Thirty-Eighth
Community Health Advisory Coronavirus (COVID-19)
weekly message from the director...

COVID-19 Outcomes this Week

This is clearly the time to be the most diligent about being safe because this has been one of our worst weeks ever for VMRC consumers since the beginning of the pandemic, as we witnessed 8% of all of our positive cases occurring in the past 4 days. I say this not to scare you or depress you, I say this to encourage you to be in a heightened state of awareness, and to realize that if we break this current pattern we can return to our natural state of gathering as we as people must do.
 
But, let's be clear and honest about our current state of affairs, as countless self-advocates have told me “this really sucks.” As Anthony and Carlos powerfully expressed Thursday during a call organized by Vocational Coaching Development Institute (VCDI) and Congressman Josh Harder's office, they are frustrated, sad, deeply depressed and sometimes wonder if they can go on. This was strong and raw emotional testimony. It is not enough to give them the answers to their questions in numbers and scary statistics. 

We all have to remember that everyone has an absolute natural desire and need to connect with other people, so as we try to connect remotely, please try just as hard to connect in person. I see people everywhere spending time in lawn chairs, in driveways and parks (six feet apart, bundled up and masked up) laughing. Families visiting loved ones in care homes on the porch, on the patio, in the garage, etc. Take up golf. Take up Frisbee golf, or just Frisbee, or anything else outside at a distance. While we can't gather in a large group we can still visit each other and do some outdoors activities with another person.

Thanksgiving

For each new morning with its light
For rest and shelter of the night
For health and food
For friends and love
For Everything thy goodness sends
Ralph Waldo Emerson
 
This week, all over, American families will be sitting down together for a Thanksgiving feast. As it does every year, this will look different for each of us. Some will celebrate the day by themselves or with a roommate or significant other, some will have a full extended family, some in our community will be housemates in a care home or a smaller supported living arrangement, and there will be many other ways to celebrate this reflective time of our seasons. As you consider how you will celebrate please be aware that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are not surviving at the same rate as the general population who gets COVID-19 and they are almost 5 times more likely to die.

 

Thanksgiving Gathering Guidelines
 
  • Please no more than 3 households together - the smaller the number of people, the safer.

  • The host should collect names of all attendees and contact information in case contact tracing is needed later.

  • Gathering outside is the bests and safest and have 3 sides open to the outdoors if covered.

  • Gathering at a park where other groups are gathering is OK but don't mix with them if it makes for more than 3 households.

  • If you feel sick in any way please don't go to the gathering and anyone who develops COVID-19 within 48 hours after attending a gathering should host and other attendees.


  • For any gatherings permitted under this guidance, the space must be large enough so that everyone at a gathering can maintain at least a 6-foot physical distance from others (not including their own household) at all times. 

  • Everyone at a gathering should frequently wash their hands with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available. A place to wash hands or hand sanitizer must be available for participants to use.

  • Shared items should not be used during a gathering. If providing single-serve containers is not possible, food and beverages must be served by a person who washes or sanitizes their hands frequently, and wears a face covering.


  • People at gatherings may remove their face coverings briefly to eat or drink as long as they stay at least 6 feet away from everyone outside their own household, and put their face covering back on as soon as they are done with the activity.

  • Gatherings should be two hours or less. The longer the duration, the risk of transmission increases.

  • Singing, chanting, shouting, and physical exertion and shouting are strongly discouraged, but if they occur, wear a face covering at all times and maintain physical distancing beyond 6 feet to further reduce risk.

Tony Anderson
Executive Director
Valley Mountain Regional Center

Case Management Update


Lanterman Housing Alliance Advocacy Empowers Those We Serve

Housing advocacy is working in our state. The Lanterman Housing Alliance organized a strategy to provide needed information to a large housing program. The California Tax Credit Allocation Committee (TCAC) runs one of the state’s largest affordable housing development programs. TCAC grants tax credits that developers can use to fund affordable housing development. The program rules have required developers to build at least 10% of units with features accessible to people with mobility disabilities and at least 4% with features accessible to people with hearing and vision disabilities. In senior housing projects, at least half of new units must be accessible. TCAC was proposing to cut those requirements in half.

The Committee heard from individuals and the communities served about how affordable housing with accessible features is important to our population. Stories were shared with TCAC staff and the overwhelming attendance and powerful testimony led them to withdraw the proposed cuts and now they are proposing an increase in accessible housing.

There is still work to be done to urge the adoption of this increase. Comment letters are still being accepted through 5pm today, Friday, November 20. Send written comments by 5pm on Friday, November 20, 2020 to judith.blackwell@treasurer.ca.gov and anthony.zeto@treasurer.ca.gov.

The Committee will meet in December to vote on proposed changes. For more information and updates, go to:  https://www.lantermanhousingalliance.org/
 
 
 
Self-Direction/Self-Determination Experience is Being Shared

The Alliance for Citizen Directed Supports is kicking off a new series of webinar “Meet & Greets” with members of the self-direction/self-determination community. The upcoming event will be held on Saturday, November 21 at 12noon.

The webinars are a chance to ask questions and learn about the many complex aspects of starting, managing, and advocating for self-direction and/or self-determination. The featured speaker for this first in a series on Saturday is Caroline Signore. She has been directing her own supports as a disabled, tetraplegic woman for over 15 years. She has a lot of tips and advice to share about managing a team of support staff/caregivers, building friendships and natural supports, as well as balancing a demanding career.
The webinar is free and ASL-interpreter.

Register on Zoom


Self-Advocates and Family Input Wanted

The California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) invites you to complete a Self-Advocate/Family Member Survey to them understand how COVID-19 has impacted our community and changed your services. DDS, regional centers, and service providers are working on new ways to safely support you. Completing this survey will identify what is working, what is not working and what is important to you. Your voice matters.

