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125th
Community Health
Advisory
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Weekly Message from the Executive Director
Tony Anderson
By the Numbers
This week we reported our first increase in the positivity rate for both consumers (34 people) and direct support professionals (24 people). This represents a 61% increase. Finally, one consumer who was vaccinated but had not received any boosters, was hospitalized this week with COVID.
As of September 1st we made another update to our Consolidated COVID Response Policy and presented the changes to all staff the day before. The purpose of the changes is to become better in alignment to the new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) national guidance and the state's SMARTR plan for The following are the bulleted changes:
- We are keeping the temperature taking stations for our staff and the public but no longer requiring this for entry into the building. The policy for staff has always been, if you're sick stay home and don't come into the office or go out into the field.
- We encourage and support all staff and visitors to wear a mask and we are maintaining a supply to give free masks to those who want one and don't have one. We are no longer requiring this as a condition of being in the building.
- We have made changes to our exposure policy for staff (see the policy diagram in the attached policy below).
- On September 16, 2022 staff will no longer be allowed to replace the quarterly face to face unannounced visits with remote unannounced visits.
- The requirement for 6 feet distance was replaced with following the local, state, and federal guidance of the day. Six feet distancing is no longer listed in the guidance.
- We've added a new resource from the CDC regarding low to high levels of risk in various exposure situations.
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This Just In from the Department of Developmental Services...
After Friday, September 2, the federal government will stop providing free COVID-19 at-home tests, unless new funding becomes available. If you didn't already place a third order for free COVID-19 tests, you have until September 2 to order! You can order 8 tests per household to be delivered to your door at no cost. To order your free tests, please visit https://www.covid.gov/tests, or you can call 1-800-232-0233. The only information you need to place an order are your name and address. That’s it!
These free tests:
- •Are rapid-result at-home tests
- Can be taken anywhere
- Give results in 30 minutes (no lab drop-off required)
- Work whether or not you have COVID-19 symptoms
It is a good idea to take an at-home test:
- If you begin having COVID-19 symptoms like fever, sore throat, runny nose, or loss of taste or smell, or
- At least 5 days after you come into close contact with someone with COVID-19, or
- When you’re going to gather with a group of people, especially those who are at risk of severe disease or may not be up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines.
Please consider taking advantage of this free resource.
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Ordering through this program will be suspended on Friday, September 2 because Congress hasn’t provided additional funding to replenish the nation’s stockpile of tests.
COVID.gov/tests - Free at-home COVID-19 tests
| The tests available for order: Are rapid antigen at-home tests, not PCR Can be taken anywhere Give results within 30 minutes (no lab drop-off required) Work whether or not you have COVID-19 symptoms Work whether or not you are up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines Are also referred to as self-tests or over-the-counter (OTC) tests Read more frequently asked questions | | | |
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We Need You
We're making progress but we have a long way to lower those caseloads, please help us. If you know someone who has a passion for ensuring people with disabilities have full access to their communities and their families are supported as important allies in full community participation at all ages, then please send them our way. We need them. Click on this button below to learn more about the great opportunities at VMRC.
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One More Week to the Deadline to... | |
Thank You to Our Platinum Sponsors | |
Thank You to Our Gold Sponsors | |
Thank You to our Silver Sponsors | |
Thank You to our Bronze Sponsors | |
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Clinical Update
Claire Lazaro
Clinical Director
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Modesto: September 29, 2022
Vaccine Clinic – indoor. Offers flu, and COVID vaccine. Anticipating to have the bivalent covid vaccine that covers Omicron variant.
Date: September 29, 2022
Time: 10 am to 1 pm
Location: VMRC Modesto Office, 1820 Blue Gum Avenue, Modesto, 95358
Registration: www.mhealthsystem.com/VMRCModesto
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Stockton: October 29, 2022, together with the Disability Resource Fair.
