Forty-Fifth
Community Health Advisory Coronavirus (COVID-19)
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weekly message from the director...
The Numbers Came Down a Little, But Don't Let Your Guard Down
While we reported 35 positive COVID-19 cases this week, it actually represents the lowest total since the Thanksgiving surge. This is consistent with the statewide totals for the general population and the IDD community. We have been very fortunate in our region to have so many individuals who have received their vaccination, but it is still a small amount of a percentage of our population. Dr Fauci says it's too early to tell if the vaccines are impacting this reduced number, and that it is probably just the nature of ebb and flow of a pandemic. The CDC is now saying that we should all wear "well-fitting masks with “two or more layers of washable, breathable fabric”. The CDC is also saying that "while experts learn more about the protection that COVID-19 vaccines provide under real-life conditions, it will be important for everyone to continue using all the tools available to help stop this pandemic:…(1) Wear a mask over your nose and mouth, (2) Stay at least 6 feet away from others, (3) Avoid crowds, (4) Avoid poorly ventilated spaces, and (5) Wash your hands often. I guess the lesson is if you've received the vaccine, don't let your guard down just yet.
The Rescheduled Testing Event in Stockton - Friday February 5, 2021
As you know, this past week our region was hit by a tremendous storm, with winds of 35-60 mph and gusts up to 70 mph. This caused dangerous driving conditions and actually took out power throughout our area including our Stockton office. Staff quickly realized the night before that the storm was going to persist and put our community at risk if we didn't cancel the testing event. We have already sent notices for everyone who was registered for the event and we have some openings now because not everyone can make it on the new date. No one has been turned away, but those who register are able to complete the test much faster than non-registered participants. The event is available to everyone, but if you have insurance please bring a copy of your card. You'll also need to bring the consent form, but we'll have them at the event in case you forget. The event will occur rain or shine (as long as we have power and the wind doesn't blow us away).
Don't Forget the Provider Job Board
This week we had our first job opportunity posting from one of our providers. Check it out here. We have developed this site for providers so we can help promote their openings as a way to contribute to the solution for the workforce crisis. Providers are encouraged to create their own accounts and post their open positions. Remember, this only works if providers participate in this free service. The Instructions are on the website but we're confident you'll find this tool very easy to use. Visit our webpage View Upcoming Jobs, Post Jobs, and once you have your account you can manage your own Job Dashboard.
Our Efforts to Improve Connections
This week we had our biannual All Staff meeting, where we provided our staff with a series of departmental updates, celebrated the longevity milestones of several staff members (5, 10, 15, 20, and 30 years longevity), and provided an excellent training opportunity. The speaker was Will Wise, co-founder of We And Me, Inc, and the focus was on improving engagement with our consumers, families, and community in spite of the remote platforms we're all trying to navigate. This was an excellent introductory training for all of us for our journey to continuous person-centered thinking and meaningful connection with those we serve and our colleagues.
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Tony Anderson
Executive Director
Valley Mountain Regional Center
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Case Management Update
"We Can't Wait to Vaccinate"
Individuals with disabilities are at much higher risks to develop serious illness or die from COVID-19 as others. Yet, prioritization is not occurring by the State of California in its vaccination guidelines. While family members and direct support staff have been prioritized in phase 1A, people with developmental and other disabilities have been pushed out of Phase 1B, as published by the California Department of Public Health.
The California’s Community Advisory Vaccine Committee is asking that people with disabilities be prioritized and moved to Phase 1B of the vaccination process. See the letter submitted to the California COVID-19 Vaccine Drafting Guidelines Workgroup for consideration.
Additionally, the group asks that everyone make their voices heard by:
· Calling the Governor’s Office at (916) 445-2841
· Or, do both
MESSAGE:
Introduce yourself - say if you are
· a person with a disability
· a family member of a person with a disability
· a professional who works with people with disabilities
Explain why the vaccine is important for people with disabilities
· We can't wait for a vaccine
· People with disabilities are more at risk for serious illness or death due to COVID-19
· People with disabilities need to be prioritized for vaccinations in phase 1B
· The vaccine rollout must be accessible to people with developmental disabilities
There are an estimated 400,000 people between the ages of 18-65 receiving Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) who could benefit from the vaccine being provided in an earlier phase. It's important to get the message to those making the decisions.
Lunch Virtual Chat
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California’s Disability Thrive Initiative was launched in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the shift in how your regional center services are currently being delivered to you and/or your family member to keep you as safe as possible. Periodic seminars are available and an interesting lunch chat will be held today.
