Thirteenth Community Health Advisory: Coronavirus (COVID-19)
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weekly message from the director...
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Last week I highlighted the governor’s budget proposal because it is one of the largest looming issues over the developmental services system today. Most understand the economy has taken a tremendous hit because of the COVID-19 pandemic and our need to stay at home to save the lives of others and our own lives. While this problem is an unarguable fact, there are still many different ways to respond to this problem. The governor’s proposed budget is one way and it relies on federal relief, which as of last week leaders in the Senate were still promising to reject the proposal for relief (HEROES Act).
What a difference a week or two makes. Since the governor’s proposal and the US Senate’s declaration that the Heroes’ Act is “Dead on Arrival”, the following things have happened:
* The California Assembly has met and expressed they will come up with different ways of addressing the budget situation,
* The US Senate Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) has said the he is open to negotiations but wants to spend less than the $3 trillion package and wants to “avoid the mistakes made in the previous CARES Act.”
If you called your representatives then you are part of the reason why positive change is happening. If not, do not worry there is still time.
Contact
Your US Senators:
Your US House of Representatives:
This Week's Correspondence from DDS
This week we received a few communications from the Department of Developmental Services (DDS)...the first on Supported Employment modifications needed due to COVID-19, the second was regarding reporting COVID-19 cases in SANDIS Special Incidents, and the third one was related to finger print clearance/exemption transfer in the licensed programs.
Because many are seeing a reduction or loss of jobs in the Supported Employment Program (SEP) area, the SEP providers can submit a form requesting to change existing groups, change work hours or work days, stagger the work schedule, and or terminate the group and transfer of consumers to another Supported Employment Program. If a SEP group has decreased work hours or days, or has been furloughed due to COVID-19, the provider should show this on the DS 1963 form. This communication has very important directions for the SEP providers for filling out this form:
For now on providers and regional centers must complete a special incident report, clearly show in the incident description it applied to any of the following events:
* An individual tests positive for COVID-19;
* An individual receives medical attention at a hospital, emergency room, or urgent care clinic due to COVID-19 symptoms; or
* An individual’s death is related to COVID-19, either by confirmed COVID-19 positive testing or by medical diagnosis unconfirmed by testing.
Last Friday afternoon we received an updated notice from the Department of Social Services saying they have a faster way to transfer their background clearance from one licensed facility to another (homes, day programs, etc.). They did this to help provider get staff during the current COVID-19 outbreak.
The CDSS notice says, “If an individual has an active clearance or exemption, they should not be re-fingerprinted as this may delay the processing of the transfer. Licensees may contact their local Community Care Licensing (CCL) office to verify the individual's status.” … “Individuals seeking to transfer from one licensed facility to another licensed facility will be allowed to work at the new facility while the transfer request is pending.”
Frequently Asked Questions
The big questions we heard throughout this week were:
* When are the day programs able to reopen?
* What are the plans for transportation providers?
* When can families start visiting their sons and daughters in licensed homes?
* When will Valley Mountain Regional Center open their doors to the public?
Unfortunately we do not have the exact answers for any of these questions yet but we are getting closer. First, VMRC has no authority as of now to even set forth conditions for opening the day programs and the transportation to them, or even to lift the restriction against visitors in licensed homes, but we are aware that leaders in our state are currently working on this plan and the related procedures. We will report on this as soon as we receive notice. Finally, VMRC also has no start date for returning to operations in the building but we are beginning to enter into step one which is the gradual return of some employees into the building. This requires being able to implement a plan for checking temperatures, ensuring one directional movement in the buildings, physical distancing, limited amount of people, a very robust cleaning and tracing procedure that maintains confidentiality. As soon as we can do all these things we’ll start our very cautious and limited return to the building – the first step back.
Have a great weekend.
Sincerely,
Tony Anderson
Executive Director
Valley Mountain Regional Center
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Case Management Updates
Virtual Transition Fairs Held
Due to COVID-19, our annual Transition Fairs were held remotely. Three Zoom fairs occurred this year to recognize graduates and provide helpful, well-rounded information for futures planning. The agendas consisted of presentations from Supported Living and Independent Living Service providers, as well as resources pertaining to college programs throughout the state such as Taft College, Fresno State, UCLA, and Delta College. Employment and community resources were presented to the graduates by the Family Resource Network, State Council, and Department of Rehabilitation. And, VMRC-vendored day services and supported employment programs provided various options for those choosing that avenue. In addition, there were raffle prizes donated by the presenters and virtual dance parties held to continue the celebration. Stanislaus County met by Zoom on 5/27, the foothill counties of Amador, Calaveras, and Tuolumne met on 5/28, and San Joaquin County on 5/29. Thank you to all who participated and made the events successful.
