Thirty-Fifth
Community Health Advisory Coronavirus (COVID-19)
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weekly message from the director... |
COVID-19 Exposure Update
In our region the good news is that none of our five counties had to drop in the tier system for safe re-open. However, only Calaveras County showed progress in moving down the tiers, in spite of the fact that Calaveras County, as well as all of our counties, saw their cases and positivity rates increase. You may have seen in the news this week that the country is experiencing record breaking exposure and positivity rates and hospitals in some states have seen a surge in cases to the point of building make-shift hospitals in parking lots. Please be careful and remember, some people with vulnerable health conditions cannot withstand the impact of this virus, so if you don't practice the safe public behavior it means those vulnerable citizens must remain segregated from their community in order to save their lives.
DDS first sent the Alternative Services directive telling providers they would be told what their rate would be for their November services before the month started. However, since there has been some unexpected challenges, DDS will postpone the start of the new monthly rate to December 1, 2020. In the meantime providers shall use their current rate and each consumer’s average monthly attendance over the prior 12 months ending February 2020. This will be for each consumer who received Alternative Services (the provider must have complied with Section V). Finally, remember, providers cannot charge if they don't provide a service.
This week DDS published an update of extensions of several directives deemed necessary by the Director of the Department, Nancy Bargmann, to protect consumer rights, health, safety, or welfare. The director has authority to set these directives, often waiving current statute, for up to 30 days. These directives have new deadlines into the Month of December 2020 and consist of the following:
1. Department Directive on Requirements Waived due to COVID-19
2. Department Directive on Requirements Waived due to COVID-19 and Additional Guidance - Day Programs, Consumer Complaints, and HCBS Assessments
3. Department Directive 02-032520: Requirements Waived due to COVID-19 - In Home Respite
4. Department Directive 01-033020: Additional Participant-Directed Services
5. Department Directive 01-041520: Requirements Waived due to COVID-19 - Vendor Audits, HCBS Postings
6. Department Directive 01-061520: Extension of Early Start Services
7. Department Directive 01-100220: Waiver of Half-Day Billing Requirements for Day Services
Congratulation to Gloria
In case you haven't heard, today is Gloria Craven's last day at Valley Mountain Regional Center. She has had a successful and meaningful career with the last 21 years at VMRC in service to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. She has made a lasting impact on the people she served as well as her colleges at VMRC. The true measure of her impact on her colleagues can be seen by these reactions:
"Gloria has served individuals with intellectual disabilities for many years first as a residential provider, then as an SC and team leader. Her smile and hard work will be greatly missed."
“Gloria, you have been an amazing advocate for the individuals you have worked with through the years, an inspiration to your peers but most importantly, a kind-hearted, loving, and passionate person. Enjoy retirement by continuing to share your beautiful smile and personality. We will miss you!
Robert Fernandez
P.S. Now that you’re retired, you have more time to bring me Filipino food! – Magsayang Pagreretiro”
"It has been an honor and a pleasure to work with Gloria Craven. She has always gone above and beyond when it came to working with the consumers, vendor community and her peers at VMRC. Many would agree that Gloria has taught us that we should keep on smiling, counting our blessings and to enjoy life no matter what it brings our way. Gloria will be truly missed."
Pam Sanghera
"I met Gloria in 2002 when I joined Karen’s team and right away noticed how very caring, responsible, and dedicated she was to our adult consumers. Gloria gave me a warm welcome to the team and VMRC and was always ready to help me. I will always treasure the memories of working with her. Congratulations Dear Gloria!!! Enjoy Retirement!"
Noelia
"Gloria is one of the hardest working Service Coordinators at VMRC. She started at VMRC in 1999 and promoted to Senior Service Coordinator in 2006. Before working at VMRC, Gloria served consumers as Administrator for the Solidum Care Homes. Gloria has always felt that her purpose in life is to be of service to others, and she showed it through her dedication to VMRC’s mission. Gloria will be missed by so many. Many lives are better because of her work."
Mary Ann Gonzales
"Gloria is an inspiration and always treated our consumers with compassion and care. Her love for life is contagious. I will miss her."
Grace Rehman
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Tony Anderson
Executive Director
Valley Mountain Regional Center
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Case Management Update
Remote Meetings Continue
As noted in the recent extension of DDS Directives, in-person meeting requirements continue to be waived due to COVID-19. Meetings for Individual Program Plans (IPP) or other meetings related to delivery of services can continue to be conducted remotely if the consumer, their representative or family agrees. We will continue to contact consumers and families by phone or virtual methods during this time. As we are still in the midst of a public health crisis, remote contact has been imperative in ensuring delivery of services.
