Forty-First
Community Health Advisory Coronavirus (COVID-19)
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weekly message from the director...
Last week I reported we had "our worst week since the beginning of the pandemic" and sadly, today, I am reporting that this week was our worst week since the pandemic started. This week we reported to the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) that 66 new people were impacted by COVID-19. The breakdown on this number is that 49 Consumers tested positive, 10 community Direct Support Professionals tested positive, 4 Valley Mountain Regional Center staff tested positive, and 3 consumers died. With two weeks in a row you can't help but second guess yourself to make sure we're doing everything possible to keep our consumers out of harm's way.
Last week we discussed the CDC's plan for keeping us all safe and healthy. Let's look at in another way:
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Steps to keep People Safe
Universal use of face masks.
Physical distancing and limiting contacts.
Increased testing, diagnosis, and isolation.
Safeguarding persons most at risk for severe illness or death (Certain underlying medical conditions also increase risk for severe illness or death for persons of any age with COVID-19).
Avoiding nonessential indoor spaces and crowded outdoor settings.
Prompt case investigation and contact tracing to identify, quarantine, and test close contacts.
Protecting essential workers.
Postponing travel.
Widespread availability and use of effective vaccines.
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What is VMRC Doing to Achieve this Step
Distributed about 200,00 Masks/Face Coverings to consumers, Providers, and Regional Center Staff (a joint effort with SAC6 and SCDD)
Day Programs, Transportation and even residential providers have built into their “mitigation plans” their procedures to maintain distance in their program sites and in delivering service. VMRC has reviewed these or is in the process.
Licensing has required testing protocols, provided some resources, providers are testing staff and consumers regularly now as required standards for licensed homes and programs.
VMRC has developed strict protocols restricting access to services for consumers with vulnerable health conditions in specific services. Our clinical team now reviews all requests to challenge this and ensure all involved are fully informed of the risks and consequences.
Our regional center offices have been closed to public activities since March. All providers are required to maintain physical distance and no more than 10 people in a room. Stay at home order for nonessential services are being checked on through phone surveillance.
Our clinical staff has been intimately involved in the contact tracing of all reported consumer cases, they provide consultation and guidance on all matters related to methods for quarantining and isolation. Our Human Resources has engaged in a robust contact tracing process if someone working in the VMRC buildings tests positive.
Our provider community has raised funds to buy additional cleaning supplies for their colleagues who are having trouble accessing supplies to protect the essential worker. In addition to the 200,000 face coverings we’re distributing during our weekly PPE drive through events in partnership with SCDD and SAC6 in our region we all have provided: 3600 bottles Mini Hand Sanitizer, 600 bottles of Gallon sized Hand Sanitizer, 2500 Surgical Gowns, 7540 Face Shields, and 80,000 protective pairs of gloves (numbers through Nov 2020)
Many providers have a standard practice of taking vacations out the of the area every year but this summer this stopped unless the whole group could cohort together. Staff traveling out of state were required to quarantine upon return.
Our clinical director has reached out to each of our county public health officers and provided contact information of who are providers are who should be receiving the vaccinations in the first round. VMRC has sent an advocacy letter from the Executive Director to each Public Health Officer in our area advocating for the Consumers and DSPs to be among the first to access the vaccines as well as our staff who work in direct contact with our consumers.
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This week I had a great conversation with Krystall Moore, Regional Manager at DSS's Community Care Licensing for our region, and she expressed that CCL is doing so much more than their traditional roles these days as an increased effort in the COVID-19 response. If licensed providers are at risk of an impending staff shortage they should definitely get in immediate contact with their regional center Community Services Liaison and their CCL Regional Office so both of us can pool together our efforts to help. In addition to your regular required reporting to VMRC and CCL for incidents, remember to report to both of us if any of your consumers or staff test positive so we can put in play any crisis level supports we now have available to us to save lives. And in case you missed it, CCL just recently published this handy Adult residential facilities Medication Guide.
Tony Anderson
Executive Director
Valley Mountain Regional Center
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Clinical Update
I am pleased to report that we had a very successful first VMRC COVID-19 Testing Site yesterday! We were able to serve about 100 consumers, families, VMRC staff and families, and Provider/Vendor/Direct Support Professional staff and families. This would not be possible without the help and support of our COVID-19 Testing Team and support from SCDD North Valley Hills! Each one of you have contributed so much to make this event possible. My heartfelt gratitude and sincerest appreciation to all of you! We had consumers who were very scared and nervous about the test, but because they were in the comfort of a familiar vehicle with familiar persons with them, the consumers were able to tolerate the testing and they did awesome! It also helped that it was oropharyngeal test, similar to a medical provider checking your tonsils. We hope to continue this service to our community as long as it is needed and possible. We have scheduled COVID-19 Testing on January 15th and 20th at the Modesto Office; and January 27th at the Stockton Office. Watch out for our weekly Health Advisory where we will post the link to the registration.