Food Donations and Delivery
VMRC would like to thank Father Mark Wagner and Lori Freitas of Presentation Food Pantry for collaborating with Valley Mountain Regional Center and making us part of their food distribution. Thanks to their generosity, in the month of May, we were able to deliver food bags to 71 families who are part of our regional center. We look forward to continuing to collaborate with Presentation Food Pantry during this difficult time in getting food bags to our Regional Center families. Another 55 food bags have been donated and distribution is scheduled for June 6. Thanks to our Cultural Specialist Gabriela Lopez for coordinating the effort and thanks to Presentation Food Pantry!
In-Home Support Services Training Offered
Valley Mountain Regional Center in collaboration with Families First, Disability Rights of CA, and UC Davis Mind Institute invite you to a training on your rights under In-Home Support Services on June 4 from 10 am to 12:00 pm. The training will be in Spanish. Interpretation for English speaking parents will be available.
Topic: IHSS. Time: Jun 4, 2020 10:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
To join the Zoom Meeting:
Self-Determination Program Orientations Are Happening
Are you a participant in the Self-Determination Program? Is your child a participant? Have you attended Self-Determination Orientation yet? Are you a vendor or community member who wants to learn more about Self-Determination?
We are holding our first Self-Determination Orientation via Zoom webinar on Wednesday, June 10th, from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Register now! After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.
VMRC Additional Purchase of Service (POS) Generated Due to COVID-19
Our Service Coordinators and Program Managers continue to contact consumers and families to provide resources and ensure needed services. We have compiled the following statistics to demonstrate the effects of the Coronavirus and services provided solely due to COVID-19.
New POS Authorizations—Week of 5/11 through 5/15—120; Week of 5/18 through 5/22—77
TOTAL— 3/12/20 through 5/22/20—2,647
Available Resources You May Find Helpful
DDS Coronavirus Information and Resources:
In addition to COVID-19 resources, this site includes links to DDS Directives in plain language, other languages, and video clips. If you still have questions after reading this information and talking with your local regional center and/or your local county public health office, you can email:
DDSC19@dds.ca.gov
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P-EBT – Food Benefits
P-EBT is for students who are qualified to receive free or reduced-priced school meals. Families may apply and get up to $365 per child to spend on groceries.
· Children may continue to receive "grab n go" meals or emergency food at COVID-19 emergency feeding sites offered by schools and community locations even if they are receiving P-EBT benefits.
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Online Application
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F
amilies with children who get CalFresh, Medi-Cal or Foster Care benefits do not need to apply. Most will get their P-EBT card in the mail during the month of May. The online application will be available beginning May 22, 2020 at:
www.ca.p-ebt.org
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P-EBT Outreach Toolkit
- This Pandemic EBT Outreach Toolkit is intended to bring awareness about this new COVID-19 response initiative to families whose children are eligible for free and reduced-price school meals. The toolkit can be accessed at:
www.cdss.ca.gov/Pandemic-EBT
WiFi Resources
Xfinity—Through June 30, 2020,
Xfinity WiFi hotspots in business and outdoor locations across the country will be available to anyone who needs them for free – including non-Xfinity Internet subscribers. For a map of Xfinity WiFi hotspots, visit
www.xfinity.com/wifi
.
This government assisted wireless service provides discounted home phone and cell phone services to eligible low-income families and individuals. Qualified customers can receive a free cell phone along with unlimited free minutes and free texts every month:
http://www.lifelinecellphonecalifornia.com/
Cindy Mix
Director of Consumer Services
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Clinical Updates
On Wednesday night, May 27
th
, COVID-19 has claimed over 100,000 American lives.
[1]
,
[2]
,3
It took a little over 100 days for this to happen from the first case on February.
[3]
Please take a moment to honor the lives of each person lost due to COVID-19. They are not just statistics. Each one is a soul, a life, a person, a family member who will be missed. Their loved ones are mourning, and grieving for their loss. Here is a link that honors the victims of COVID-19:
https://www.usatoday.com/pages/interactives/100000-lives-lost-honoring-coronavirus-victims/
May is Mental Health Awareness month. Below are some coping strategies for children and adults to help reduce stress brought about by COVID-19.
Advice for parents to reduce COVID-19 related stress in kids:
[4]
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Assess child’s degree of understanding, keep dialogue simple, check-in frequently
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Set clear expectations for the day (e.g., schoolwork, time when parent(s) leaving home)
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Recognize & validate their feelings: Remind them that family & community workers are supporting their needs
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Keep healthy routines: bedtime, chores, physical play, realistic screen limits, family time/one-on-one time
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Maintain connections to friends and family (online social time, virtual games)
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Model self-care & how to manage feelings; i.e., recognize when you need to take a break when overwhelmed
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Watch for warning signs: behavior changes (difficulty with separation, crying, acting out), changes in eating/sleeping, unexplained HA/pain symptoms, emotional changes (fear, anxiety, sadness)
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Positive discipline: Redirect boredom, which may manifest as negative behaviors; provide opportunities for creative play; use rewards frequently; avoid physical punishment
Advice to reduce COVID-19 related stress in adults:
[5]
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Attend to daily self-care: adequate sleep, healthy diet, exercise; avoid/reduce caffeine & alcohol; attend to basic hygiene
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Increase sense of safety: handwashing, masks/face-covering, stay home, social distancing, prepare for possible scenarios (food supply, meds, etc.)