General Info/Instructions for UOP School of Pharmacy’s
IN-PERSON Medicare Health Fair Appointment
There will be a variety of services offered during our in-person Clinics this year including:
CORE SERVICES: These services are the heart of our Clinics and are the most extensive in nature:
· Medicare Part D Plan Review- We will review ALL available Medicare Part D drug plans based on a beneficiary’s medication utilization pattern, preferred pharmacy(ies), and other personal characteristics to see if we can lower the beneficiary’s out-of-pocket prescription drug costs under the Part D benefit.
· Comprehensive Medication Review- We will systematically go through all of a patient’s medications (prescription and over-the-counter) to look for things like possible drug-drug interactions; advise on medication safety; and educate and instruct them about proper medication use, drug timing, and common side effects. We will also answer all of their medication related questions and create a personalized medication record in their preferred language!
o The above two services are usually coupled together (though anyone can take advantage of only one should they want)
- Average Length of time for the services:
· ONLY Part D: 45 minutes
· ONLY Comprehensive Medication Review: 45 minutes
· BOTH Part D and MTM: 1 hour 15 minutes
Hence, the need to make appointments for these services is critical. Please contact your VMRC Service Coordinator to help register you.
· For those making an appointment for the Part D/Medication review it is REALLY IMPORTANT to tell them to bring their new Red/White/Blue Medicare Card, all of their medications (actual vials/containers and not just a medication list is preferable), and the most recent copy of their lab values with them on the day of the event. Also, if they already have a MyMedicare account created, we’ll need that information as well (we can also help to retrieve/create it if need be)
ADDITIONAL SERVICES: All of the following services will also be provided at each Clinic. For each of these services, patients will be served on a first come first serve basis. There is NO NEED to make appointments for any of the following services as the turnaround time for each is rapid:
· Vaccinations
o Note: the flu vaccine will be FREE
· Bone Density testing
· Blood Pressure testing
· Cholesterol testing
· Diabetes testing
· Opioid Risk Assessment/Narcan distribution
Moreover, we will be offering the following:
o Diabetes testing supplies (e.g., Blood glucose monitor, test strips, lancets)
o Blood pressure machine
GENERAL INFORMATION
· We will be implementing a variety of safety procedures (these will be sent to you in a separate document).
· The services at the Clinic will be provided by student pharmacists who will be overseen/verified by licensed pharmacists and faculty from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy.
· Each Clinic is targeted to Medicare beneficiaries, but we will not turn away other adults wanting to take advantage of our services.
· We will do our best to be able to accommodate all language and special needs.
· There is NO cost for our services.
· If they would like to receive more information about all of the events that we have scheduled, or you feel like they have questions that you are not sure how to answer please ask them to call this number: (209) 910-DRUG (3784) to leave a voicemail and we will return their call.
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Oral Health and Pregnancy | |
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Case Management Update - Children
Tara Sisemore-Hester
Director of Consumer Services - Children
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Vivian Weinstein Leadership Event
Exploring, Growing and Creating through Reflective Practice
with Mary Claire Heffron, Ph.D.
Friday October 7, 2022
1:00pm - 4:30pm (PDT)
AND
Saturday October 8, 2022
9:00am-12:30pm (PDT)
Virtual Event
Can't attend the event live?
Register to receive access to the recording!
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Please join us as we highlight the importance of nurturing relationships for those of us in early intervention. We will look at ways to open space for all of us to reflect upon our practices with families and their young children. In this two half-day training format, participants will practice how to use reflective supervision in their current setting and then apply diversity-informed reflective practice in supporting caregivers of young children.
We will think about the role of race, culture, and diversity of all kinds and how it impacts our work. Reflective practice allows for critical self-reflection, perspective taking and interactions which support self awareness and ways to move forward with important conversations that hold critical differences in mind.
· Day 1 focuses on how reflective supervision can be used to support staff, reduce burnout, increase retention, and unleash creativity.
· Day 2 delves into how reflective supervision leads to reflective practice, as co-regulation between supervisor and staff leads to co-regulation between staff and families in a parallel process.We will explore how staff can use reflective practice to support parents/caregivers while providing early intervention services.