Save the Dates
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VMRC Consumer Services Committee Meeting
February 1 @ 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm. Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/91267007341?pwd=MFlXckFnQ1hRbFF1VUk3b3ZrdTRlUT09
Meeting ID: 912 6700 7341
Passcode: 108771
Self Determination Trainings/Orientations
Thursday, February 18, 2021 from 1pm-4pm
Register in advance for this webinar:
Monday, March 29, 2021 from 1pm-4pm
Register in advance for this webinar:
Saturday, April 3,2021 from 10pm-1pm
Register in advance for this webinar:
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Please contact Angelique Shear at (209) 955-3294 or ashear@vmrc.net with questions.
Person-Centered Planning Training
Person-Centered Planning sessions will be available to vendors starting in March and for families starting in April.
The scheduled dates thus far are: March 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23 and all trainings will be held via Zoom from 9am-12noon. Attendance at all six sessions is required and 12 CEU units are offered for training completion. Capacity is noted at 20 per session.
Please contact Angelique Shear at (209) 955-3294 or ashear@vmrc.net with questions.
We will let you know of other training dates when scheduled in an upcoming Health Advisory and on our website: www.vmrc.net
Rent Forgiveness Possible
California lawmakers on Thursday agreed to use $2.6 billion in federal stimulus money to pay off up to 80% of some tenants’ unpaid rent — but only if landlords agree to forgive the rest of their debt. Stay tuned for more information.
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Cindy Mix
Director of Consumer Services
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Clinical Update
With the news of new virus strains/variants in the community, Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna are confident that their vaccines are still going to be effective against these new strains.[1],[2] Moderna is in the process of studying the possibility of making booster shots to be a step ahead of the virus mutation.2
Most of our focus now is on vaccination. Most of the counties in our state are still in Phase 1a vaccine distribution. Please continue to advocate for our consumers – individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) – to be included in the Phase 1b of the vaccine distribution. Below is a letter from SCDD Executive Director Aaron Carruthers and what you can do to help in this advocacy effort.
Science makes a clear case about how bad COVID is for people with disabilities. The letter suggested making this work by putting people getting Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) into Phase 1B. Common HCBS services are regional center services and IHSS. We estimate there are 400,000 people between the ages of 18-65 receiving HCBS services. The disability advocate members of the Community Vaccine Advisory Committee join you, over 270 organizations, and 550 individuals in this position. If you haven’t already received it, here’s a copy of the letter.
What You Can Do
As the State continues to think about many priorities and populations, follow up by having your voice heard.
Your lived experience is critical in the State knowing the needs of people with developmental and other disabilities.
You have taken the position that people with disabilities need to be a vaccine priority. Share your experiences and tell why.
You can call the Governor’s Office at (916) 445-2841.
Or you can do both.
Your experience as a self-advocate, family advocate, or community advocate is critical information leaders need to make the best vaccine decisions for California with disabilities.
Feel free to share this with others who would want to be heard.
______________________________
Aaron Carruthers | Executive Director
State Council on Developmental Disabilities
Furthermore, the state has created adjustments in the vaccine distribution[3] and here is a summary:
- The new system will partner with counties on health education outreach to hard-to-reach communities.
- A third-party administrator will come on board to streamline, improve, and expedite vaccine administration.
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Californians can go to MyTurn.Ca.Gov to sign up for vaccine notifications. A vaccine scheduling tool will launch in February statewide.
Please sign up to know when you can get your vaccine. And continue to wear masks to prevent the spread of the virus. Here are links per county regarding vaccinations:
• Contact local county public health offices:
• Tuolumne: Vaccine interest form:
Remember that it takes about 5-6 weeks from your first shot of the COVID-19 Vaccine before you can be fully protected, up to 95%.[4] Continue to wear masks, wash hands, practice physical distancing and avoid crowds.
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Claire B. Lazaro, MSN, RN, NP, PHN, FNP-C
Director of Clinical Services
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Community Services Department Updates
The Community Services Department is hosting an Information Session EVERY FRIDAY for RESIDENTIAL SERVICE PROVIDERS- Stay up to date on changes- Question and Answer Session Included – Participants include Resource Development, Quality Assurance and Clinical Staff
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 912 0489 6749
Passcode: 477314
VMRC is accepting Letters of Intent’s for Children’s Residential Services- See Link Here:
VMRC has released a Request for Proposal for Service Provisions in a Community Crisis Home for Children- the RFP and information related to an upcoming Informational Session can be found here:
COVID-19 Mitigation Plans
On December 14th, Residential Service Providers received notice from the Resource Development Department, requesting that they submit a COVID Mitigation Plan for each Licensed/Vendored home that serves VMRC consumers.