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With the existing high demand to increase testing capacity, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a few more COVID-19 testing kits. One of them is LabCorp’s Pixel COVID-19 Test Home Collection Kit for use by any individual 18 years and older without a prescription.[1] The test is through the nose – nasal swab – and not all the way to the back of the nose. You can order this kit to be delivered at the comforts of your home through this link. Another recently approved testing kit is the Ellume COVID-19 Home Test.[2],[3] This can be used for individuals 2 years old and older and samples will be via nasal swab. The test kit will be available in drug stores available for purchase and will give result in as early as 20 minutes.2,3
With the increase in COVID-19 cases in California skyrocketing almost 3 times the peak of cases in the summer[4], and new studies of men doing worse than women when they get COVID-19[5], we have all heard about the approval of the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for individuals 16 years and older, to be distributed in the United States.[6] California will receive about 327,000 of this vaccine. A fact sheet on detailed and easy to understand frequently asked questions regarding the Pfizer/BioNtech Vaccine is on this link.
To ensure equitable vaccine distribution among Californians, the California Health and Human Services Agency (CHHS) and California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has organized the Community Vaccine Advisory Committee (CVAC) composed of various community leaders and stakeholders. Their meetings are open to the public via YouTube live stream, recorded video links and power point presentations.
It is anticipated that the Moderna Vaccine will be getting FDA emergency use authorization approval this week for individuals 18 years and older.[7] The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) will have a meeting on December 19th and 20th.[8] This meeting will be held virtually, and open to the public.8
With the approval of Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine and the anticipated approval of the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine, we can see the glimpse of the light at the end of the tunnel. Now more than ever, we need to be more careful in our actions and continue to wear masks, practice physical distancing, and hand hygiene. Being vaccinated is not an assurance that you cannot transmit the virus[9] to other people that is why mask wearing is still highly recommended.
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Please continue to stay safe and healthy. |
Claire B. Lazaro, MSN, RN, NP, PHN, FNP-C
Director of Clinical Services
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Case Management Update
Where You Live Impacts COVID Outcomes
The virus is impacting people with developmental disabilities differently, largely depending on where they live, according to a study out this month in the Disability and Health Journal.
Research included data on COVID-19 outcomes for people receiving regional center services in California between May and early October and compared their experiences to others in the state.
Statistics within the state have proven that overall, people with developmental disabilities were 60% less likely to get the virus, but among those who did, they faced a nearly three times higher risk of death. However, this most recent study found that among those in this population, the setting where they lived and how many people they lived with appeared to be the most significant predictors of risk.
“Among people with IDD who are living in their own home or a family home, the case rate is lower than the state overall, and their case-fatality rate is only slightly higher than that of the state,” said Scott Landes, an Associate Professor of Sociology at Syracuse University who led the study. But, for those living in group homes, institutions and other congregate settings, the story is quite different. He further indicates that for consumers living in congregate settings, the degree to which the case rate is higher is related to the number of people in the type of residence — settings with more residents have higher case rates — while the case-fatality rate is substantially higher for those living in settings that provide skilled nursing care, likely indicating a higher prevalence of pre-existing conditions.
This information emphasizes the absolute necessity that diligent precautions be taken and strict protocols followed. The study comes as advocates are pushing for people with developmental disabilities to be prioritized for COVID-19 vaccines as they become available, given the higher rates of death seen in this population.
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SCDD Wants Your Vaccine Input
The State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) has been offering sessions via Zoom this week for community feedback concerning the COVID-19 vaccine. SCDD’s Executive Director, Aaron Carruthers is a member of the newly established Community Vaccine Advisory Committee (CVAC) and is seeking input from those interested to share information, explore concerns and establish plans for ongoing communication about the CVAC activities. There is one session left to be held today, 12/18, 3:30-5pm. Please register to participate:
If you cannot join but want to contribute comments or concerns, you can complete the survey at:
There is Some Good News Out There
Everyone could use some good news! 2020 has been a year of turbulent times, but there are still good things happening in the world. This website is a breath of fresh air with positive stories from all over the country. Read some good news at:
Create a Positive Christmas Experience
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While the holidays often bring up good memories for many of us, for some children and adults with disabilities, holidays signal an intense time of stress and distress. Often communicated with significant behavior changes, the underlying message might be “I’m overwhelmed”, “You changed my schedule”, “Why did you put a tree in our living room”, “There are too many people stuffed into this room”, or “I am on complete sensory overload”.