Participants will:
· Learn how their relationships with parents impact parent-child relationships
· Define relationship-based approaches that are anchored in reflective practice and self-awareness
Acquire knowledge about the role race, culture, and diversity impact and shape the family system
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Mary Claire Heffron, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist with an extensive history in the field of infant and early childhood development and mental health. She trained at the Infant Parent Program at UCSF Department of Psychiatry and has worked at infant mental health and development settings in the San Francisco Bay area including UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, Oakland where she directed the Harris Early Childhood Mental Health Training Program, the Fussy Baby Program, a clinical internship program, and the programs' extensive local and national consultation and training activities.
Read more here
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Vivian Weinstein was a visionary and leader in recognizing the high stake benefits and barriers to accurate information, planning, and collaboration from policy to service across the Early Care & Education (ECE) Community. In her honor, this Leadership Event brings together leaders from the field - legislators, administrators, service providers, students, and parents - to learn from each other, join the discussion, and find strength and partnerships for the critical years ahead. | |
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Non-Member: $95
IDA Agency/Individual Member: $65
IDA Parent/Student/New Clinician Member: $45
IDA CE Hours: Nursing, PT, Speech and Language* $50 (7 hours)
CDI CE Hours: LCSW, LMFT, LEP, LPCC
(you will be invoiced)
*CEUs for SLPs can be used to fulfill California’s licensing board requirements. They are not sent to the ASHA registry. Participants should retain their IDA certificates and submit a Certification Maintenance Compliance form with ASHA.
ADA Requests: Contact IDA @ mail@idaofcal.org
with ADA request by Sept 23
Limited number of scholarships available
REGISTER NOW
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Social Recreation in Action! | |
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Meet Mikey! Through Social Recreation Mikey was able to earn his second stripe! He's doing so well. Ju Jitsu has been great for him. The coaches are great with him. Very patient and hands on!
Mikey's Mom
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Case Management Update - Adults
Christine Couch
Director of Consumer Services - Adults
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September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
Gun suicide claims the lives of nearly 24,000 people in America every year an average of 65 people per day, and the problem is getting worse. Over the past decade, the United States firearm suicide rate has increased 12 percent. This trend is of particular concern among young Americans, whose firearm suicide rate has increased 53 percent over the past 10 years, and for veterans, who have a firearm suicide rate one and a half times higher than nonveteran adults. But there is hope. These tragedies are preventable, and one of the most effective life-saving interventions for someone in crisis is disrupting their access to a gun.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, you can call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org/chat to chat with a counselor from the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7, free, and confidential support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress anywhere in the US.
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Gavin Black is a 21-year-old young man who is kind, enjoys making others laugh, and is involved with an amazing organization The Brighterside of Down Syndrome. The mission of The Brighterside of Down Syndrome is to enhance the lives of people with Down syndrome and their families. The organization promotes awareness, understanding, and acceptance of Down syndrome in California’s Central Valley.
Gavin is currently a Member at Large on the Board for The Brighterside of Down Syndrome. Gavin participates in all the meetings and shares his ideas, attends activities/events, supports with community outreach, and his number one role is being a self-advocate. When Gavin was asked what he likes about The Brighterside of Down Syndrome he replied, “the people” and “they are my tribe.” Mom explained that Gavin has a place where he always feels valued and accepted.
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Free laptops, tablets, internet service available to income-eligible Stockton residents as written by Ben Irwin on Recordnet.com
Stockton residents in need of laptops are in luck: the city is giving away free electronics with internet access as a part of the Digital Equity Project.
Kris Farro, director of community services at the city of Stockton, said some residents are eligible to receive a free laptop or tablet with three years of free internet at upcoming events. The city purchased 1,550 Chromebooks with hotspots and 500 data-enabled tablets, all equipped with three years of prepaid internet access.
“During the pandemic, it became glaringly obvious that people didn’t have the technology to deal with things that came up,” Farro said. “Kids shifted to online school; people were asked to work from home. It became really apparent that a lot of our households didn’t have what they needed to be successful during that time.”
