Forty-Third
Community Health Advisory Coronavirus (COVID-19)
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weekly message from the director...
By the Numbers this Week
This week we reported positive COVID-19 cases that included 30 consumers, 13 community DSPs, and seven regional center staff, with another reported death of three of our consumers. This has been a rough week. We are also very aware that everyone is bracing for the Christmas and New Year's Eve gatherings reporting, which officials say we're still in the middle of the fallout from group gathering exposures.
Our 1st of 3 COVID-19 testing events in January is happening right now at our Modesto Office (pre-registration was required)...Registration is now closed as this event has begun.
Our other COVID-19 testing events in January will be:
- Wednesday, January 20, 8am - 12pm, VMRC Modesto Office, 1820 Blue Gum Avenue, Modesto, CA 95358 (Registration will begin Friday, 01/15)
- Wednesday, January 27, 8am - 12pm, VMRC Stockton Office, 702 N. Aurora Street, Stockton, CA 95292 (Registration required and will begin on Friday, 01/22)
A Disturbing Week
First of all, what a week. Since the end of last week our country has seen unprecedented times in our young democracy. No matter your politics, or what you think should happen next and who you feel is most accountable, many in our community were deeply disturbed by the real life attack and violence on our country, our US Capitol, and our democratic institutions. It is typical to want to shield children and those in our care from seeing these attacks, or avoiding the conversations completely, but the National Education Association (NEA) recommends creating a space to allow for questions and conversations because there is so much access to news content on internet devices, that your hiding it may communicate that they are not safe, or that there is something wrong. While encouraging conversation, the NEA recommends keeping it developmentally appropriate, and prevent saturation of the news coverage. The idea of democracy is central to the developmental services system, as it allowed us to move beyond the medical model to the social, independent and self-advocacy self-directed models of service. Our democratic way of life may have been attacked, as it has throughout history and as it will continue to be, but our republic is too dedicated and sacrificed too much not to remain forever united.
Each county has made their own interpretation of the priority, and each one has their own process. We modified a sample letter disseminated throughout the regional centers by Alta Regional Center and reached out to each county Public Health official just prior to the vaccinations being approved. We reported all exposure rates, cited the Vaccine Advisory Committee (the SCDD Director Aaron Caruthers, is a member), cited all the recent articles illustrating the enhanced level of risk of loss of life, and Claire Lazaro, our Clinical Director, continued to check in with these officials two to three times a week. This week on Wednesday, DDS published three letters providing more guidance regarding the prioritization of our community in the vaccination process:
Great Support and Opportunity from Our County Officials
We started the week with an exciting announcement in San Joaquin County as the Public Health Officer, Dr. Maggie Park, announced the county was opening the vaccination priority for the day to our Direct Support Professionals and Family Caregivers. Though we had a little glitch to start the day off, it was cleared up by late morning and family caregivers were receiving their COVID-19 vaccinations. So many people from this county were able to take advantage of this opportunity that some people reported waiting over an hour, but with a lot of patients were able to get their vaccinations, or an appointment, for it. We at VMRC are thankful for this support of our community, and so many expressed their gratitude throughout the day:
"Thank you so much for working with county officials to enable parents to get their vaccines in the higher tier! I know many parents who are very appreciative and have made their appointments to receive the vaccine. I received mine today! I know you are both working so hard right now to take care of consumers and their families as we navigate through all the unknown waters of the pandemic. Take care, Lisa
I’m really happy about your diligence on this!...THANK YOU, Stay well, Doreen
"we are very grateful for the information since many of us are desperate for the vaccine…" Rubi
Stanislaus County Activity
Last week, Clinical Director Claire Lazaro began, in conjunction with Resource Development, to get the names of Direct Support Professionals and provider organizations to Stanislaus County to facilitate their vaccination of our providers. The vaccinations for that county began early in the week and by Wednesday morning they said for us to go ahead and send the providers over, and that they don't need the names anymore, and that they will simply need to sign and attest to the fact that they are Phase 1A,Tier 2 workers and are eligible for vaccine.
