Sixty-Sixth

Community Health

Advisory Coronavirus (COVID-19)

By The Numbers and Reopening for Consumer with At-Risk Health Conditions

For the third week in a row we're reporting no positive covid-19 case for our consumers and one case of a direct support professional testing positive. One of the big topics for the week was how does a person's vaccination status impact the VMRC policy and procedures for consumers with at-risk health conditions returning to day services like day programs and other similar programs? Our procedure (click here to view the policy) for returning to in-person day services for people with vulnerable health conditions is to engage our clinical staff in consultation with the consumer and their team and advise them of the health risk. If our recommendation is to continue to avoid in-person day services the consumer may seek actual health advice on their specific condition and their ability to endure a COVID-19 infection with their primary care physician or other health professional knowledgeable about their health condition. Some alignment with the current CDPH policy was made by DDS regarding this directive in the May 28th extensions but the policy was not discontinued (May 28th Directive Extension). We are all excited about the prospect of reopening all the services that were unable to be provided face to face, especially the day services for consumers who use those services and we are completely supportive of risk benefit decisions consumers make with the advice and guidance of their team and realize the ultimate decision will be made between a consumer and their primary care physician.  

More on the State Budget

The state budget has not been passed yet but a final deal and decision will be reached soon. The Association of Regional Center Agencies (ARCA) has published an action alert to the advocacy community urging the budget negotiators to advance the Governor's proposal to use American Rescue Plan funds which among 25 different actions also makes a major downpayment towards hiring over 400 service coordinators statewide. In addition the legislature has proposed significant and bold policy ideas that would address much needed priorities in our developmental disabilities services especially in support of our provider community to help sustain a viable service system. This week we will most likely find out what priorities and initiatives we will be advancing in our region in support of our consumers and families. Check out this action alert from ARCA:

Help Strengthen Our System! (Advocacy Action Alert from the Association of Regional Center Agencies)

The Legislature recently passed a Budget, which includes major support for our service system. Separately,

What'll the final outcome look like?

Whatever it will be, there's no reason to limit it! Yes, service coordination is critical. But social recreation and camp are key services that have exceptional benefit for under-served communities. Better measuring service outcomes can help our system improve. Modernizing technology will give families better access to their information. And, critically, supporting service providers at sustainable rates will ensure these key services can meet ongoing needs.

These shouldn't be either/or choices. A final deal can build from both the Legislature's Budget and the Governor's American Rescue Plan proposal. We need advocates like you to share the word! 

Can you make three calls today?

1) Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon - (916) 319-2063

2) Senate President Pro Tempore Toni Atkins - (916) 651-4039

3) Governor Gavin Newsom - (916) 445-2841

 When you connect, make this request:

"I am in strong support of using the Legislature's Budget proposal and Governor Newsom's American Rescue Plan proposal to support the developmental disabilities service system"

And Finally, Our New Strategic Plan

I am so excited to announce Valley Mountain Regional Center's new, Strategic Plan July 2021 - June 2024. "It is our intention to be a true partner in the efforts to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our region. While we are person-centered in our focus on the people we serve, we are also very clear that all partners are essential and equally important in ensuring people with disabilities are provided the choices they need to make to self-determine the lives they choose for themselves in our region. This plan will help guide us to ensuring all people, of all ages, cultures, backgrounds, especially people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, feel a sense of belonging in our communities." Our plan is organized into five broad categories, Training (provide consumers and families, staff, and providers with the knowledge they need), Consumer Health: Physical and Emotional (to support Consumer physical, emotional and mental wellness), Consumers Feeling Empowered & Supported (Individuals feel fully informed of life’s possibilities through empowerment and are supported by a strong circle of support to pursue their dreams), Outreach, Connection, and Engagement (…engage in clear, meaningful exchanges of information to facilitate strong relationships and shared understanding in order to achieve high quality, person-centered service), and Organizational Culture (to foster a philosophy that is inclusive and supports staff to thrive). We've put our plan activities on our website so that it can be easily translation to the preferred languages of all our communities. Check it out: https://www.vmrc.net/valley-mountain-strategic-plan/

Ivan Mader won the 2nd prize. He did a big Father's Day card.

We have shared their achievements with their parents!