Farro said surveys found 35.7% of Stockton households didn’t have reliable broadband service, and 8% of households didn’t have a computer at all.
“The highest at-risk students were suffering because they couldn’t even connect and get their schoolwork done. Some people couldn’t keep up with their jobs because they couldn’t work from home,” he said.
In response, the city allocated $2.9 million from its $78 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds for connectivity support, funding the Digital Equity Project. Since mid-May, the city has distributed about 500 devices in targeted census tracts around the city and is now opening the program to anyone eligible within Stockton city limits.
To receive one of about 1,000 devices remaining, applicants must show proof of residency within Stockton city limits, self-prove income eligibility — the city will not be running any kind of income background check — and bring a photo ID to any of the following events:
Troke Library: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., Sept. 6 and Oct. 4
Fair Oaks Library: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., Sept. 13 and Oct. 11
Weston Library: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., Sept. 20 and Oct. 18
Angelou Library: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., Sept. 27 and Oct. 25
Diamond Cove: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Sept. 15
Community of All Nations: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Sept. 22
Liberty Square: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Sept. 29
One-on-one training will also be available at the events for those who need help learning how to use their new devices. Visit stocktonca.gov for more information.
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We celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 to October 15) to recognize the achievements and contributions of Hispanic American champions who have inspired others to achieve success. The observation began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988. The theme for 2022 is "Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation ."
View related records on the Hispanic/Latino Heritage resource page and in the Archives Catalog.
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Community Services Update
Brian Bennett
Director of Community Services
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VMRC START Program Launch - Monday October 3, 2022
CA START is a crisis prevention and response program for individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities and behavioral health needs. This program launch will provide an overview of the START Model, information regarding implementation, and specifics about the program’s current progress and plans. It will also include a START model-specific training called a Clinical Education Team conducted by leaders in the field of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. The Center for START Services provides two free UNH CEUs for attending this training.
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Continuing Education Opportunities for Residential Providers of Valley Mountain presented by Training Academy Inc. https://trainingacademyinc.com/
You must register in advance for these training opportunities
Courses offered:
September 27, 2022, 11-1:00 Grief, Loss, and Bereavement in COVID-19
Date to be announced Client’s Rights
Date to be announced Behavior as Communication
Date to be announced Sexuality and the Resident
Date to be announced Psychosocial Needs of the Resident
Date to be announced Cultural Diversity & Inclusion
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VMRC’s Quality Assurance Department is offering Vendor SIR Training on Tuesday September 13th 1-3 p.m. and Wednesday September 28th 9-11 a.m. Staff can earn 3 CEUs for this course and the training is $ 15/registrant. Registration links are below:
Date: Tuesday, September 13, 2022
Time: 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Location: Zoom link provided on Monday, September 12, 2022, to email address provided during registry.
Cost: $15 per participant
Registration Link: https://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=pnnut8zab&oeidk=a07ejd2eydsd006a6d5
Date: Wednesday, September 28, 2022
Time: 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Location: Zoom link provided on Monday, September 27, 2022, to email address provided during registry.
Cost: $15 per participant
Registration Link: https://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=pnnut8zab&oeidk=a07ejd2eyez454518e4
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Emergency Services Update
Aaron McDonald
Emergency Response Coordinator
| The unofficial last weekend of summer 2022 is looking to be a hot and record setting one for most of California. |  | |
For a detailed forecast for your area and the most current heat advisories, warning and watches, please visit: https://www.weather.gov/sto/
For the most current sand up to date information regarding cooling centers throughout the state Cal OES just developed a brand-new website that individuals can use to locate local cooling centers throughout the state. Please visit: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/f4dc4d19418742f3addfed44331fd79d
With the increasing temperatures it is anticipated that Flex Alerts will continue to be issued over the coming several days. The Flex Alert, which is a call for voluntary electricity conservation to avoid the risk of rolling power outages, and are issued by California's Independent System Operator, or Cal-ISO.
These alerts are issued when the power grid is facing strain from higher temperatures and the corresponding increased use of energy. These alerts are usually a precautionary step Cal ISO takes to reduce stress on the grid.
