Dear HSA Staff,
Read on for the latest news and important updates to help keep us all safe, healthy and productive into the new year. Happy New Year!
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CalSAWS January 2023 Update
CalSAWS goes live April 24, 2023! Will you be ready? Here are this month's highlights:
» The Final Change Readiness Survey will hit inboxes on January 23. We are aiming for a 100% response rate so that the project’s approach can be tailored to meet our needs. Please check your inbox on Monday for an email from Jarrett Littles at jlittles@deloitte.com with a survey link, then your participation is needed. It takes only about 3 minutes to complete, so please fill it out right away when you receive a link.
» Learn about some of the benefits of CalSAWS by checking out the latest infographics:
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Be sure to visit the CalSAWS page on HSANet for the latest updates. Questions or Comments? Send an email to: heycalsaws@ventura.org
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Mileage Rate – What's New for 2023 |
Beginning January 1, 2023, the standard mileage rate is 65.5 cents per mile driven for business use, up 3 cents from the midyear increase that set the rate for the second half of 2022. These rates apply to electric and hybrid-electric automobiles as well as gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles.
This rate applies to travel that takes place on or after January 1, 2023. Claims submitted after January 1, 2023, for eligible mileage expense incurred prior to the new year, will be reimbursed at 62.5 cents per mile. Trips taken in 2022 must be submitted on one claim, and trips taken in 2023 must be submitted on a separate claim.
Please remember to use the HSA Mileage App on your work computer or your smart phone.
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Computer: Go to the Applications tab on HSANet and click on the HSA Mileage App icon. Begin claiming your mileage!
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Smart Phone: Log into the VC App Store and install the HSA Mileage app. Begin claiming your mileage!
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+ Serving to Provide Warming Shelter +
These past few weeks, HSA has worked with many of our partners—including the Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services, American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Behavioral Health, Public Health, Animal Services, Ventura College and other county and community organizations—to provide shelter for residents who were evacuated or unsheltered during the recent storms. Many thanks to the HSA staff who worked as Disaster Service Workers, both onsite and behind the scenes, to ensure our residents received the help they needed during this time. Please read the message on HSANet from our Director Melissa Livingston acknowledging this work.
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HSA staff and partnering agencies set up cots, a registration center, medical and behavioral health kiosks, and a dining area at the Ventura County Fairgrounds this past weekend. |
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HSA staff helped shelter guests register, find answers, enroll in HSA programs, and connect with other available services during the storm while also helping them to feel safe and comfortable during their stay.
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Are you ready for rough weather or other natural disasters? Click here to learn how to prepare yourself and your family.
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THANK YOU for Your Donations!
Through generous donations from our staff and community members, more than 30,000 [updated count!] local children and youth received toys and food this holiday season. Because of you, the community was able to keep the Spark of Love alive for children in Ventura County. Thank you!
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Volunteer Income Tax Assistance is back!
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax help to people who made $60,000 or less in 2022. From February 1 through April 30, IRS-certified volunteers will provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals. Help your clients keep money in their pocket and let them know how to get their taxes prepared for free.
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2023 Homeless Count
The Ventura County Continuum of Care is looking for volunteers to assist with the 2023 Homeless Count on Wednesday, January 24, 2022. This count is required for all state and federal grants that fund local homeless shelters, permanent supportive housing, rental assistance programs, street outreach and more! Hygiene supplies and face masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 will be provided to all volunteers. Volunteers will need to supply their own smart phone as a mobile app will be used to capture the survey data. Volunteers can sign up online to assist during shifts between 6:30 a.m. to noon. Sign up here.
Your supervisor approval is needed to volunteer for the Count, and you may use County time. For more information visit venturacoc.org or contact Jennifer Harkey at 805-658-4342.
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Take Action for Mental Health |
Close, positive, regular connections with others can influence our health and well-being for good, and help reduce anxiety and feelings of loneliness. In 2023 we can work together to promote thinking, speaking up and showing compassion for others’ mental health as well as our own. Find out how to get started by visiting TakeAction4MH.com.
Know the signs of stress and when and how to seek help for yourself, as well as loved ones. At wellnesseveryday.org, you can find helpful tips for self care and information on where to turn when it feels overwhelming. If you or someone you care about is thinking about suicide, call or text 988 now. It’s free, confidential, and available 24/7.
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Additionally, please remember that the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available for individual, couples, and family counseling by phone, video, and in person. It’s easy to schedule an appointment by calling 805-654-4327. |
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Flu & COVID-19 Updates
The best protection against the flu and COVID-19 is getting vaccinated.
For COVID-19 information including vaccines, testing sites, boosters, therapeutics, and local data, visit www.vcrecovers.org.
Get free at-home COVID-19 tests this winter.
Need a COVID-19 test right away? Every U.S. household is eligible to order 4 free at-home COVID-19 tests at covid.gov/tests.
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Be sure to share HSA social media posts to spread the news about important programs and services that benefit our community. |
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