*Submitted by Florence Yalung and Johnny Ballelos of JBallelos Community Integration Program (JBCIP)

Christine Couch (she, her, hers)

Director of Consumer Services - Adults

Clinical Update

As we begin to slowly participate in the daily functions of our life very similar to pre-pandemic state, we are seeing precautionary advice in the news from healthcare experts such as the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Dr. Rochelle Walensky, and the Director of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and the chief medical advisor to the president, Dr. Anthony Fauci.[1]^,[2],[3] This is because the Delta Variant of COVID-19 that is spreading rapidly in our county. It spreads faster than the current predominant variant in the community and there is a possibility that it might cause more severe infection.^2,[4] We can help stop this spread by getting vaccinated, get 2 doses if it is a 2-dose vaccine. According to Dr. Walensky, recent studies show that only one dose of the vaccine is not protective of the Delta variant.² But being fully vaccinated with 2 doses does protect against the Delta variant.²

In line with this, the World Health Organization (WHO) is now seeing a “two-track pandemic.” This is because a lot of countries are still dealing with the dangerous effects of COVID-19 while lacking vaccines, and other countries who have vaccine access with high vaccination rates are in the process of removing restrictions.[5]

VMRC is definitely supporting, highly recommending, and advocating for vaccination. We 15 COVID-19 vaccine clinics so far. And today is our 16^th vaccine clinic, being held at the Modesto office. It is our hope that these efforts have helped our consumers, families and the community in reaching our nationwide goal of herd immunity. Whole-hearted thanks to all our volunteers in all these vaccine clinics. Enormous “THANKS!!!” to our volunteers: VMRC staff, Board of Directors, and community partners: DRAIL, B.E.S.T., SCDD North Valley Hills Office, FRN, SAC6, DRC, UCP, ICC, CLASP, Therapeutic Pathways, Gamaliel of California and Fuerzas Unidas, who helped make it possible. As always, VMRC is grateful to Safeway Pharmacy (Albertson’s Companies) and their staff who served as our vaccine provider and partnered with us during the COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics at our VMRC Offices!

Digital COVID-19 Vaccine Card

The State of California has launched a link where Californians can access to get a digital version of their COVID-19 vaccine card. Here is the link: https://myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov/.[6] This is voluntary for the public to access.

[1]The White House. Dr. Fauci on the Delta Variant. June 24, 2021. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axLGPLiejIg

[2] NBC News. CDC Director Speaks On Rise Of Delta Variant June 23, 2021. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQ_EugMpgsA

[3] NBC News. Fauci: Delta Variant Is ‘Greatest Threat’ To Eliminating Covid In US

June 22, 2021. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=csXREW22i_Y

[4] CDC. June 23, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/variant-info.html

[5] United Nations News. June 07, 2021. https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/06/1093472

[6] KCRA News. June 18, 2021. https://www.kcra.com/article/access-their-covid-19-vaccine-cards-online-california/36766105

Vaccination Promo Kit Resource from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

COVID-19 Vaccination Materials for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Help spread the word!

Thank you for your support in promoting our new COVID-19 vaccination materials for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who have extreme low literacy (ELL). We are excited to introduce these materials with the aim of giving people with IDD and ELL and their caregivers the information they need to help them stay safe from COVID-19. 

Why get involved?

People with IDD have a higher incidence of COVID-19 than people without IDD. They are also more likely to be admitted to the hospital from COVID-19 complications, have higher rates of intensive care unit stays, and are more likely to die from COVID-19. Yet people with IDD often don’t have the information they need to protect themselves. To fill this gap, CDC is creating materials about COVID-19 and emergency preparedness that are specifically designed to meet this population’s needs — including a poster and social story promoting COVID-19 vaccination.  

Who Should Use this Promotion Kit?

This kit is for disability service and advocacy groups, health care and public health organizations, and anyone else who is committed to improving communication and messaging about COVID-19 vaccination for people with IDD and ELL, their caregivers, and the organizations that support them.

How do I use this promotion kit?

To help us raise awareness of these resources, you can use the sample language and images below when sharing the materials on social media, by email, and through other communications methods (e.g., newsletters, websites, or blogs). You are welcome to customize the promotional text as needed.

Click Here to See the Entire Vaccination Promo Kit

SANDIS COVID-19 Tracking Data:

Please continue to stay safe and healthy.

Claire B. Lazaro, MSN, RN, NP, PHN, FNP-C

Director of Clinical Services

Tips for Caregivers for Vaccination Day

Age 12+ Consumers VMRC Walk-In Vaccination Clinic

Modesto 2nd Dose, Friday, June 25th, 11am - 3pm

What to Expect at the VMRC Vaccination Clinic

·        Upon arrival you will be asked to check-in and if those getting the vaccine have pre-registered.

·        You will be asked to provide the first and last name of those who will be getting the vaccine, identification, proof of age, and possibly insurance or Medi-Cal information.

