Forty-Sixth
Community Health Advisory Coronavirus (COVID-19)
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Two Weeks in a Row…
This week we reported 25% less positive cases in our community. This is our second week in a row of declining reported numbers. Early in the pandemic the state consistently reported that VMRC was the third worst impacted regional center in the state on a per capita basis, but even though we have been tremendously challenged by this virus, our comparative data has improved, down to 4% of the total state regional center population (which matches our proportion of the state). We reported 23 consumers and three community Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) tested positive for COVID-19. As of today, about 3% of our VMRC population served has tested positive, and statewide 81% of the deaths were in vendored residential settings.
Vaccinations continue to be the most dominate focus areas for our regional center and our community. Our San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties were far more accommodating to our family caregivers, providers, and regional center staff than many other counties in the state, as both counties determined these groups healthcare providers for a vulnerable population. Today, our efforts are on getting our consumers into upcoming priority lists. We will be tracking the percentage of those we serve who are vaccinated using a new field in SANDIS (our regional center database application) which will help us monitor our progress in getting back to opening our services.
Testing is still a very significant strategy for reducing the spread of COVID-19 and we are committed to providing this service to our community if there is still a need and demand for this service. We held two events in Modesto, but the participation was low compared to our initial event in Stockton. Last week we had a testing event scheduled but had to cancel due to severe weather conditions, but everyone who registered has been welcomed back to the event this Friday. We are expecting about 35 people to return and 36 additional new registrations will be joining us today. Watch an announcement next week for the February 19th testing Event that will also be in Stockton. We've had about 30 people test positive since we began the testing.
Our other important strategy for stopping the spread of COVID-19 is to work closely with the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) to get a steady supply of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to our community. We've been working hard with SAC6 and SCDD, as well as several volunteers from VMRC, and our board president Margaret to host weekly drive through events to distribute PPE and respond to urgent requests daily.
Exciting New Development with PPE
After much discussion with our transportation providers, we have finally created a process to get PPE delivered to you without you having to come to one of our drive through PPE events. Anyone who has a current Purchase of Service (POS) for transportation can simply call their provider and let them know they need PPE. If you don't have a transportation provider you can order PPE by completing the order form online, and if you need help you can ask your service coordinator to complete it for you, or anyone else who knows how to click the link and answer the questions. The PPE deliveries have already started this week, and so far it has been working well. We hope to be able to get your delivery to you within one to two business days.
We will no longer be hosting the PPE events and we anticipate the need to be fully met (if not better met) by this new system with our transportation providers. These providers have already had to lay off several drivers and shut down whole areas of service, but they are ready and able to serve our community with this very important task. This arrangement will help our consumers get the protection they need, will reduce the load on our staff who have been delivering PPE daily, reduce the workload from holding PPE drive through events, and help the transportation providers to stay in business.
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Tony Anderson
Executive Director
Valley Mountain Regional Center
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Case Management Update
Consumer and Family Contacts Increasing
A recent Department of Developmental Services (DDS) directive requires regional centers to contact each consumer and family it serves within the next 30 days, unless contact has been made since January 1, 2021, and additional contact is not warranted or the consumer or family has expressed an interest in less contact. The purpose of the contact is to inquire about the health, safety and well-being of the consumer and family, and to obtain information regarding testing and vaccinations and any outstanding needs, such as services and supports and personal protective equipment (PPE).
VMRC Service Coordinators have started the process of contacting their assigned consumers. Due to the increase in positive COVID cases throughout the state and the potential for greater need, our efforts need to expand, as well. Consumers and families are in need now more than ever and it is important that regional centers remain informed, in contact and provide case management activities where necessary.
VMRC will be planning recurring follow-up contacts and increase contacts on an individual basis unless the consumer, family or authorized representative requests less frequency. For consumers residing in licensed residential facilities, the regional center will contact the home administrator or owner to establish contact with the consumer, or to obtain information, for this purpose. These contacts do not replace quality assurance and other monitoring activities required by law.
HIPAA Update for Business Associates
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) is a federal law that required the creation of national standards to protect sensitive consumer (patient) health information from being disclosed without the consumer’s (patient’s) consent or knowledge.