Since March, approximately 96% of all VMRC consumers have opted to meet remotely. For those who have initially declined remote meetings, deciding to wait for face to face, Service Coordinators will again be in contact to discuss willingness to meet via phone, FaceTime, or Zoom.
You Can Still Register and Vote on Election Day
If you are eligible to vote but not yet registered, you can still vote in the presidential election on November 4. California allows voters to register to vote on the same day that they cast their ballot. This is called conditional or same day voter registration. You will need to go to your county elections office, polling place, or vote center in person to register and vote conditionally.
Also, if you have misplaced your ballot you can vote in person. It is likely that you will vote using a provisional ballot. A provisional ballot is the same as a regular ballot, but it is not counted until after your county elections officials have made sure that you have not already voted.
2021 Youth Leadership Forum Scheduled
If you are of high school age and are interested in reaching your academic, career and independence goals, the California Youth Leadership Forum may be of interest to you. The forum is being held the week of July 11-16, 2021.
The forum will consist of talking with policymakers to educate them on the ways they can help improve the lives of young people with disabilities and follow up monthly sessions will occur to keep the conversation going. The week-long conference may be held virtually or partly in-person, depending on the circumstances of COVID during that time.
For additional information, please contact: Email: ylf@dor.ca.gov Phone: (855) 894-3436 or Dial 711 for California Relay Service.
Christmas Ornaments Needed
Holiday time is fast approaching. And, the 89th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony is being planned. The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) has been asked again to participate in the official State Capitol Tree Lighting Ceremony and is requesting ornaments from the community.
For more than twenty years, individuals who have a developmental disability have created ornaments to decorate the Christmas tree at the State Capitol. Regional Centers have been asked to work with communities to create and send ornaments for this special tree. More information is coming soon.
As in previous years, a child with a developmental disability will participate in the ceremony and place an ornament onto the tree during an evening ceremony with California’s Governor.
2021 Medicare Part D Planning Underway
VMRC will continue to partner with UOP School of Pharmacy to complete plan reviews and enrollments for Medicare beneficiaries. UOP will ensure that consumers are in in the "best-fit" Medicare Part D plan for 2021.
Plan reviews for consumers who have Medicare only will be conducted between October 15 and December 7, 2020, which is Medicare's annual open enrollment period.
Plans for consumers that are dual eligible and have both Medicare and Medi-Cal will begin January 1, 2021.
After consumer's plans have been reviewed, letters will be sent to consumers, families and residential service providers informing them if their plan was changed. Until then, consumers will remain in the same plan.
For questions you can contact Katina Richison at 209-955-3616.
Youth Summit on November 6
LIVINGWORKS is holding an in-person Youth Summit to learn more about starting the conversation on mental health and suicide prevention. The event is geared toward youth ages 16 to 25 years. Join them on Friday, November 6, from 5pm to 7pm.
To ensure the health and safety of all, social distancing practices will be in place and masks are required.
Stockton Transition Team Organizes Clothing Drive
In recognition of Homeless Awareness Month, the Stockton Transition team is coordinating another clothing drive for those in need. Last year we were able to collect many donations from VMRC staff and deliver them to the homeless and needy through St. Mary’s Dining Hall. It was a great event and donations were greatly appreciated. This year, the need may be even greater given the pandemic and the economic uncertainty many are facing.
The project coordinators are seeking donations from VMRC staff. Socks, hats, gloves, underwear, and blankets are considered preferred items. Presentation of the donations will occur on November 19 at St. Mary’s as part of their lunch service. Donations can be given to Dave Vodden and/or any Transition team member starting in November.
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VMRC’s PCP Trainers Attend Event
The Redwoods Virtual Gathering for Person Centered Practices was held for three days this week and VMRC’s Person Centered Planning trainers attended the event. Program Managers Pam Kidroske, Elizabeth Diaz, and Karen Jensen were among the many participants from regional centers throughout California (VMRC, San Diego RC, Regional Center of the East Bay, North Bay RC, Tri Counties RC, Central Valley RC, Far Northern RC, and South Central Los Angeles RC), as well as those from other states. There were also a number of SLS providers and agencies that work with parents in attendance.
Key topics included Self-Determination, Cultural & Linguistic Competence, Remote PCT Delivery, Family Survival during the Pandemic, and HCBS Implications for Services and Supports. Presenters were: Michael Smull, Dr. Karyn Harvey, Derek Smith, Trudy Grable, Liz A. Rodgers-Ponce, Lilia Rangel-Reyes, Mary Beth Lepkowsky, Dave Mulvey, Sue Goss, Rachael Newkirk, Marlene McCollum, and Amanda George.
