Thirty-First
Community Health Advisory Coronavirus (COVID-19)
|
|
weekly message from the director...
|
The COVID-19 Status This Week
This week we had one of our best reporting weeks in a long time with no new cases to report, and only 25 cases reported statewide, but they're seeing a slight increase on hospitalizations with 316, however this statewide number is consistent with the general population. In our area, the new results came out earlier this week on Governor Gavin Newsom's "Blueprint for a Safer Economy" showing San Joaquin, Calaveras, and Amador Counties all improved to the next level, while Tuolumne County (already listed in the 2nd least restrictive category) and Stanislaus County (most restrictive category) remained the same. This is great news and is all because you and your neighbors are wearing those face coverings, staying 6+ feet apart in closed areas, hand washing, and doing what we can to show our concern for the health others.
In response to COVID-19 there have been a lot of changes, some temporary but some maybe not. While we have definitely heard of people who are struggling and having a hard time adjusting to many of the changes, we also hear about people who really like some of the changes in their lives. If there is anything you like better, now please let us know what that is. It would be terrible to go back to "the old way" someday and not benefit from the lessons learned during this time of great sacrifice.
This week we received a much awaited provider information notice, usually referred to as a "PIN", from Pamela Dickfoss, Deputy Director of the California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division (CDL), on Day Programs. This PIN gives help to Day Programs on prevent getting COVID-19 and the Flu, and to not spread it if it happens. This PIN has 6 helpful guides on the following topics;
1. Prevention and Containment Measures
2. Isolation Procedures for Positive COVID-19 Test Results
3. Reopening Strategies
4. Guidance on Activities and Visitation
5. Resources
6. Client Fact Sheet
In the section on reopening CDL recommends the following to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and Flu:
· Designate one area to enter the facility and a different area to exit the facility.
· Consider staggered re-opening with clients, staff and visitors arriving and leaving at different times to limit exposure to one another.
· Use tape on the floor and other visual cues to remind staff and clients to practice physical distancing when in shared spaces.
· Rearrange tables and chairs so clients can be at least six (6) feet apart.
· Minimize or eliminate the use of shared objects and spaces. If they must be shared, clean and sanitize after each person uses them.
· Stagger staff schedules to reduce the number of people in the facility at one time, ensuring enough staff to meet client needs.
· Encourage one-on-one care as preferred option to minimize the spread of disease.
· Consider assigning the same staff person to work with the same small group of clients each day to minimize interactions.
· When possible, operate with contactless entry, if not possible, there must be a method of disinfecting any common contact items such as the check-in materials or writing tools.
· Consider dividing clients into cohorts and have cohorts attend every other day.
· Congregation at arrival and drop off should be discouraged.
· If transportation is contracted with a licensee, contact the licensee and ask what their protocols for COVID-19 are and share with clients and staff.
· Recommend only using transportation services that maintain similar COVID-19 mitigation practices as addressed in this PIN.
· Identify platforms to help communicate information on how to stay healthy and how to manage stress for clients and staff.
ADDENDUM A: Signs and Symptoms of Flu, COVID-19 and Pneumonia
· ADDENDUM B: Transmission, Incubation and Contagiousness
· ADDENDUM C: Prevention (Vaccinations), Testing and Treatment Measures
· ADDENDUM D: Reporting Requirements
· ADDENDUM E: Resources
· ADDENDUM F: Persons in Care Fact Sheet
|
Tony Anderson
Executive Director
Valley Mountain Regional Center
|
Case Management Update
Remembering a “Warrior Mom” Who Did Everything for Love
Feda Almaliti, a fierce advocate for her son and nationally respected for her work on many levels in the autism community, died early Saturday morning on September 27th in the arms of her son, Muhammed. Feda initially escaped the fire, but soon realized that Mu, her 15 year old son was still inside in an upstairs bedroom and ran back into the burning home trying to save him. Mu, who was diagnosed with autism, was having a difficult time exiting the house. Firefighters later found Feda and Mu embracing each other; both were pronounced deceased soon after. A tragic and heartbreaking end to their meaningful lives.
