the afternoons and evenings, when temperatures remain high and solar production is falling due to the sun setting. The ISO recognizes that reducing energy use during the hot time of the day is a hardship, especially for those working from home or for families with children schooling at home. However, if a large enough number of individuals conserve even in small ways, they can help grid operators avoid more serious system emergencies.
Between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m., consumers are urged to: · Set air conditioning thermostats to 78 degrees, if health permits. · Defer use of major appliances. · Turn off unnecessary lights. · Unplug unused electrical devices. · Close blinds and drapes. · Use fans when possible. · Limit time the refrigerator door is open. Consumers can also take steps to prepare for the Flex Alert by doing the following before 3 p.m.: · “Pre-cool” their homes, or lower air conditioning thermostats. · Charge electric medical equipment · Charge mobile devices and laptops. · Run dishwashers, washing machines and other major appliances.
September Self-Determination Events
· Part 3 of the SD Informational Gathering Series will occur on September 8, 10am to 12noon. The subject will be review of the VMRC SD budget tool and its implementation. Please join us.
Password: 800817
· Self-Determination Advisory Committee (SDAC) Meeting on September 17, 3:30pm to 5pm via Zoom Video Conference.
Meeting ID: 960 5746 7531 Password: 704784
· Self-Determination Orientation Training on September 21, 1:30-4:30pm via Zoom Video Conference. This is for consumers, families and vendors. 3 CEU Units offered for vendors who pre-register. To register in advance:
Cindy Mix
Director of Consumer Services
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Clinical Update
COVID-19 Updates
· The National Institutes of Health (NIH) COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines Panel have reviewed all the available evidence from published and unpublished research on the use of convalescent plasma as treatment for COVID-19 and they concluded that there is no sufficient evidence to recommend for or against its use.[1] Long-term risks and whether it provides the immunity against SARS-CoV-2 still needs more research, and it shouldn’t be used as standard treatment for COVID-19.1
· The NIH started the Phase 3 Clinical Trial for the COVID-19 vaccine candidate known as AZD1222.[2] This vaccine was developed by researchers at Oxford University, licensed to AstraZenica for further development, and is expected to enroll 30,000 adult volunteers in 80 US sites.2
· The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has broadened the emergency use authorization (EUA) for the drug Remdesivir (Veklury) to be used for all hospitalized adult and pediatric patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19, regardless of the severity of the disease.[3] This was previously approved for patients with severe disease only.
· The prevalence of depression symptoms has increased more than 3-fold in the U.S. during the COVID-19 pandemic.[4]
· The use of High Flow Nasal Canula in critically ill patients has reduced the need for intubation and mechanical ventilation, but it didn’t affect eh case fatality rate in a retrospective study done in 4 hospitals in Paris.[5]
· Feel free to watch this excellent COVID-19 Vaccine Update from vaccinologist expert Dr. Paul A. Offit, Director of Vaccine Education Center at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, as well as the Maurice R. Hilleman Professor of Vaccinology and Professor Pediatrics at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. He talked about the upcoming vaccines, how the public will know if the clinical trials were done properly, should you get the vaccine, vaccine immunity, natural immunity, reinfection, and whether getting the vaccine will make you better or worse. https://edhub.ama-assn.org/jn-learning/video-player/18536016
Experts are anticipating a grim fall and winter season due to two deadly virus that will be in our midst, the influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2 virus. Let us remember that both viruses can be mitigated through wearing of masks, 6-foot physical distancing and frequently washing hands with soap and water. Let us continue to practice all these precautions to help our community be healthy and safe.
Claire B. Lazaro, MSN, RN, NP, PHN, CCRN, FNP-C
Clinical Director
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Education and Early Start Update
Early Start/Intake/Education
Early Start Service Coordinators have been communicating with families to help them determine service delivery for their children. Whether it be remote services, in person services, keeping in mind the health and safety of the child/family, or alternative services, we want to ensure that families drive these decisions.
The Following Waivers were Extended
Early Start In-Person Meetings: Any requirements of the California Early Intervention Services Act or Title 17 requiring in-person meetings for determining eligibility or service coordination are waived. The regional center may continue to conduct evaluation and assessment activities and provide Early Start coordination by remote electronic communications, including Skype, Facetime, video conference or teleconference. The new expiration date for this waiver is October 8th, 2020.
Early Start Remote Services: The requirements of the California Early Intervention Services act, Title 17 or a child’s Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) requiring the delivery of services in-person are waived. A service provided to a child in-person may be provided may be provided by remote electronic communications, including Skype, Facetime, video conference, or telephone conference. The new expiration date October 8th, 2020.
Extension of early intervention services: Any requirements of the CEISA, including Government Code section 95014(a), mandating early intervention services end at age three are waived. Regional centers must continue to work with local schools to transition children to educational service pursuant to existing regulations. This is extended for 30 days.