On May 24, 2019, to clear up confusion about business associate (VMER vendors) liability for HIPAA violations, the Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights clarified exactly what HIPAA violations could result in a financial penalty for a business associate.
Business associates of HIPAA Covered entities can only be held directly liable for the requirements and prohibitions of the HIPAA Rules detailed below. OCR does not have the authority to issue financial penalties to business associates for any aspect of HIPAA noncompliance not detailed on the list.
You can download the HHS Fact Sheet on direct liability of business associates on this link. www.hipaajournal.com. Because VMRC is considered a covered entity, we have begun sending out Addendums to all active Business Associates (Vendors). The vendors are being asked to sign and return the Addendums to our HIPAA compliance officer, Cindy Strawderman. Any questions can be directed to cstrawderman@vmrc.net or call (209)955-3256.
There are financial penalties for violations by business associates (vendors), therefore, VMRC wants to ensure they are aware of the rule updates in order to have continued success.
Upcoming Events and Information
Community Happenings
Oasis Care will be holding a Drive Thru food distribution on Saturdays, 9am to 11am at 4950 Claremont Ave., Stockton.
The Dorothy L. Jones Family Resource Center located at 2044 Fair St. in Stockton will begin scheduling FREE tax appointments on February 8. You may be eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) of up to $6,550. The EITC is a work credit that may give you money back or lower the federal taxes you owe. Call to schedule, (209)444-5555.
IHSS Training Session
VMRC has partnered with one of our Parent Groups SNAP (Special Needs Assistance for Parents) to bring information to our families about In-Home Support Services (IHSS). The presentation will occur on February 9th from 5pm to 7:30 pm. Disability Rights California will be presenting in Spanish and we will have English translation available.
Passcode: 251589
Or
Webinar ID:
978 8353 5471
Passcode: 251589
For English Translation:
1-866-299-7945
Code: 7793177#
Self Determination Trainings/Orientations
Thursday, February 18, 2021 from 1pm-4pm
Register in advance for this webinar:
Monday, March 29, 2021 from 1pm-4pm
Register in advance for this webinar:
Saturday, April 3,2021 from 10pm-1pm
Register in advance for this webinar:
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Remember, all interested in SDP must attend an Orientation before starting the program process. Please contact Angelique Shear at (209) 955-3294 or ashear@vmrc.net with questions.
JBallelos Poster Contest Is A Winner
JBallelos (JBCIP) is a community integration program in the San Joaquin County area. Out of the 31 consumers attending, eight actively participated in a recent poster contest. According to Johnny and Florence Yalung, administrators of JBCIP, the objective was “to find out our individuals’ thoughts and ideas on COVID-19 prevention and safety”.
The results were incredible. Even more amazing about this project, the participants got their providers and parents involved which made for a wonderful bonding experience.
The theme was to focus on one or all of these themes: hand washing, social distancing, and/or masks used during this pandemic. The contest rules surrounded having a positive visual or verbal message and to illustrate a COVID-19 safety rule. They were urged to use stickers or photos, as long as the poster was from their own thoughts and imagination. What a great and fun project!
The posters were displayed on 01/29/21 during a Zoom class and were judged in two categories: Most Creative and Visual Effectiveness. It was strictly a peer judging contest, and the winners were announced as follows:
William Vargem—"Covid-19 is virus that we need to be careful with. We must wash our hands daily and protect ourselves and others by wearing a mask.”
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Ivan Mader: “So, by wearing a mask, practice social distancing and washing our hands are important steps to remember to help protect ourselves and our family from catching germs and viruses. Let’s do our part to help end the pandemic so we could all go back to JBCIP Program and do fun and exciting activities once again.”
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Consolation winners
Paul Graham: (this consumer is non-verbal) he demonstrated washing hands and putting a mask on your face. He also pointed the varieties of how to stay safe on his poster.
Cody Froman: “There are many ways to beat this virus. The number 1 way is to stay home, wear your mask and hand sanitizer every day. We have to beat this virus together. We just need to have precautions daily. Make sure you get tested to be safe.”