Many are now able to access treatment for their children due to Feda’s advocacy. In fact, hundreds of thousands have benefitted from her work. She was known for spearheading autism insurance reform in California. In 2009, she was part of a class action lawsuit filed against Kaiser for denying services to Muhammed, and other children with autism, despite having paid premiums for years. In her case, 25 years. She then worked with lawmakers to pass SB 946 in 2011 which went into effect in 2012 and required insurance companies to cover treatments for autism. Coverage for Medicaid-enrolled children with autism followed a few years later. What a significant accomplishment for those not only in California, but throughout the nation.
Feda Almaliti was also a founding member of the National Council on Severe Autism and served as Vice-President of that organization. Additionally, she was a commissioner on the City of Fremont’s Human Relations Committee. She had a network of immeasurable contacts in the industry and was well-loved by all.
Feda was known for always finding humor to help herself and others get through tough times. She and her friend, Sarah Trautman, BCBA had recently launched a podcast just weeks earlier called “The Scoop”. The podcast, which first occurred on August 19, was live on Facebook, airing on Wednesdays, and the two friends touched on various subjects, bringing good information and humor to their audience. Their catchphrase, “Serving up Insider Info on Autism, Advocacy, ABA and More” was an instant hit. It was being watched nationwide with a varied audience, including parents, friends, and those working with the autism population who found the information not only interesting and intriguing, but worthy of beneficial training concepts. One such follower of the podcast said, “The short amount of time I spent with Feda on ‘The Scoop’ impacted me more than I ever expected. I continue to mourn someone who represented anything and everything in life that I aspire to be as a parent, a friend and advocate for what is right and what is good”. Fans of the show, seeing the cancelled event message minutes before it was normally scheduled to air on Wednesday, were reminded of the devastating news and the void caused by the tragic occurrence.
The world mourns the loss of a wonderful and spirited advocate. Feda Almaliti was the purist form of grassroots advocacy. And, she got results for her son and others.
To remember and honor Feda and Muhammed, please access this link sponsored by the National Council on Severe Autism:
Cindy Mix
Director of Consumer Services
|
Clinical Update
As we enter in this new era of flu season, wherein we have another deadly virus in the community – SARS-CoV-2, I urge everyone to get your flu shot as early as NOW. Remember that it takes 2 weeks after vaccination before your body develops antibodies against the influenza virus.[1] Getting vaccinated now will get you protected when the flu virus spreads in the community. It will keep you from getting the flu, help reduce the severity of your illness should you get the flu even with vaccination, reduce the risk of flu-associated hospitalization, and will significantly reduce the risk of children and adults of dying from the flu.1
It is also important to note that SARS-CoV-2 has affected over 34.1 million individuals all over the world, over 7.2 million in the US,[2] and over 813,000 in California.[3] It has taken the lives of over 1 million individuals around the globe, over 207,000 in the US,2 and almost 16,000 lives in California.3
Let us continue to wear masks when outside our homes and around other people. It reduces your risk of infection by 65% just by wearing a mask.[4],[5] And even “individuals with chronic lung disease should be able to wear a non-N95 facial covering without affecting their oxygen or carbon dioxide levels,” according to the joint statement from the American College of Chest Physicians, American Lung Association, American Thoracic Society, and the COPD Foundation.[6] Hopefully, this will lessen the flu cases this year, similar to what happened last flu season.[7] If this happens, the mitigation measures will help reduce the respiratory cases in the hospital system and the community.
With the increase of COVID-19 cases across 26 states,[8] we should be vigilant in practicing safety precautions of wearing masks, hand hygiene, respiratory/cough etiquette, and physical distancing of more than 6 feet apart. There is some positive news in the horizon, with Moderna’s investigational SARS-CoV-2 vaccine mRNA-1273 producing an immune response to adults 56 and older.[9] With the hope of an effective vaccine, coupled with cooperation and patience of practicing all the safety precautions, we will all get through this together.
|
Please continue to stay safe and healthy.
Claire B. Lazaro, MSN, RN, NP, PHN, FNP-C
Director of Clinical Services
|
Early Start/Education Update
What is Early Start?
