• OPWDD is still awaiting approval from CMS of the Appendix K/1135 Waiver that was submitted on Monday. 

• This morning the NY Alliance sent out a survey related to fingerprinting backlog for the purpose of potentially deploying a mobile fingerprinting unit. The survey can be found here.

• Reminder – OPWDD has asked that the temporary site capacity survey be completed by Friday 3/27 at 5PM.  

• OPWDD has released the following guidance documents this evening:
• Staff Guidance for the Management of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Facilities or Programs Operated and/or Certified by OPWDD
• Respiratory Illness in Residential Settings - Presumption of COVID-19
• General Management of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Facilities or Programs Operated and/or Certified by OPWDD
• Article 16 Clinic Management of Coronavirus (COVID-19)

• Yesterday we provided an update that all community visits and home visits for residents living within residential facilities will be suspended as of today, March 25 at 5PM. The link to that guidance from OPWDD can be found here: Suspension of Individual Community Outings and Home Visits

• To allow for the maintenance of operations, staffing and delivery of Mental Hygiene services funded by OMH State Aid, OMH will recognize all COVID 19 related expenses as allowable for various services. This guidance, (OMH’s March 20, 2020 State Aid Funded Contracts guidance document) provides additional information on the use of State funds and flexibility to preserve access and support during the COVID 19 response. Contact your regional field office or April Wojtkiewicz 518.474.5968 with specific questions.

• OMH has developed an FAQ document related to supportive housing during the Covid-19 crisis which can be found here.

• The NYC COVID-19 Response & Impact Fund is now accepting applications from New York City-based nonprofits struggling with the health and economic effects of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

• The fund will provide $75 million of no-interest loans and grants to human services and arts and culture nonprofits in NYC. The fund is hosted by New York Community Trust, administered by the Nonprofit Finance Fund and funded by donations from a group of New York’s leading philanthropies. 
• To qualify, an organization must be a 501(c)(3) based in NYC, receive state or city funding, and meet the following three-fold criteria: 
• Have annual, non-governmental revenue of $20 million or less; 
• Receive New York City or New York State government funding; and 
• Have “a track record of delivering effective programs and services equitably for New York residents.”