·        If you have not completed a consent form you will be asked to complete the form before being directed to the next station. Not having the consent form can increase your wait time.

·        You will be provided with a CDC Vaccination Card, for the first dose. For the second, dose, you will be asked to show the CDC Vaccination Card. This will be given back to you for your records.

·        Once check-in is complete, including providing/completing the consent form, you will wait for an available Pharmacist to administer the vaccine. The wait may take 5-10 minutes depending on your appointment time.  

·        When it is your turn, a Pharmacist will take your vaccination consent form and CDC Vaccination Card.

·        The Pharmacist will retain your vaccination consent form and give back the CDC Vaccination Card for your records.

·        If there are multiple individuals in your party getting the vaccine, you will be asked who wants to be first.

·        If there are multiple consumers getting the vaccine, we ask that you identify any consumer that has had history of behavioral issues during medical procedures, or may be less receptive to vaccine administration, so the vaccine can be administered to them first.

o  Note: It may be beneficial to schedule separate appointments for these consumers with a reduced number of individuals in the party.

·        The Pharmacist will have the consumer sit on a chair. They will have the vaccination needle, bandage, and cotton swab with alcohol for sterilizing the injection site.  

·        The Pharmacist will ask in which arm the consumer would like the vaccine and ask them to roll their sleeve up, if necessary.

·        The Pharmacist will sterilize the area with the swab, place a bandage, and administer the vaccine.

·        Once the vaccine is administered, you will be directed to sit in the waiting area and asked to wait 15 minutes to confirm there are no adverse reactions to the vaccine.

o  Note: The Pharmacist may ask you to wait up to 30 minutes, depending on medical history.

·        For First Dose administration a VMRC Staff or Community Volunteer will assist you with scheduling your second dose during the waiting period.

How to prepare for Vaccination Day

·        Preregister for the vaccine clinic and complete a vaccination consent form

·        Plan to have the consumer dressed in clothing that makes vaccine administration quicker and easier.

o  Examples: Tank top where sleeve doesn’t have to be rolled up or t-shirt that can be quickly rolled up prior to administration.

o  Note: Sweaters, zip up hoodies, and long sleeves make administration more difficult and could lengthen the process.

·        If the consumer benefits from social stories, please create and use a social story the days leading up to Vaccination Day.

·        Bring preferred items to the vaccine clinic to aide in distracting/redirecting attention away from needle during vaccine administration.

o  Examples: Favorite videos/movies on tablet device, headphones, toys, or manipulative items that can be held in hands (ex: play-doh, fidget spinners, sticker books), favorite snack or treat that can be opened and consumed during vaccine administration.

·        Bring activities to occupy time during waiting periods.

·        If the consumer is known to have issues with compliance during medical appointments, or you suspect potential non-compliance during administration, it will be beneficial to have an additional family member or familiar individual present to assist with prompting and redirecting.

·        If the consumer can tolerate outings of longer durations, plan a preferred destination for after successful vaccine administration.

o  Examples: Favorite drive-thru restaurant, ice cream parlor, park, store, etc.

Vaccination Day Considerations

·        Have completed vaccination consent form with you and easily accessible (THIS WILL REDUCE YOUR WAIT TIME ONCE YOU ARRIVE TO THE VACCINE CLINIC).

·        Have consumer’s preferred items loaded in vehicle prior to leaving for appointment.

·        Have activities available to engage with during wait times while at the clinic.

·        Have all necessary documents easily accessible upon arrival (e.g., Identification Cards, Insurance Cards, Social Security Numbers, completed vaccination consent form, CDC Vaccination Card if second dose).

·        If you are planning a special/preferred outing after successful vaccine administration, and the consumer can tolerate delays, let them know where you will be going after the vaccine clinic.

·        Have consumer dressed in tank top or t-shirt. If wearing a sweater or long sleeve, have consumer’s shoulder easily accessible prior to check-in.

·        If possible, have a preferred family member, staff, or other preferred individuals present to assist with redirecting the consumer.

·        Have preferred items/activities easily accessible to use as a distraction during vaccine administration.

o  As the Pharmacist approaches to administer the vaccine, prompt, and direct attention away from the needle and toward the preferred item or activity.

·        Provide verbal praise, attention, and reassurance before, during, and after the vaccination process.

¨     Reminder: VMRC Staff, Community Volunteers, and Pharmacists administering the vaccine cannot physically redirect, physically prompt, or physically restrain the consumer during the vaccine administration. VMRC Staff, Community Volunteers, and Pharmacists can distract and redirect attention from the needle during that time, but any physical touch or guidance must be provided by family member and/or familiar individual who arrived with the consumer.