Amador, Calaveras, and Tuolumne Counties
Vaccinations have already begun for some consumers and some staff in each of these counties, but there have been no widespread announcements yet for our community. As mentioned above, our contact, and offers to help are consistent and as recent as today Clinical Director Claire Lazaro had sent the update letter from DDS listed above. Watch for announcements in upcoming VMRC emails alerts.
Caution
The vaccination is an extremely important component of the our efforts for a safe return to active community life. However, the science on the vaccines is unclear at this point about whether or not someone can spread the virus after being vaccinated, plus a small percentage of people taking the vaccine my still be silent spreaders. According to the NY Times Science reporter Apoorva Mandavilli, it is possible that some vaccinated people could "get infected without developing symptoms, and could then silently transmit the virus — especially if they come in close contact with others or stop wearing masks. If vaccinated people are silent spreaders of the virus, they may keep it circulating in their communities, putting unvaccinated people at risk."
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Tony Anderson
Executive Director
Valley Mountain Regional Center
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Case Management Update
Economic Impact Payments Are On Their Way
The IRS is now sending out second stimulus checks to millions of Americans via direct deposits. You could receive your payment in several different ways: direct deposit, paper checks or prepaid debit cards. All payments are to be sent out by today, January 15. The $900 billion economic relief and government funding bill currently pays up to $600 per person, with an additional $600 for each dependent under the age of 17.
The question of who qualifies for a second stimulus payment is mostly the same as it was for the first round of payments back in March with the CARES Act. That means, if you're part of the SSI or SSDI program, you'd qualify for a check just like you did in the first round, so long as you have a Social Security number and you aren't claimed as a dependent on another person’s tax return.
Social Security does not consider Economic Impact Payments (EIP) as income for SSI recipients, and the payments are excluded from resources for 12 months.
Because the IRS already had direct deposit or mailing information on file from your last stimulus payment, tax returns, benefit statements or directly from other government agencies, most should get their $600 stimulus payments automatically. SSI recipients should receive their second payments the same way they received the first payment, but not always.
You are encouraged to check your mailboxes carefully in January for their second stimulus payments, particularly if they received their earlier stimulus payment by mail. Some people who received paper checks in 2020 might get their stimulus payment via debit card this time, or vice versa. The debit card will be sent in a white envelope that prominently displays the U.S. Department of the Treasury seal. It has the Visa name on the front of the card, according to the IRS, and the issuing bank, MetaBank N.A., on the back of the card.
Information included with the card will explain that this is an economic impact payment.
No action is required at this time to receive a stimulus payment in January, and the IRS and the Social Security Administration are asking that individuals do not call to inquire about the status of a payment, since information is not available by telephone. You can check the status of your stimulus payment with the IRS Get My Payment tool, although you may have to wait during high-traffic periods.
If you are not sure if you or someone you know is eligible for an Economic Impact Payment (EIP), have questions, want help completing the IRS forms, or even completing your tax returns, please reach out to one of the following organizations, online or by phone, to get help.
- United Way 2-1-1 Info available online or by calling/texting 211 (local) or 1-844-322-3639 (National Helpline)
SSI Rate Change Effective on January 1st
A Supplemental Security Income (SSI)/Social Security Administration (SSA) rate change took effect January 1, 2021. SSA announced a 1.3 percent cost-of-living adjustment for Social Security Disability Title II recipients for 2021. There were increased payments to more than 64 million Social Security beneficiaries and 8 million SSI recipients.
The California Department of Social Services announced that the SSI benefit rate for Out-Of-Home Placement will rise by a maximum of $10. The increase in Board and Care (B&C) will be used to offset the Regional Center supplement. And, a change is noted for monthly Personal and Incidental Fees to individuals residing in those settings.
VMRC‘s fiscal department staff are busy changing those rates in our billing system and Service Coordinators will be working to complete what we refer to as an Attachment A (a portion of the Residential Admission Agreement) to reflect those changes for each consumer affected.
2021 California Youth Leadership Forum
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THE DEADLINE TO APPLY HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO JANUARY 29, 2021
The Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) is a six-day leadership program (tentatively scheduled for July 11-16) for students with disabilities, held virtually using the Zoom platform. Additional post-YLF sessions will be held in the months after the weeklong event as scheduled. These monthly workshops will focus on topics such as post-secondary education and careers.