While all of these ideas won’t work for everyone, here are some ideas for you to try to create a positive time of celebration for each family member:
· Don’t over-schedule and try to keep to a regular routine, if at all possible.
· Although many of us will not be with extended family this year. Keep in mind that others may not really understand the individual with the disability. It might be helpful for parents or the person with the disability to send out a quick update to family members prior to an event, even if it is by Zoom or FaceTime. This update could include: Activities, topics, and gifts the consumer enjoys or those to avoid; challenges during a Christmas celebration.
· Sometimes we think our family member with a disability should only be the recipient of gifts, and not the giver. How can that person use an area of interest or gifting to provide something for others? Would it be the gift of a dance or song? Could that individual provide the cookies for dessert? Might that person enjoy a trip to a dollar store to pick out something for each guest or family member? What about a wall decoration or a note card for each guest with a favorite picture of an animal or area of interest? Find a way for that individual to also receive the joy of giving.
· Prepare in advance a way your family member can participate in the holiday traditions. Be creative. Think of ways you have made the holiday meaningful and consider ways your family member with a disability may be involved. Some ideas you could try include:
· Indicate things for which each family member is thankful to incorporate into the celebration? How might that family member participate? Would it be helpful to have pictures of familiar items so that the individual can point to or pick up the request and hand it to another person?
· If your family likes to sing carols, could you have a colorful streamer or small rhythm instrument available so that a person without words could participate with movement? Or program on an iPad or other device so that pushing a button will allow an individual to participate.
· Adding figurines or using the décor or manger scene on the mantel may be a way for an individual to better understand or even help move or tell a Christmas story.
· Use photos to help prepare. Find some pictures of the celebration from last year. If it will be similar, put together a photo album or story of that event so that the individual can remember it in pictures and written words prior to attending a similar event this year.
· Put together a schedule of events for the holidays. Whether in words and/or pictures, let the person know the planned order. Some individuals enjoy crossing off or removing the individual schedule items as they are completed. The Choiceworks app is an amazing way to quickly turn an iPad or phone into a schedule. The app suggests the next activity and when the task is done, the user can sweep it to the “done” side of the board. In addition to the schedule board, there are also boards for feelings and waiting.
· Visit the room ahead of time. Many times we redecorate or rearrange rooms to fit more people. Consider setting it up a day ahead and visiting that room without people in it. Let the individual explore the changes without the added stress of people. Perhaps leave something on a chair or in a certain place so that you can “reserve a spot” for the event when you arrive. The individual will know to find that space or item to make a more comfortable entry.
· Give that individual a “job” to do. Many times, a helping role will not only use the gifts of an individual, but it gives the person a clear sense of what to do in that environment.
· It might be helpful to show that family member a quiet and designated space in the home or building where there would be a calming and preferred activity. It might be a mini tramp, rocking chair, a favorite book, or quiet classical music in a more isolated space where one might be able to find a refuge if the senses get overloaded.
· Crafting is a great way for an individual to engage in the holiday season without being overloaded by busy holiday events.
· Playing holiday music when the season arises is one way to get disabled adults involved with the holidays and feel like they are celebrating together.
· Plan activities at which no one has to behave.
· Avoid crowds, which is also preferable during COVID.
· Don’t be afraid to say no.
· Try to keep calm. Your child may pick up on your stress, leading to even more stress.
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Drive-In Holiday Movies in Stanislaus County
The Gallo Center has partnered with the Ceres Cruise-In drive-in movie theater to present a series of films during the holiday season. And this weekend the series winds up with two of the best ever made! See a great film while social distancing.
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It's a Wonderful Life on Saturday, December 19, 5 pm
$30 Per Vehicle | Up to 8 people Per Vehicle
1651 E Whitmore Ave, Ceres
Rated PG | 130 min
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Miracle on 34th Street on Sunday, December 20, 5 pm
$30 Per Vehicle | Up to 8 people Per Vehicle
1651 E Whitmore Ave, Ceres
Rated G | 94 min
Gates open at 4 pm; movies start at 5 pm
Located at the site of the historic Ceres Drive-In
1651 E Whitmore Avenue, Ceres
FM radio required
No Rainchecks • No Refunds • Rain Or Shine
COVID-19 rules apply
VMRC Service Coordinator “Pays it Forward”
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Nikki Misasi, Service Coordinator on a Stockton Children’s Team decided to coordinate a holiday project to give back to her community. And, it was so successful that everyone involved can’t wait to do it again.