Erica Dominguez: “Covid should be important for everyone. Always keep your distance mainly 6ft apart: anywhere you may be. Never leave home without your mask.”
Pilar Cano: “Make sure you wash your hands daily to stay healthy.”
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Cindy Mix
Director of Consumer Services
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Clinical Update
This week, more care home providers in our area are getting schedules for their COVID-19 Vaccination through the CVS/Walgreens Pharmacy Partnership Program. I am excited that our consumers living in congregate settings are getting this much needed protection. To clarify who can give consents with regards to the vaccination, the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) have clarified it through their Frequently Asked Questions document with the link here. Below are the individuals who may give consent:
· An adult regional center consumer. Most consumers have the right and ability to make their own decisions about medical care. Consumers should be provided with needed disability-related accommodations. The consumer may ask for help from a family member or other individual they trust. This is sometimes called supported decision making. Under state law (Welfare & Institutions Code §4541(a)(1-3)), the State Council on Developmental Disabilities may, if the consumer requests, appoint an authorized representative to help the individual make decisions. A request for an authorized representative can be made through council@scdd.ca.gov.
· Parents or legal guardians of minor children.
· Individuals authorized to make decisions under a Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare.
· Conservators of adults, if the court’s conservatorship order gives the conservator the right to make medical treatment decisions.
· In limited circumstances, a regional center executive director or designee when the consumer does not have the capacity to consent and there is not another person authorized to make decisions.
For consumers who are unable to give their own informed consent, not legally conserved, no durable power of attorney, no family involvement or cannot reach family members, and need VMRC to sign consent for them, we are asking that care home providers fill out the demographic information prior to sending the consent to us, and to ask the primary care provider if it is okay for the consumer to get the vaccine and let us know prior to sending the consent. For those that you cannot reach the family members, please indicate in the blank area of the consent that at least two attempts were made to contact the family member and when the contact was done. We are working remotely and not in the office. Please send the consent via email to all three: CLazaro@vmrc.net, ANjoroge@vmrc.net, and LAMaki@vmrc.net. Or fax to (209) 956-6439, ATTN: Claire, Angela, and Lee Ann. The fastest way to get back the consent is via email. Whomever among us three who can sign the consent soonest will sign it and send it back. I am anticipating that CVS/Walgreens will ask for another consent for the second dose because they want to know if there is any vaccine reaction. The same process will be followed.
Those that are anticipating their second dose of the vaccines, please remember to bring you COVID-19 Vaccination Card to your appointment. For Stanislaus County, please check their website www.schsa.org/coronavirus/ or StanEmergency Facebook page or Instagram page for schedule and location of where you can get your second dose. I was told they have enough vaccines for second dose and that people should come on their due date (for second dose) or as soon thereafter as possible. They will not be giving second dose earlier than the due date.
Below is information on how to contact local county public health offices regarding COVID-19 Vaccine:
Updates on COVID-19
· The California Community Vaccine Advisory Committee will release a recommendation as early as this Friday related to how residents with disabilities and underlying health conditions will be factored in to the state’s priority guidance.[1]
· The South Africa variant B.1.351 has been found in South Carolina.[2]
· Moderna Vaccine is expected to be protective against the UK (B.1.1.7) and South Africa (B.1.351) variants even though it showed 6-fold reduction in neutralizing titers, it is still in the protective range.[3] They are also working on a booster dose to further increase protection against emerging strains.
· Pfizer in vitro experiments showed that even though it showed differences in titers, it appears to be effective against the UK (B.1.1.7) and South Africa (B.1.351) variants.[4]
· Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine showed 89.3% efficacy in the Phase 3 trial, and have demonstrated efficacy against the UK and South Africa variants.[5]
· Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson showed that it was 66% effective overall in preventing moderate to severe disease, and had no COVID-19 related deaths in the vaccine group.[6] This vaccine will only require single dose injection and can be stored in refrigerator.
