MARC APRIL 27, 2020 H 26, 2020
Grossmont College a possible drive-thru testing site
The County Health and Human Services Department has asked to use a parking lot at Grossmont College as a drive-up COVID-19 testing site. The county wants to use Lot 7 beginning May 4 for testing during the day Thursdays through Mondays.

The district has agreed to the request as part of its commitment to serve the East County community, and is working with the county on the details.  

The County is starting up mobile testing sites to add to those already operating in San Diego, Escondido and Chula Vista. Doctor referrals are required for county testing sites.
Mental health resources on COVID-19 page
To help employees cope with the emotional and mental health impacts of the coronavirus outbreak, a number of mental wellness and support resources and services are listed on the district’s COVID-19 Benefit Resources page.

They include:
  • UnitedHealthcare is offering a free emotional support line for both members and non-members. The line is staffed 24/7 by mental health specialists.
  • Employees enrolled in a district medical plan can access the Employee Assistance Plan, which provides services including therapy via video conferencing
  • Employees enrolled in any district medical plan can access a free app, Sanvello Health, offering meditation, peer support, guided lessons and assessments.
  • Kaiser members can access another app, myStrength, providing coping tools addressing fear or anxiety related to the coronavirus.

The page also lists other employee benefit resources, including information about virtual medical office visits, flexible spending accounts, retirement readiness virtual appointments, and local medical provider coronavirus websites.  
Don't forget your cybersecurity training
A friendly reminder to complete online cybersecurity training the district is requiring all employees to take as we continue to work from home.

In order to help you recognize and be aware of cyber attacks, the District has set up some online cybersecurity training modules. All employees should contact  Nashona Andrade   (District Services Professional Development Specialist) as soon as possible to register and complete your training. Doing so is a high priority.
My home office: Rosa Palacios
Today’s home office:  Rosa Palacios, an adjunct counselor at the Veterans Resource Center and Transfer Center at Grossmont College.
1. Describe your home office: My office consists of half of the dining table. I have a laptop, keyboard, mouse, and a college catalog laying on the table. I share the space with my two daughters, a 7 and 11 year old.

2. What is a typical day for you working from home?   My typical day starts by waking up early and watching the news for a little bit over a cup of tea. By the time my kids wake up, I already have an hour or two of work done, responding to emails, and monitoring student appointments. I also help my second-grader with schoolwork and prepare meals and
snacks. My workdays are definitely longer now.  

3. What tip would you pass on to other GCCCD employees?   Take breaks during your workday. After hours, go for walks, read, dance, or anything that you enjoy. Check in with family and friends. Be kind to yourself and know that we are in this together.   
Share your new working conditions with your fellow employees and we'll feature them in the Remote Report. Take a photo of you in your home office and answer the three questions above. Send them to Anne Krueger . Submissions may be edited for length and clarity.
In the news
In the Remote Report, you’ll see important updates, get your questions answered, and learn ways to help us all navigate this new world of mass telecommuting. Issues of the Remote Report will be archived on the District Remote Report page

If you have news to share or discovered a tip that helps you work better remotely, pass it on. Please send your items to Anne Krueger , Christianne Penunuri (Cuyamaca College) or Lorena Ruggero (Grossmont College).