Presumptive eligibility: Extended to October 21, 2020. Department Directive 01-032520
Education:
The United States Department of Education just released the updated postsecondary transition guide.
VMRC and our community partners have put together a webinar on distance learning. The link will be posted and shared via our website, constant contact and social media.
Tara Sisemore-Hester
Assistant Director, Clinical Services
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Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Update
Stockton had Their Distribution Day Yesterday!
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Remember!
Valley Mountain Regional Center is once again partnering with the California State Council on Developmental Disabilities North Valley Hills, and SAC6 for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Distribution Days for our families and providers.
These are no contact, drive through, set ups. PPE will be distributed without having to exit your vehicle or RSVP...all you have to do is come by! All staff participating will be wearing masks, sanitizing hands frequently and keeping distance.
If a family can’t come at this time, please let your Service Coordinator know and we will arrange a delivery within the week. If a vendor can’t come by, please contact your Community Services Liaison and we will arrange a delivery within the week.
Friday (TODAY), 09/04, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM, VMRC Modesto Office, 1820 Blue Gum Avenue, Modesto, CA 95358
Friday, 09/11, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM, ATCAA Head Start, 18080 Blue Bell East, Sonora, CA 95370
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North Valley Hills Update
Dena Hernandez, Regional Manager
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Join SCDD North Valley Hills at this worthwhile annual event!
Join us in the fight against Stroke as we host the
FIRST BRAIN HEALTH to BEAT STROKE VIRTUAL EVENT!
Taking Place October 1, thru October 24, 2020
REGISTER FOR THE WALK, run or ROLL at
FOR EVENT INFO, CONTACT
Co-Chairs Danny Nuss (209) 479-4983 or George Lewis (209) 473-6940
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Self-Advocacy Council 6
Lisa Utsey - Self Advocacy Council 6 chairperson invites you to join the SAC6 Friday CHATS!
With so much happening because of the virus SAC6 wants to hear how you are doing and share information so we can all get through this together!
Health and Wellness
Join us on a SAC6 ZOOM CHAT!!
Let’s Check In with each other!
WHEN: Friday September 4th, 2020
TIME: 11:00am-12:00pm
WHERE: ZOOM- computer, tablet, cell phone
The next SAC6 CHAT:
· Friday, September 4, 2020 - Coping with Loss and Grief with Dr. Dave Demetral
Join Zoom Meeting on your computer, tablet or phone
https://zoom.us/j/92176037090?pwd=VS9WRXpSeFFrS2IweEpTaWtpc2duUT09
Meeting ID: 921 7603 7090
Password: 666744
You must enter the Password or you can call in:
TOLL FREE NUMBER TO CALL IN:
· 877 853 5257 US Toll-free
California Memorial Project
Remembering Those Who Were Forgotten
Disability Rights California’s Peer Self-Advocacy (PSA) Program advocates for and oversees the California Memorial Project (CMP). The CMP’s mission is to honor and restore dignity to individuals with mental health and developmental disabilities who lived and died in California state institutions.
CMP Annual Remembrance Ceremonies
We celebrate the 3rd Monday of each September as California Memorial Project (CMP) Remembrance Day. On this day, the CMP holds remembrance ceremonies throughout California at state institutions and local cemetery grave sites where these individuals were buried. Leading a statewide moment of silence, we honor and celebrate the lives of all our peers.
Upcoming Events for September 2020
This year, the 18th Annual California Remembrance Day ceremony will be held on Monday, September 21, 2020. We will have a virtual ceremony via a Zoom webinar this year instead of in-person ceremonies to take precautions during this time of the COVID-19 pandemic.
We help fight the mental health stigma and discrimination
we experience as peers by remembering those
who came before us.
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Five County Data Update
as of September 3, 2020
San Joaquin County
- 18,000 total positive cases and 361 deaths
- 16.6 new cases per 100,000 people and 11.3% positivity rate
Stanislaus County
- 15, 021 total positive cases and 273 deaths
- 14.5 new cases per 100,000 people and 12.5% positivity rate
Tuolumne County
- 187 total positive cases and 2 deaths
- 1.6 new cases per 100,000 people and 1.4% positivity rate
Calaveras County
- 257 total positive cases and 2 deaths
- 4.8 new cases per 100,000 people and 3.2% positivity rate
Amador County
- 237 total positive cases and 15 deaths
- 2.6 new cases per 100,000 people and 2.5% positivity rate
State of California
- 725,824 total positive cases and 13,432 deaths
Valley Mountain Regional Center
- 157 positive consumer cases and 8 deaths
- 10 positive staff cases
- 1 positive volunteer case
- 63 positive provider cases and 1 death
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Local County, State and National Public Health Resources |
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