“I felt like all this year, my family and I have been fortunate to receive many unexpected blessings. At the same time, I realized there were/are so many people in need, and I was trying to figure out how we could “pay it forward.” While listening to the news one day, they reported 1 in every 6 Americans is hungry. I decided to call the Stockton Emergency Food Bank and host a neighborhood food drive. They asked how many barrels I wanted, offered to drop them off at my home and scheduled a pick-up date. We collected well beyond the 2 barrels I asked for! This endeavor has been such a positive experience, and we look forward to doing it again next year. Through this process, I also learned that many people want to give back, they just were unsure how. The incredible amounts of GIVING from our neighbors, family, coworkers and church members has truly warmed our hearts. There’s still so much good out there, we just don’t hear about it enough.” Nikki Misasi
Thanks for your generosity and creativity Nikki!
Cindy Mix
Director of Consumer Services
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Early Start Update
Due to popular demand, they are offering a repeat of the first training in the Telepractice Series:
Using Video to Enhance Early Intervention Services
presented by Larry Edelman, Senior Clinical Instructor, Pediatrics -JFK Partners
Wednesday, January 6, 2021 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m
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Outreach
We continue our outreach campaign to increase Early Start referrals. We will be working with community partners,
Pediatricians, parent groups, etc... to get the word out regarding our services. 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 Clinical Director
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December Personal Protective Equipment Distribution |
We have 1 PPE Distribution Day Left in December
Drive Through - No Contact - No Vehicle Exit
Friday (TODAY) – December 18, 2pm – 4pm, Therapeutic Pathways The Kendall Centers, 510 Whispering Wind Drive, Tracy, CA 95377
Please spread the word to families and service providers. Like always, if a family or vendor can not make the event and would like delivery, we will do the best we can to fulfill that delivery request.
Please have families notify their Service Coordinators, and vendors notify their Community Services Liaisons.
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Family Resource Network
Happy Holidays from the Family Resource Network (FRN)! Please contact FRN if you have questions, need information or resources, or want to speak with another parent who is understanding of the challenges and joys you may experience as you raise a child with special needs. We look forward to hearing from you!
Need something to help get you in the holiday spirit? Family Resource Network has partnered with The Pacific Resiliency Center for Psychology, Wellness, and the Arts to provide two VIRTUAL Holiday Sing-A-Long Zoom events for the entire family. Ronnie Paine, Music Therapist-Board Certified, will be leading the group in singing a variety of religious and secular Christmas tunes, including some in Spanish. Please contact the FRN office by phone (209-472-3674) or email (FRNfamilies@frcn.org) if you would like the Zoom link to join the fun at one or both festive times!
Friday, December 18, 2020 (today), from 2:30pm-3:30pm
Or
Wednesday, December 23, 2020, from 10:30am-11:30am
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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 December 18, 2020
TIME: 11:00am-12:00pm
WHERE: ZOOM - computer, tablet, cell phone
The next SAC6 CHAT:
· Friday, December 18, 2020 - Your Health Matters, Part 2, with Claire Lazaro, VMRC Clinical Director
Join Zoom Meeting on your computer, tablet or phone
Meeting ID: 927 3801 9621
Password: 628382
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 December 17, 2020
San Joaquin County
· 34,641 total positive cases and 556 deaths
· 55.2 new cases per 100,000 people and 15.1% positivity rate (Widespread/Purple....Most Restrictive)
Stanislaus County
· 28,667 total positive cases and 499 deaths
· 49.6 new cases per 100,000 people and 14.4% positivity rate (Widespread/Purple....Most Restrictive)
Tuolumne County
· 2076 total positive cases and 19 deaths
· 45.3 new cases per 100,000 people and 11.2% positivity rate (Widespread/Purple....Most Restrictive)
Calaveras County (As of 12/15)
· 677 total positive cases and 22 deaths
· 37.4 new cases per 100,000 people and 9.6% positivity rate (Widespread/Purple....Most Restrictive)
Amador County
· 823 total positive cases and 19 deaths
· 51.2 new cases per 100,000 people and 8.4% positivity rate (Widespread/Purple....Most Restrictive)
State of California
· 1,751,370 total positive cases and 22,072 deaths
· 63.9 new cases per 100,000 people and 11.3% positivity rate
Valley Mountain Regional Center
· 352 positive consumer cases and 18 deaths
· 25 positive VMRC staff cases
· 2 positive volunteer case
· 129 positive provider cases and 1 death
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Local County, State and National Public Health Resources |
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