The Early Intervention Program for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities was enacted in 1986 under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA; 20; U.S.C., Section 1431 et seq.). This program is California’s response to federal legislation ensuring that early intervention services for infants and toddler with disabilities and their families are provided in a coordinated, family-centered system of services that are available statewide. Anyone can make a referral, including parents, medical care providers, neighbors, family members, foster parents, and day care providers. Based on the child’s assessed developmental needs and the families concerns and priorities as determined by each child’s Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) team, early intervention services may include:
- assistive technology
- audiology
- family training, counseling, and home visits
- health services
- medical services for diagnostic/evaluation purposes only
- nursing services
- nutrition services
- occupational therapy
- physical therapy
- psychological services
- service coordination (case management)
- sign language and cued language services
- social work services
- special instruction
- speech and language services
- transportation and related costs
- vision services
Autism Services
Valley Mountain Regional Center is proudly participating and sponsoring the Autism Speaks Walk in Modesto this year. Due to the pandemic, the walk will be held virtually on October 31st, but that isn’t deterring our fundraising efforts! Staff throughout the agency are fundraising to help meet the overall goal for the event. On October 31st, our staff will complete the walk wherever they are to show support for our consumers and our community!
Here is a link to our team fundraising page:
Education Services
The link below will direct you to a Q&A that was released by the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). The Q&A was developed in response to inquiries concerning implementation of IDEA Part B provision of services due to COVID. An extremely important message in this document states: “OSEP reminds SEAs and LEAs that no matter what primary instructional delivery approach is chosen, SEAs, LEAs, and individualized education program (IEP) teams remain responsible for ensuring that a free appropriate public education (FAPE) is provided to all children with disabilities”.
Other important areas of concerns that the document goes further into include: initial evaluation, initial & annual IEP team meetings, and reevaluation.
Tara Sisemore-Hester
Assistant Director, Clinical Services
|
Employment Update
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month
|
During the month of October I will be participating in many virtual events listed below to help raise awareness for the hiring of individuals with disabilities. October is a great month to reach employers and help educate the community about the many benefits for hiring individuals with developmental disabilities.
October 6, 2020 ~ 10-11:30am Employment Services from ACRC, Employment First Legislation and Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE):
October 6, 2020 11:30am to 4pm. SafeWay Order Selectors hiring event 11:30am to 4pm. Hilton 2323 Grand Canal blvd, Stockton, CA 95207
October 6, 2020 11am College of Columbia Interviewing and Follow-Up Tips See flyer College of Columbia Fall Virtual Events
October 6, 2020 2pm College of Columbia Federal Jobs Applications Through USAJOBS See flyer College of Columbia Fall Virtual Events
October 7, 2020 10:30am College of Columbia Careers in Development and Education See flyer College of Columbia Fall Virtual Events
October 8, 2020 10am College of Columbia State Job Applications See flyer College of Columbia Fall Virtual Events
October 13, 2020 ~ 10-11:30am DOR Student Services & Career Exploration Register in advance at: https://bit.ly/35Nhk4I
October 13, 2020 2pm College of Columbia Careers in Fire See flyer College of Columbia Fall Virtual Events
October 14, 2020 3pm College of Columbia Working While Receiving State Benefits See flyer College of Columbia Fall Virtual Events
October 15, 2020 5pm to 7pm Columbia College Virtual Job Fair visit: GOCOLUMBIA.EDU/EMPLOYMENT – for the links to register for the event
October 20, 2020 ~ 2-3:30pm (note different time) Business Outreach & Benefits Counseling: Register in advance at: https://bit.ly/3ktWmfC
October 20, 2020 3pm College of Columbia Effective Cover Letters See flyer College of Columbia Fall Virtual Events
October 27, 2020 1pm College of Columbia Effective Cover letters See flyer College of Columbia Fall Virtual Events
October 28, 2020 11am College of Columbia Mental Health and Job Searching See flyer College of Columbia Fall Virtual Events
October 29, 2020 2pm College of Columbia Careers in Hospitality See flyer College of Columbia Fall Virtual Events
Enos Edmerson Jr.
Employment Specialist
|
North Valley Hills Update
Dena Hernandez, Regional Manager
OCTOBER is National Disability Employment Awareness Month!
Let’s Work was sponsored by the
State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD)
|
Let’s Work documents the stories of eight adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities and the successful journeys they have taken to find and maintain employment. 2/3 of the film crew consists of students from our film training program who have developmental differences.
Saturday October 17th 3:30 pm screening. 5pm Q&A
Featuring two self advocates from our region! Way to go PJ Swan & Kionna Grey
|
The State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) wants to HEAR from YOU! SCDD wants to hear your feedback on the new State Plan for 2022-2026. This public comment period ends November 5, 2020.