“We came away with some good ideas and helpful tools for Person Centered Planning”, stated Pam Kidroske. We look forward to the new information being incorporated into our local training.
Cindy Mix
Director of Consumer Services
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Clinical Update
With influenza season in our midst, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has released treatment guidelines on influenza and when there is a co-occurring COVID-19 infection, including receiving inactivated flu vaccine and starting the antiviral drug, Oseltamivir, to hospitalized patients.[1]
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has now officially approved the first treatment for COVID-19 – the antiviral drug Remdesivir (RDV; Veklury) to be used in adults and children 12 years and older who weigh more than or equal to 40 kg if requiring hospitalization.[2]
With the U.S. coronavirus toll topping 87,757 daily cases – the highest so far since the pandemic started[3] - please continue to follow the guidelines from the California Department of Public Health on private gatherings.[4] The smaller the number of people, the safer, and keep a stable group of people that you interact with.
We need to protect each other by wearing masks at all times. A new study showed that if there is 95% mask use in public, there would be 130,000 lives saved in the U.S. from September 22, 2020 to February 28, 2021.[5] Our consumers, specifically those with Down Syndrome, are found to be 10 times at risk of dying from COVID-19 related deaths, and 5 times at risk of COVID-19 related hospitalization.[6]
Let us continue to keep each other safe by wearing masks in public as it is scientifically proven to be an effective way of keeping the virus at bay. More so, continue physical distancing and hand washing, and get your flu shot now.
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Please continue to stay safe and healthy. |
Claire B. Lazaro, MSN, RN, NP, PHN, FNP-C
Director of Clinical Services
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A Message from the Board President
It is with great pride that I share with you that Emily Grunder was appointed to the Governor's Office of Emergency Services Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS) communications committee. Emily is an amazing peer leader and major contributor on our board of directors and we are very proud of her. As the appointment letter states, "Yours is a valuable perspective and will help us ensure an inclusive emergency management system for all Californians." Congratulation Emily.
Margaret Heinz
Board President
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Early Start Update
Early Start Outreach
Last week we shared information about Early Start outreach in our health advisory. The Interagency Coordinating Council on Early Intervention (ICC) and the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) are pleased to share these outreach materials with you in Spanish. Additional languages of these materials are forthcoming and will be forwarded to you as they become available. The Early Start Community Flyer has also been updated to include a fillable box for you to input your local contact information.
Please find the attached outreach materials:
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The Early Start Community Flyer – Fillable Local Contact Information Version (English and Spanish) – This flyer, for families who may have a concern about their child’s development, was developed by the ICC in collaboration with the Family Resource Center Network of California. This flyer now contains a customizable area for local referral agencies to add in and share their local contact information.
Please feel free to share the attached resources with families, colleagues, and partner agencies via email listservs, newsletters, social media, and other platforms.
If an infant or toddler has, or is suspected of having, a delay or disability, please contact the local regional center about possible Early Start services or call 1-800 515-BABY. Anyone can make a referral.
Early Start also has a variety of additional multilingual brochures, booklets, publications, and other free resources that are available for parents, professionals, and others.
The attached materials, and other free resources, are available for parents, professionals, and others at the following link:
Once again, we thank you for your partnership and commitment to California’s children and families!
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Tara Sisemore-Hester
Assistant Director, Clinical Services
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Employment Update
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month
The 4th week of "October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month" was jam packed with so many amazing events. I was able to provide an update on Employment to our CLASP members on Monday. SCDD hosted an awesome webinar “Let’s Celebrate our Stories” where our individuals shared their success stories on achieving their employment goals. Wonderful event, thank you SCDD!!!
On Thursday I was a panelist and gave a presentation on Employment to our new hires, it was awesome to virtually meet everyone. The two day presentation was recorded and will be shared with staff. I also provided an update to the Stanislaus County Supported Employment Living Interagency Team (SELIT).
College of Columbia hosted an amazing presentation on "Supporting your Mental Health" while job searching, presented by Tamara Oxford. Link shared below. College of Columbia also hosted a virtual presentation on "Careers in Hospitality Management", with guest speakers from Ironstone Vineyards, The Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians, Chicken Ranch Casino, and Alicia’s Sugar Shack.