Delegates will learn advocacy and leadership skills from alumni and professionals with disabilities and create a “Personal & Career Leadership Plan” to help reach their future education, independent living, and career goals.
Delegates interact with state and national leaders with disabilities, which may include celebrities, politicians, entertainers, and other adult role models with disabilities. Participants also make lifelong friendships with other statewide delegates and have mentorship opportunities with alumni.
There is no cost for students who are selected to attend. If needed YLF can help acquire and provide the technology needed to attend online sessions, including any related reasonable accommodations.
California residents with a disability who are high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors during the 2020-2021 school year, ending in June 2021 are eligible to attend.
Only the most highly qualified applicants are students who have demonstrated leadership potential in school and in the community. All students with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
To complete and submit an application and for more information, read the delegate information guide on the delegate information page.
If you have questions or need additional information about the application process, please call the California Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities at 855-894-3436, dial 711 for California Relay Services, or email: https://www.dor.ca.gov/home/ylf
Upcoming Self-Determination Information
Self-Determination Advisory Committee Meeting via Zoom Video Conference
January 21 @ 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Join Zoom Meeting:
Meeting ID: 965 5624 8314
Passcode: 497005
Self-Determination Orientation
February 18, 2021 @ 1pm – 4pm via Zoom.
Please register in advance for this webinar:
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Parents Helping Parents
Parents Helping Parents is a group of parents offering several very relevant training topics. Trainings are available in both in English and Spanish.
Parents can click on the link and it will take them the calendar and contact information of the upcoming events they have for the remainder of January.
Cindy Mix
Director of Consumer Services
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Clinical Update
The vaccines have come to our community!!! I am thankful to our partners in our local county public health offices in Amador, Calaveras, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Tuolumne Counties for the collaboration and support they have shown us in getting the much needed vaccines to our community. Most of our VMRC staff, vendors, community health workers and consumers who reside in long-term care facilities/care homes/intermediate care facilities have received their first shot of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Many are asking how long the vaccine will protect them. We really do not know as of this time but Moderna said their vaccine may provide immunity for at least a year.[1] With the spread of new COVID-19 strain, a new study said that Pfizer’s vaccine would work against the more contagious variant in the UK and South Africa.[2] There were questions is the US has a new strain as well. But CDC does not agree on this and has clarified in their update that they are closely monitoring the situation to get better understanding.[3],[4] With the new South African virus strain, experts are also finding that the Antibody therapy is not as effective.[5]
What we do know is that the mutated genetic variants of SARS-CoV-2 could lead to false negative test results when you get tested for COVID-19.[6] The FDA is also alerting the public on the risk of false negative results with the Curative SARS-CoV-2 Test.[7] This could cause in delay of treatment, lack of symptom monitoring and increased spread of the virus.
Those that have had COVID-19 infection before, that is not a contraindication to getting the vaccine.[8] CDC recommends a 90-day interval from your day of infection. But you can also check with your primary care provider to be sure. The same thing for those who have received antibody therapies, CDC is also recommending a 90-day interval.8
Whether you got vaccinated already or waiting in line, we should all continue to wear masks when out in the public and with other people not part of our household. There is no evidence as of yet that the vaccine prevents virus transmission,8 and latest research shows that majority of the new COVID-19 cases are from Asymptomatic infection (56%).[9]
For our consumers, families and vendors who are interested to learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine, there will be an Info Session webinar on Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at 4 pm. Here is the link to register:
As always, continue to mask-up, distance from others, wash your hands and avoid gatherings to be safe and healthy. We are almost at the end of this with the vaccine distribution. Hang in there because we are all in this together.
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Claire B. Lazaro, MSN, RN, NP, PHN, FNP-C
Director of Clinical Services
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Community Services Department Updates
On December 14th, Residential Service Providers received notice from the Resource Development Department, requesting that they submit a COVID Mitigation Plan for each Licensed/ Vendored home that serves VMRC consumers.