On December 24th, Community Care Licensing sent a similar request which REQUIRES Adult and Senior residential providers to complete a Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Mitigation Plan Report and Training
VMRC is asking for COVID MITIGATION PLANS FOR ALL RESIDENTIAL PROVIDERS (Small Family Homes, Group Homes, Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly, Adult Residential, ICF DD-N, ICF DD-H)
If you have not sent your completed plan to VMRC, we will accept the CCL plan in lieu of the VMRC plan. Send your completed Plan to Division Manager, Robert Fernandez rfernandez@vmrc.net NO LATER THAN FEBUARY 1, 2021
Special Incident Reporting
Please remember to fill out all required information when submitting SIRs. This includes: Consumer UCI #, Vendor Name, Type and Vendor Number, etc.
For COVID 19 Special Incident Reporting for Direct Care Staff who are POSITIVE for COVID 19:
· Submit SIR using dedicated FAX Line: (use modified SIR Form for STAFF)
Stockton (209) 955-3673
Modesto (209) 557-2111
San Andreas (209) 754-3211
· Contact Community Services Liaison (QA)
· Contact the Licensing Agency that holds the license for your home/ service type CCL / DPH / DSS
The Community Services Department
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January Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Distribution |
We have 1 PPE Distribution Days Left in January
Drive Through - No Contact - No Vehicle Exit - No Registration Necessary
Friday (TODAY) - January 29, 2pm - 4pm, VMRC Modesto Office, 1820 Blue Gum Avenue, Modesto, CA 95358
Please spread the word to families and service providers. Like always, if a family or vendor can not make the event and would like delivery, we will do the best we can to fulfill that delivery request.
Please have families notify their Service Coordinators, and vendors notify their Community Services Liaisons.
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North Valley Hills Update
Dena Hernandez, Regional Manager
The State Council on Developmental Disabilities presents:
A Festival of Learning and Ideas:
Student and Young Adult Experience with Friends and Classmates
Please join us as we learn from Kavita and Kishan Sreedhar about Pragnya in San Jose, California. Pragnya serves neurodiverse individuals, those with intellectual and developmental differences (ID/DD) by creating acculturation and integration experiences alongside their neurotypical peers, our Allies. Trained in the unique Ally Support Program, developed by the co-founder Kishan, the Ally Program incorporates person centered thinking and wisdom skills to help allies better understand neurodiverse community. Allies reach out and support people as to integrate into mainstream society. Allies are part of the natural circle of support, empowering individuals to lead lives of dignity and respect. Learn more at www.pragnya.org
Later, we visit Nithila Poongovan and Meghana Repaka of Young Inquisitive Minds of Santa Clara. Young Inquisitive Minds is a student-run non-profit geared towards fostering scientific exploration and curiosity in children and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through hands-on STEM activities such as building robots and conducting science experiments, differently abled students are given the opportunity to immerse themselves in extensive STEM learning, inspiring many to pursue STEM careers in the future. Young Inquisitive Minds plans to work with 2,000 students in special education programs in Bay Area. For more information, visit www.younginquisitiveminds.org.
Tuesday, February 16, 2021, 3:30 to 5:00 PM
“What lies behind you and what lies in front of you pales in comparison to what lies within you" -Ralph Waldo Emerson
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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 January 29, 2021
TIME: 11:00am-12:00pm
WHERE: ZOOM - computer, tablet, cell phone
The next SAC6 CHAT:
· Friday, January 29, 2021 - Self Advocates share their stories with the Fair Hearing Process
Join Zoom Meeting on your computer, tablet or phone
Meeting ID: 936 7099 5679
Password: 386428
You must enter the Password or you can call in:
TOLL FREE NUMBER TO CALL IN:
· 1-877-853-5257 US Toll-free
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Five County Data Update
as of January 28, 2020
San Joaquin County
· 61,548 total positive cases and 850 deaths
· 58.6 new cases per 100,000 people and 14.4% positivity rate (Widespread/Purple....Most Restrictive)
Stanislaus County
· 45,264 total positive cases and 815 deaths
· 53.8 new cases per 100,000 people and 14.2% positivity rate (Widespread/Purple....Most Restrictive)
Tuolumne County
· 3526 total positive cases and 48 deaths
· 21.8 new cases per 100,000 people and 5.4% positivity rate (Widespread/Purple....Most Restrictive)
Calaveras County
· 1626 total positive cases and 23 deaths
· 41.9 new cases per 100,000 people and 11.9% positivity rate (Widespread/Purple....Most Restrictive)
Amador County (Numbers through 01/27)
· 1427 total positive cases and 28 deaths
· 14.8 new cases per 100,000 people and 5.5% positivity rate (Widespread/Purple....Most Restrictive)
State of California
· 3,262,595 total positive cases and 39,440 deaths
· 71.6 new cases per 100,000 people and 12.4% positivity rate
Valley Mountain Regional Center
· 545 positive consumer cases and 23 deaths
· 32 positive VMRC staff cases
· 4 positive volunteer case
· 244 positive provider cases and 1 death
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Local County, State and National Public Health Resources |
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