Wrapping up this week and "October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month" will be our Executive Director, Tony Anderson, who is presenting on Employment to the SAC6 Chat on Friday. This month has been incredible with plenty of resources for the hiring of individuals with developmental disabilities. Thank you all for helping me promote National Disability Employment Awareness Month!!!
October 27, 2020 ~ 10-11:30am Let’s celebrate our stories!
October 28, 2020 11am College of Columbia Mental Health and Job Searching
October 29, 2020 2pm College of Columbia Careers in Hospitality See flyer College of Columbia Fall Virtual Events
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Enos Edmerson Jr.
Employment Specialist
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It’s not too late to register for the the 2nd Annual Provider Conference, “Vision 2020,” which will be held as a Web Series across 3 days in November. Registration is $25 per person for 6 TOTAL CEUs. We'll kick off the event on 11/5 10am to 12:30pm with Director Nancy Bargmann and Dr. Laura Brackin, then 11/10 10am to 12pm with Vance Taylor (OES) and Nicole Paterson (DDS) & ending on 11/17 10am to 1pm with Jason Freeman (Advocate) & VMRC QA/RD. Participants can register at:
For more information on the Conference and CLASP Membership, please see our webpage:
Residential Service Provider Workgroup: Meetings are being held for Residential Service Providers to collaborate and discuss issues specific to service delivery as RSPs, especially during the COVID-19 Pandemic. To get more information on dates, times, and Zoom Meeting Login please contact RSP, Marni Dick at marnijd@sbcglobal.net
Day Program Service Provider Workgroup: Day Program providers have also begun meeting since the State-Wide Shutdown to discuss service delivery, ask questions of VMRC, and collaborate via Zoom. The next meeting will be held will be held on Thursday, November 12th at 8:00am. For more information on future dates, times, and Zoom Meeting Login please contact Chris Martin at cmartin@ucpstan.org
CLASP Membership Meetings: Meetings are held monthly and are currently taking place via Zoom from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on the 4th Monday of every month. Our next meeting will be Monday, November 23rd, and can be accessed at:
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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
Please join us as we visit MAINSL’ in Chico, California. MAINSL’ has used the creativity of their staff and students to create unique experiences for the entire community. Learn how they developed Distance Learning Portals and creative live Zoom sessions.
Later, we visit with the We Care A Lot Foundation in Redding. They are working to create a Peer-to-Peer, Getting Connected Program. Let’s listen to what they are working on and see what we can learn and share.
Monday, November 23, 2020
3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Join us, click the link below:
or call toll-free (888) 475-4499
Meeting ID: 914 9157 2765
Passcode: 368677
“Let the beauty of what you love be what you do. There are a thousand ways to kneel and kiss the earth.”
– Rumi
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The Institute on Community Integration from University of Minnesota’s Fall 2020 “IMPACT” magazine feature the issue on Self-Advocacy for People with Intellectual, Developmental, and Other Disabilities
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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 October 30, 2020
TIME: 11:00am-12:00pm
WHERE: ZOOM - computer, tablet, cell phone
The next SAC6 CHAT:
· Friday, October 30, 2020 - Employment Wrap Up - Tony Anderson of VMRC AND Halloween Bingo & Costume Contest with Prizes!
Join Zoom Meeting on your computer, tablet or phone
Meeting ID: 920 9800 5525
Password: 538515
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 October 29, 2020
San Joaquin County
- 21,994 total positive cases and 492 deaths
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6.3 new cases per 100,000 people and 3.7% positivity rate (Substantial/Red....2nd Most Restrictive)
Stanislaus County
- 17,814 total positive cases and 400 deaths
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6.9 new cases per 100,000 people and 3.9% positivity rate (Substantial/Red....2nd Most Restrictive)
Tuolumne County
- 288 total positive cases and 6 deaths
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3.3 new cases per 100,000 people and 2.1% positivity rate (Moderate/Orange....2nd Least Restrictive)
Calaveras County
- 347 total positive cases and 21 deaths
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1.3 new cases per 100,000 people and 1.9% positivity rate (Minimal/Yellow.... Least Restrictive)
Amador County
- 308 total positive cases and 15 deaths
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2.2 new cases per 100,000 people and 1.1% positivity rate (Moderate/Orange....2nd Least Restrictive)
State of California
- 923,274 total positive cases and 17,555 deaths
- 7.2 new cases per 100,000 people and 3.2% positivity rate
Valley Mountain Regional Center
- 195 positive consumer cases and 14 deaths
- 12 positive VMRC staff cases
- 1 positive volunteer case
- 75 positive provider cases and 1 death
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Local County, State and National Public Health Resources |
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