¨     If you have additional concerns that the consumer you are bringing to the Vaccination Clinic may engage in problem behavior during vaccine administration, or you need further guidance on how to prepare for Vaccination Day at the VMRC Vaccination Clinic, please contact VMRC Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Liz Herrera Knapp, at (209) 955-3652.

Additional Resources to Prepare for Vaccination Day

https://scdd.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/33/2021/04/Tips-for-Family-Advocates.pdf

https://informingfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Vaccination-Day-Tips-for-Family-Advocates-Spanish.pdf

Liz Herrera Knapp, M.A.

Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

Be aware of yours and others’ risk for heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps and fainting. To avoid heat stress, you should:

• Drink a glass of fluid every 15 to 20 minutes and at least one gallon each day.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine. They both dehydrate the body.
• Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
• Stay cool indoors ‐ if your home is not air conditioned, visit public facilities such as shopping malls and libraries to stay cool.
• Take frequent cool showers or baths.
• If you feel dizzy, weak, or overheated, go to a cool place. Sit or lie down, drink water, and wash your face with cool water. If you do not feel better soon, get medical help quickly.
• Work during cooler hours of the day when possible or distribute the workload evenly throughout the day.

Heat stroke is the most serious heat illness. It happens when the body can’t control its own temperature and its temperature rises rapidly. Sweating fails and the body cannot cool down. Body temperature may rise to 106°F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency care is not given.

Warning signs of heat stroke vary but can include:

• Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)
• Rapid, strong pulse
• Throbbing headache
• Dizziness, nausea, confusion, or unconsciousness
• An extremely high body temperature (above 103°F)

If you suspect someone has heat stroke, follow these instructions:

• Immediately call 911 for medical attention.
• Get the person to a cooler area.
• Cool the person rapidly by immersing him/her cool water or a cool shower or spraying or sponging him/her with cool water. If the humidity is low, wrap the person in a cool, wet sheet and fan him/her vigorously.
• Monitor body temperature and continue cooling efforts until the body temperature drops to 101-102°F.
• Do not give the person alcohol to drink. Get medical assistance as soon as possible.
• If emergency medical personnel do not arrive quickly, call the hospital emergency room for further instructions.

Amador County Guide

https://www.amadorgov.org/departments/office-of-emergency-services/are-you-ready-preparedness-information/beat-the-heat

San Joaquin County Heat Advisory Guide

http://www.sjcphs.org/Disease/Heat_Emergencies.aspx

Calaveras County Cooling Centers and Tips :https://www.mymotherlode.com/news/local/1793855/calaveras-offers-cooling-centers-to-beat-the-heat.html

Stanislaus County Guide

http://www.stanemergency.org/naturaldisasters/heat.shtm

Tuolumne County Office of Emergency Services

https://www.tuolumnecounty.ca.gov/308/Office-of-Emergency-Services

Brian L. Bennett

Director Of Community Services

North Valley Hills Update

Dena Hernandez, Regional Manager (209) 473-6930

During the Assembly Labor and Employment Committee hearing on June 22, 2021, Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez spoke in support of SCDD-sponsored SB 639 and said, "I value any work that any individual does, and I think that we have a minimum wage so that every individual can utilize that. This is a civil rights issue that has been neglected for far too long.”

We wholeheartedly agree with the Assemblywoman and are grateful for the support we received at the hearing today. The committee members voted to pass SB 639, and now the bill heads to the Assembly Human Services Committee next.



#SB639 #SubminimumWage #CALeg

How to connect to SCDD through Social Media

Family Resource Network Update from

Lisa Culley, Executive Director

PDF Version Here

PDF Version Here

Join SAC6 to Learn about Summer Safety & FUN!

Presented by:

The SAC6 Team

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82171905822?pwd=YUpvT2R0cXJmaXhWMTcyTUNtTVF2QT09

Meeting ID: 821 7190 5822

Passcode: 737835 (MUST ENTER PASSCODE) OR you can call in:



TOLL FREE NUMBER TO CALL IN 877 853 5257 US Toll-free

PDF Version of the SAC6 Flyer Here

Update from the Self Determination Advisory Committee

PDF Version of Flyer Here

COVID-19 Update

Valley Mountain Regional Center



·    746 positive consumer cases and 27 deaths

·    34 positive VMRC staff cases

·    4 positive volunteer cases

·    303 positive provider cases and 1 death