· The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is now requiring the wearing of masks while in public transportation and at transportation hubs.[7]
· The World Health Organization (WHO) updated its guidelines on COVID-19 management including the use of pulse oximetry in the home to monitor oxygen saturation levels.[8]
· New research published in the Annals of Internal Medicine showed that at least 1/3 of SARS-CoV-2 cases are asymptomatic, and ¾ of those that tested positive for COVID-19 without symptoms will remain asymptomatic.[9]
This brings us to the fact that we should not let our guard down. We need to continue to wear masks even without symptoms, even without exposure, and even after vaccination. The need to continue practicing physical distancing, hand washing and avoiding crowds/gatherings add to the safety precautions we should continuously observe. We are still 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
Community Care Licensing is hosting an Informational Call via Zoom REGARDING PREVENTING COVID-19 IN ADULT AND SENIOR CARE FACILITIES: NEXT STEPS AFTER VACCINATION
Home and Community Based Services
Applications for Home and Community Based Services Grants for Fiscal Year 20-21 are now being accepted. The following providers are eligible: Residential (Service Codes: 096, 113, 904, 905, 915, 910, 920) Day Program: (Service Codes: 028, 055, 063, 475, 505, 510, 515, 855) Employment Services (Service Codes: 950, 954)
An Informational Session will be held via Zoom
Meeting ID: 925 8102 3233
Weekly Residential Informational Session hosted by VMRC’s Community Services Department
Meeting ID: 912 0489 6749
Passcode: 477314
The Community Services Department
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Intake and Early Start Update
Intake
Currently Stanislaus county intake number are up. Intake referral numbers are fluctuating up and down since the pandemic started. Consequently it is difficult to decern any trend when comparing numbers month to month. However, when comparing the referral numbers from year to year (2020 to 2019), it is clear that we received 23.6% less referrals in 2020 for Early Start (birth to 3 yrs) and 3.6% less in 2020 for Lanterman (3 yrs and up). We are seeing a trend of more interest in the last three months so we are hopeful that these numbers will increase. We have developed a strategic plan for outreach that consists of representatives from all 5 counties, regularly meeting to discuss ways to recruit more referrals from our community. We are currently focused on recruiting more Early Start referrals based on the deeper decline in Early Start referral numbers. We have ordered flyers with information about Early Start. We identified potential referral sources and have started disseminating the flyers. We have also utilized social media through Facebook, Instagram and have included flyers on this Health Advisory in an attempt to reach more families.
Our assessments have been occurring on Zoom or other remote platforms to ensure timely determination of eligibility and service plan development. Our service delivery via our comprehensive programs and our Local Education Agencies have continued remotely as well. We appreciate our families understanding and patience in this time of challenge. If you have a child who may need an Early Start assessment, please contact one of our offices to make a referral.
Early Start
Who can make a referral for Early Start?
Anyone can make a referral, including parents, medical care providers, neighbors, family members, foster parents, and day care providers.
The first step that parents may take is to discuss their concerns with their health care provider/doctor. You can also call the local regional center or school district to request an evaluation for the child. If the child has a visual impairment, hearing impairment, or severe orthopedic impairment, or any combination of these, contact the school district for evaluation and early intervention services. After contacting the regional center or local education agency, a service coordinator will be assigned to help the child’s parents through the process to determine eligibility. What happens after a referral?
Within 45-days the regional center or local education area shall:
- Assign a service coordinator to assist the family through evaluation and assessment procedures.
- Parental consent for evaluation is obtained.
- Schedule and complete evaluations and assessments of the child’s development.
- If an infant or toddler is eligible for early intervention services, an Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) will be developed that addresses the strengths, and needs of the infant or toddler, parental concerns, and early intervention services.
- Identify early intervention services that are provided in the family home or other community settings.
Early Start Webinar Series
Webinars in this series will focus on web-based strategies to support the development of infants and toddlers in Early Start.
Remote Assessment: Perks, Problems, and Possibilities
presented by Naomi Younggren, ECTA Center
Tuesday, February 9, 2021 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 am
Please see the attached flyer below for information on how to register. Please feel free to share the flyer with your Early Start families and providers. For questions regarding this training or the Early Start webinar series, please e-mail Jessica.Dailey@dds.ca.gov.