Please take a look at the plan and let us know if we are on the right path to provide Advocacy, Capacity Building and Systemic Change in our state! Got to:
|
Family Resource Network (FRN) Udpate
Family Resource Network (FRN) is here to help families meet the challenges of raising children with special needs by providing practical information and resources, as well as emotional support from another parent. FRN services are provided at no cost to the family.
FRN staff can provide a phone consultation to look over Individual Education Plans (IEP), provide feedback, and prepare parents for any meetings. Please call 209-472-3674 to make an appointment. Staff are available Tuesday-Friday, 8:30am-2:30pm, and other hours as needed.
FRN’s music play group “Tikes & Tunes” is going virtual! If you have a child receiving services thru the Early Start Program (0-3 years old) and would like to learn how music can enhance development, please contact the office for more information or to register. The group meets via Zoom the first and third Tuesdays of the month, from 9:30am-10:30am. October’s dates are 10/6 & 10/20.
Contact Family Resource Network: by phone: 209-472-3674, or by email: FRNfamilies@frcn.org
|
October Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Distribution
VMRC will once again partner with the California State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) North Valley Hills Office and the Self-Advocacy Council Area 6 (SAC6) for PPE distribution.
VMRC Stockton Office
702 North Aurora Street, Stockton, CA 95202
Wednesday, October 7th, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
VMRC Modesto Office
1820 Blue Gum Avenue, Modesto, CA 95358
Friday, October 9th, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
VMRC San Andreas Office
704 Mountain Ranch Road, Suite 203, San Andreas, CA 95249
Wednesday, October 14th, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
|
Any and all VMRC families and vendors are open to come to receive PPE. No prior registration or RSVP is necessary. These are non contact, drive through, distribution events.
In the event that you are not able to come to any of the three days, please contact your Service Coordinator or Community Services Liaison to arrange for delivery.
With election day quickly approaching on November 3rd, we also will have Voter Registration tables set up and staffed on each of these days.
|
The deadline to mail in your voter registration ballot is Monday, October 19th. VMRC wants to help you register to vote. So if you have not yet registered and would like to, or need assistance filling out your registration form and sending it in, come by and our staff will be happy to assist you! |
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 October 2, 2020 - SPECIAL 2 HOUR EVENT
TIME: 11:00am-1:00pm
WHERE: ZOOM - computer, tablet, cell phone
The next SAC6 CHAT:
· Friday, October 2, 2020 - Department of Developmental Services (DDS) Consumer Advisory Committee Meeting
The main topics will be on:
1. TOWN HALL with DDS on Alternative Delivery of Nonresidential Services (IMPORTANT INFO!!!!)
2. Voting-by Disability Rights California Please consider joining this IMPORTANT TOWN HALL– Let your VOICE be heard! SAC6 will be there!!! We hope you will be there too!!
Join Zoom Meeting on your computer, tablet or phone
Meeting ID: 940 7481 5761
Password: 997421
You must enter the Password or you can call in:
TOLL FREE NUMBER TO CALL IN:
· 1-669-900-6833 US Toll-free
|
|
Five County Data Update
as of October 1, 2020
San Joaquin County
- 20,457 total positive cases and 466 deaths
-
6.7 new cases per 100,000 people and 5.5% positivity rate (Substantial/Red....2nd Most Restrictive)
Stanislaus County
- 16,573 total positive cases and 365 deaths
-
7.6 new cases per 100,000 people and 5.5% positivity rate (Widespread/Purple....Most Restrictive)
Tuolumne County
- 229 total positive cases and 4 deaths
-
1.6 new cases per 100,000 people and 0.9% positivity rate (Moderate/Orange....2nd Least Restrictive)
Calaveras County
- 322 total positive cases and 14 death
-
1.3 new cases per 100,000 people and 1.9% positivity rate (Moderate/Orange....2nd Least Restrictive)
Amador County
- 259 total positive cases and 15 deaths
-
1.5 new cases per 100,000 people and 0.7% positivity rate (Moderate/Orange....2nd Least Restrictive)
State of California
- 821,902 total positive cases and 15,980 deaths
Valley Mountain Regional Center
- 178 positive consumer cases and 11 deaths
- 11 positive VMRC staff cases
- 1 positive volunteer case
- 70 positive provider cases and 1 death
|
|
Local County, State and National Public Health Resources |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