On December 24th, Community Care Licensing sent a similar request which REQUIRES all licensed residential providers to complete a Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Mitigation Plan Report and Training
If you have not sent your completed plan to VMRC, we will accept the CCL plan in lieu of the VMRC plan. Send your completed Plan to Division Manager, Robert Fernandez rfernandez@vmrc.net
Special Incident Reporting
For COVID 19 Special Incident Reporting for Direct Care Staff who are POSITIVE for COVID 19:
· Submit SIR using dedicated FAX Line: (use modified SIR Form for STAFF)
Stockton (209) 955-3673
Modesto (209) 557-2111
San Andreas (209) 754-3211
· Contact Community Services Liaison (QA)
· Contact the Licensing Agency that holds the license for your home/ service type CCL / DPH / DSS
The Community Services Department
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Early Start Update
The flyer below is for the second webinar in the Wellness, Mental Health, and Resilience series. Webinars in this series will focus on preventing, recognizing, and addressing stressors often experienced by children, families, and professionals.
Supporting Parents in Addressing Challenging Behavior
presented by Christina Preuss, Los Angeles Mission College
Tuesday, January 19, 2021 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 pm
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Tara Sisemore-Hester
Assistant Clinical Director
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January Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Distribution |
We have 2 PPE Distribution Days Left in January
Drive Through - No Contact - No Vehicle Exit - No Registration Necessary
Friday - January 22, 2pm - 4pm, VMRC Stockton Office, 702 N. Aurora Street, Stockton, CA 95202
Friday - January 29, 2pm - 4pm, VMRC Modesto Office, 1820 Blue Gum Avenue, Modesto, CA 95358
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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North Valley Hills Update
Dena Hernandez, Regional Manager
Please check out our resources on the Covid 19 Vaccine &
Avoiding Covid-19 Vaccine Scams! Go to these links:
Also Check out SCDD Upcoming Council Meetings & North Valley Hills Regional Advisory Committee Meeting
January 2021
Self-Advocates Advisory Committee Meeting
January 25, 2021 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Council Meeting
January 26, 2021 from 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM
North Valley Hills Regional Advisory Committee (RAC)
January 26, 2021 from 6:00pm-8:00pm
Regional Office web page: scdd.ca.gov/northvalleyhills/
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Family Resource Network
FRN upcoming events...
Conservatorship Seminar
Wednesday, January 27, 2021
6-8pm
For Families in Early Start
Tikes & Tunes Music Play Group
1st & 3rd Tuesdays each month
9:30am-10:30am
Lisa Culley
Executive Director
Family Resource Network
5250 Claremont Ave., Suite 148
Stockton, CA 95207
209-472-3674
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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 January 15, 2021
TIME: 11:00am-12:00pm
WHERE: ZOOM - computer, tablet, cell phone
The next SAC6 CHAT:
· Friday, January 15, 2021 - Katie Hornberger– Director of Clients’ Rights Advocacy – How OCRA helps you to Advocate for Yourself
Join Zoom Meeting on your computer, tablet or phone
Meeting ID: 936 7099 5679
Password: 386428
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 January 14, 2020
San Joaquin County
· 55,580 total positive cases and 738 deaths
· 73.2 new cases per 100,000 people and 18.6% positivity rate (Widespread/Purple....Most Restrictive)
Stanislaus County
· 40,695 total positive cases and 720 deaths
· 65.1 new cases per 100,000 people and 16.6% positivity rate (Widespread/Purple....Most Restrictive)
Tuolumne County
· 3279 total positive cases and 36 deaths
· 27.6 new cases per 100,000 people and 8.6% positivity rate (Widespread/Purple....Most Restrictive)
Calaveras County (Numbers through 01/12)
· 945 total positive cases and 22 deaths
· 55.8 new cases per 100,000 people and 18.2% positivity rate (Widespread/Purple....Most Restrictive)
Amador County (Numbers through 01/13)
· 1336 total positive cases and 25 deaths
· 50.1 new cases per 100,000 people and 10.1% positivity rate (Widespread/Purple....Most Restrictive)
State of California
· 2,858,544 total positive cases and 31,833 deaths
· 91.7 new cases per 100,000 people and 17.6% positivity rate
Valley Mountain Regional Center
· 484 positive consumer cases and 21 deaths
· 32 positive VMRC staff cases
· 3 positive volunteer case
· 205 positive provider cases and 1 death
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Local County, State and National Public Health Resources |
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