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The cost of the training is $30 for non-members of the organization, and features speakers from LSU and Tulane University, discussing "approaches taken to deliver mental health services to young children and families and the lessons learned by four different programs during the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic." Members of Zero to Three can register for free so you might consider adding a membership to your cart at checkout!
The webinar will be archived for future viewing, though the time for viewing is limited for non-members.
Tara Sisemore-Hester
Assistant Director of Clinical Services
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A Message From The Cultural and Linguistic Competence (CLC) Committee
Happy Black History Month VMRC Community!
Many of us know and can point to moments in Black history that have influenced or inspired us. This PBS article celebrates some of the “lesser known” Black history moments that have helped shape American history. Let’s celebrate this month together! #BlackHistoryMonth #AmericanHistory
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North Valley Hills Update
Dena Hernandez, Regional Manager
Register Today for the February Self-Advocacy Chat
Register To
The California State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) invites you to join the next monthly California Statewide Self-Advocacy Chat. There is a total of 12 California Statewide Self-Advocacy Chats planned for 2021, and SCDD encourages those who are interested to join in the conversation!
What/Why: The “California Statewide Self-Advocacy Chats” provide self-advocates throughout California the chance to talk about topics that matter to them. After each meeting, resources and information related to the topics discussed will be shared with participants in a follow-up email. Information and resources shared are intended to help advocates learn about issues and advocate for change in their communities.
When: The third Wednesday of each month.
The February 2021 California Statewide Self-Advocacy Chat will be held on Wednesday, February 17th @ 11:00 A.M.
This month’s topic is Building Community to Cope with Uncertainty.
Some questions to think about for this month’s California Statewide Self-Advocacy Chat:
1. What does the word community mean to you?
2. What types of communities are you a part of?
3. How did you become a part of that community?
4. Can you think of a time when a community that you are a part of has helped you to get through something difficult?
5. How has what your community look like changed over the years?
This month’s Chat will be facilitated by Riana Hardin, Self-Advocacy Coordinator for the California State Council on Developmental Disabilities.
If you are interested in sharing your advocacy story, need accommodations, and/or have questions related to the California Statewide Self-Advocacy Chats, please email riana.hardin@scdd.ca.gov or call 916-263-8196.
***Feel free to share this announcement with your advocacy networks.***
Zoom session details and registration
Meeting ID: 961 9651 9177
Passcode: 882136
Toll Free Number: 888-475-4499
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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 February 5, 2021
TIME: 11:00 AM -12:15 PM
WHERE: ZOOM - computer, tablet, cell phone
The next SAC6 CHAT:
· Friday, February 5, 2021 - Meet the SAC6 Leadership Team-SAC6’ers
Join Zoom Meeting on your computer, tablet or phone
Meeting ID: 982 9441 6913
Password: 998976
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 February 4, 2020
San Joaquin County
· 63,258 total positive cases and 878 deaths
· 40.0 new cases per 100,000 people and 10.9% positivity rate (Widespread/Purple....Most Restrictive)
Stanislaus County
· 46,976 total positive cases and 853 deaths
· 45.1 new cases per 100,000 people and 11.3% positivity rate (Widespread/Purple....Most Restrictive)
Tuolumne County
· 3649 total positive cases and 51 deaths
· 21.6 new cases per 100,000 people and 6.0% positivity rate (Widespread/Purple....Most Restrictive)
Calaveras County
· 1770 total positive cases and 23 deaths
· 34.2 new cases per 100,000 people and 10.2% positivity rate (Widespread/Purple....Most Restrictive)
Amador County
· 1489 total positive cases and 29 deaths
· 12.2 new cases per 100,000 people and 3.1% positivity rate (Widespread/Purple....Most Restrictive)
State of California
· 3,378,022 total positive cases and 42,906 deaths
· 47.7 new cases per 100,000 people and 10.0% positivity rate
Valley Mountain Regional Center
· 568 positive consumer cases and 23 deaths
· 32 positive VMRC staff cases
· 4 positive volunteer case
· 248 positive provider cases and 1 death
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Local County, State and National Public Health Resources |
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