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Stay connected w/ others: email, video meetings, virtual classes; access counselors/healthcare professionals when needed
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Incorporate calming practices: interact with nature, reduce news/social media exposure, use reliable sources of info, exercise spiritual beliefs, engage in hobbies, meditation/breathing exercises (apps useful)
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Exercises to improve resilience: self-validation, modify expectations, practice self-compassion, gratitude journal, action plan for coping w/ distress (go for walk, listen to music)
Advice to reduce COVID-19 related stress in healthcare workers:
5
·
Understand your role and set realistic expectations of yourself; acknowledge extent of your skills & recognize risks
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Emphasize self-care: adequate sleep, basic hygiene, exercise, healthy diet; avoid/reduce caffeine & EtOH
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Involve family/friends in planning routine for returning home from work environment
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Keep perspective: Compartmentalize or break down problems into manageable tasks, focus on future and long-term goals, recognize current situation is transient
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Establish plan for communication w/ team/supervisors to check in regularly & to manage stress
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Incorporate coping techniques as part of work day: exercise, breaks/mealtimes, meditation/mindfulness
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Set up buddy system to monitor stress/workload, limit working alone
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Be aware of signs of compassion fatigue (burnout and post-traumatic stress): sleep disturbance, poor concentration/distractibility, depression, exhaustion, physical signs (nausea, HA, easily startled), pervasive negative thoughts; seek professional care if present.
During this time that most counties are proceeding to the later part of Stage 2 re-opening, please remember that SARS-CoV-2 virus, the virus causing COVID-19, is still in our community. While there are medications under clinical trial, there is still no proven medicine to treat COVID-19 nor vaccine to help prevent from getting the disease. I urge you all to continue washing your hands frequently, avoid touching your face, wear face covering to show you care and avoid spread of disease. Most importantly, continue to practice physical distancing of at least 6-foot away because this has been proven to help reduce the rate of virus spread in the community.
[6]
,
[7]
If you are experiencing any medical emergency, do not hesitate to call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. There have been a 50% decline in emergency room visits in the United States, resulting to an increase in morbidity and mortality, as shown in a study done in one of the local hospitals in San Joaquin County.
[8]
Please do not be afraid to go to the emergency room when you are experiencing any trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion, inability to wake or stay awake, and/or bluish lips or face.
[9]
Claire B. Lazaro, MSN, RN, NP, PHN, CCRN, FNP-C
Clinical Director
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Resource Development Update
If you have questions, please contact Resource Development Program Manager, Robert Fernandez at
rfernandez@vmrc.net, or Assistant Director, Resource Development, Brian L. Bennett at
bbennett@vmr.net.
Brian Bennett
Assistant Director, Resource Development
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VMRC and SCDD North Valley Hills are Teaming up for PPE Distribution!
Are you a vendor or individual receiving services from Valley Mountain Regional Center and/or State Council on Developmental Disabilities North Valley Hills? Are you in need of more Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)? If so, VMRC and SCDD are teaming up to distribute surgical masks, hand sanitizer, and face shields, while supplies last.
When:
Thursday, June 4th, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where:
VMRC Stockton Office, 702 N. Aurora Street, Stockton, CA 95202
and
When:
Friday, June 5th, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where:
VMRC Modesto Office, 1820 Blue Gum Avenue, Modesto, CA 95358
Prior registration or sign up is
NOT needed. Simply come by one of the locations on the specified dates and times next week and we will supply you with what we can based on your needs! This is a drive through distribution, so you will not even need to get out of your car!
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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 May 29, 2020
TIME
: 11:00am-12:00pm
WHERE
: ZOOM- computer, tablet, cell phone
The next SAC6 CHAT:
- Friday, May 29, 2020 - DANCE PARTY!!! - After the VMRC Transition Fair, join us for a Virtual Dance Party to celebrate all those students graduating this year! Have your boogie shoes ready!
Join Zoom Meeting on your computer, tablet or phone
Meeting ID: 917 7394 4767
Password: 310725 You must enter the Password or you can call in:
TOLL FREE NUMBER TO CALL IN:
- 888 475 4499 US Toll-free or
- 877 853 5257 US Toll-free
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Local County Public Health Resources
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Amador County
- 10
known cases as of May 28, 2020 - 0 new cases this week
VMRC
- 5 confirmed consumer cases as of May 28, 2020 - no new cases this week
VMRC Staff
- 1 known case as of May 28, 2020 - no new cases this week
VMRC Volunteer
- 1 known case as of May 28, 2020 - no new cases this week
VMRC Providers
- 3 known cases as of May 28, 2020 - no new cases this week
California - 101,837
cases and 3919 deaths as of May 28, 2020
National -
1,702,911 cases and 100,576 deaths as of May 28, 2020
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