Here are things you can do to conserve energy during a flex alert:
• Set the thermostat at 78 degrees or higher, if health permits
• Avoid using major appliances
• Turn off unnecessary lights
• Use fans for cooling
• Unplug unused items
To sign up for Flex Alerts, please visit: https://www.flexalert.org/
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National Preparedness Month: September 2022 “A Lasting Legacy” | |
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Launched in 2004, National Preparedness Month (NPM) is The Federal Emergency Management Agency – FEMA (https://www.fema.gov) national annual preparedness outreach. NPM is managed and sponsored by FEMA’s Ready Campaign. The Ready Campaign, in conjunction with the Ad Council, aims to educate and empower Americans during NPM and throughout the year to prepare for and respond to all types of emergencies, including natural disasters and potential terrorist attacks. National Preparedness Month culminates on September 30th with National Preparedness Day, the National Day of Action.
The National Weather Service - NWS is proud to be participating in NPM. By doing so, they want to make sure YOU are prepared in case of a disaster (natural or man-made). If you haven't taken the time to think about how different disasters could affect you, then they challenge you to take the necessary steps to become informed and develop a plan for yourself, loved ones, pets and those we serve at VMRC. These simple steps could SAVE YOUR LIFE!
Step 1: Stay Informed: Learn Your Risks & Responses
Emergency Alerts: You can receive important lifesaving alerts no matter where you are - home, school, or work.
Social Medial: Some weather & safety information can also be relayed through social media. However, please remember that this is NOT an official means of receiving important lifesaving information.
Natural Disasters: Know which natural disasters can occur in your area and how to prepare and stay safe.
- Complete a list of Natural Disasters
- Hazardous Weather Awareness & Preparedness Information
- Other Hazards: Remember to plan for things such as pandemics, terrorist attacks, etc.
Shelter & Evacuation: Make sure you know where the nearest shelters are, as well as the appropriate evacuation routes/plans for specific situations.
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North Valley Hills Update
Dena Hernandez, Regional Manager (209) 473-6930
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California State Council on Developmental Disabilities'
Second Annual:
There Should Be A Law Contest!
Ever had a problem in your daily life and thought, "There should be a law to fix this!"? Send your problem and solution to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) for a chance for your idea to become the next California state law!
Q: What ideas can I submit for the contest?
A: The idea must benefit people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Q: Who can enter the contest?
A: Anyone can enter the contest.
Q: How do I enter the contest?
A: Submit your idea online to: https://bit.ly/BillIdeas
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When is the deadline?
Friday, September 30, 2022
WHAT'S THE PRIZE?
The idea(s) chosen by the Legislative and Public Affairs Committee will become SCDD's top legislative priority for 2023 and may become the next state law! We will include the winner in the legislative process and guide them through the bill's progress.
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How to connect to SCDD through Social Media | | |
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Family Resource Network (FRN) Update
Lisa Culley, Executive Director
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Family Resource Network (FRN) is hiring for Family Resource Specialists. Use your skills as a parent or close family member with others who are raising children with disabilities and differing needs. Family Resource Network provides information and resources, training, and parent-to-parent support to other parents in areas including education, regional center services, medical, and much more. Positions are flexible, and can be full or part time. FRN has received funding for several new projects, and is expanding staffing. For more information on available positions, email lisaculley@frcn.org | |
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CHOICES Institute
Conference Update- questions 473-6950 August 2022
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Save the Date!
CHOICES Institute will be holding its 35th ANNUAL Conference on FRIDAY, April 14, 2023
Theme for CHOICES 2023?
WE NEED YOUR HELP….ANY IDEAS ON A THEME FOR 2023???
The CHOICES Conference Planning Team has begun meeting to work on details.
WE would love to hear from you!
Call the CHOICES line 209-473-6950 and leave a message or Email Dena.Hernandez@scdd.ca.gov
New mailing address: CHOICES Institute 2529 W. March Lane Suite 105 Stockton, CA 95207
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Local County, State and National Public Health Resources | | | | |