The survey below includes fifteen questions and is available in 10 languages.


Once you click on the survey link, you have the option in the top right corner of the page to select alternative languages from a drop-down menu where it says “English.”

Or, you can also access the alternative language directly through the links below for targeted audiences:










This survey will be available online through December 18, 2020 and will be posted on the home page of the DDS website and DDS’ Facebook and Twitter pages.  



Virtual Resource Available

The Mystery of Risk: Drugs, Alcohol, Pregnancy & the Vulnerable Child, a virtual training presented by Dr. Ira Chasnoff is available on Friday, December 11, 9am to 3pm. Dr. Chasnoff is one of the nation’s leading researchers in the field of child development and the effects of maternal alcohol and drug use on the newborn infant and child. His most recent work focuses on community approaches to the integration of behavioral services into primary health care for women and children and the occurrence of co-occurring mental health disorders in children who have been exposed to alcohol, methamphetamine, cocaine, and other drugs. The training is free. You can register at




Cindy Mix
Director of Consumer Services
Clinical Update


COVID-19 UPDATES

·       Over 250,000 individuals have died of COVID-19 in the United States.[1] This is 252,514 people[2] as of this writing that is a mom, dad, daughter, son, grandfather, grandmother, niece, nephew, cousin, significant other to families. And some families have lost more than one loved one due to COVID-19.

·       State of California – limited stay at home and curfew specifically to the purple tier counties effective November 21st to December 21st. [3] Updated Mask Mandate from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) asking people to wear mask anytime you go out of your home.[4][5] And travel advisory of doing self-quarantine for 14 days upon return when you travel out of the state or country[6]

·       The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated their guideline on masks, indicating now that masks also protect the wearer from SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.[7]

·       The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an emergency use authorization for the first COVID-19 testing kit that can be used at home with result in 30 minutes or less. [8]The Lucira COVID-19 All-In-One Test Kit is a molecular (real-time loop mediated amplification reaction) single use test that can be used, through a prescription, for individuals 14 years and older. It can be used as a point-of-care (POC) test in doctors offices for younger individuals with a health care professional getting the sample.

·       Having a “twindemic” in our midst, it is important to recognize the similarities and differences of the flu and COVID-19.[9] The link shows the significant differences between the flu and COVID-19.9

·       The Annals of Internal Medicine has shown that individuals with Down Syndrome is 10 times at risk of dying from COVID-19, and 4 times at risk of getting hospitalized related to COVID-19.[10] And a data analysis from FAIR Health, West Health Institute, and Marty Makary, MD, MPH, from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine found that individuals with developmental disorders, intellectual disability and related conditions are 3 times at risk of dying from COVID-19.[11] For the people we serve, this means that it is important to continue practicing the safety precautions of wearing mask that covers your mouth and nose at all times, keeping 6 feet distance from people not part of your household, washing hands frequently and avoid touching face.

·       Any non-essential gatherings can wait and continue to wear your mask because it protects you and the people around you. We are all in this together.


VACCINE UPDATES

·       The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) will have their meeting on November 23, 2020. It is open to the public, no registration required and will be held virtually via a live meeting webcast.[12]

·       Moderna’s vaccine is getting promising result in clinical trial showing 94.5% in preventing disease.[13],[14] It will require 2 doses, 28 days apart and stored in minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit.13

·       Pfizer and BioNTech has concluded their Phase 3 Study of the Vaccine trial, BNT162b2, for COVID-19 showing 95% efficacy rate beginning 28 days following the first dose.[15] This was observed across age, gender, race and ethnicity demographics, as well as adults over 65 years of age with 94% efficacy. It has achieved the safety data milestone set by the FDA for emergency use authorization.

·       Participants of the vaccine trial from Moderna and Pfizer stated they experienced minimal side effects such as injection site soreness, mild headache and fatigue. [16]

·       With the latest development in vaccines, the concern about its safety and efficacy is showing promising results that can give assurance to the public. According to Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, if everything goes as planned, the general public might get vaccine as early as April, with the hope of majority of the population vaccinated by summer and fall.[17]

·       Let us all continue to stay strong in keeping our family and community safe.




[2] Johns Hopkins University & Medicine Coronavirus Resource Center. November 19, 2020. https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html
[10] Annals of Internal Medicine. October 21, 2020. https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/M20-4986
[11] A FAIR Health White Paper in Collaboration with the West Health Institute and Marty Makary, MD, MPH, from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Page 11. November 11, 2020. https://s3.amazonaws.com/media2.fairhealth.org/whitepaper/asset/Risk%20Factors%20for%20COVID-19%20Mortality%20among%20Privately%20Insured%20Patients%20-%20A%20Claims%20Data%20Analysis%20-%20A%20FAIR%20Health%20White%20Paper.pdf

Please continue to stay safe and healthy.

Claire B. Lazaro, MSN, RN, NP, PHN, FNP-C
Director of Clinical Services
Community Services Update




Thank You
The Community Services Department
Early Start Update


  • Early Start Service Coordinators continue to reach out to families to determine needs and preferences during this time. We are conducting check ins along with our regular contacts.

  • Early Start directives have been extended including virtual IFSP meetings, virtual Early Start services and extension of Early Start services for children over age three until the education agency has made an offer of a free appropriate public education.

  • We continue our outreach campaign to increase Early Start referrals. Please help us by sharing the documents below. These brochures include the contact information for Early Start referrals and are available in English and Spanish. 
Tara Sisemore-Hester
Assistant Clinical Director
November Personal Protective Equipment Distribution
We have 1 PPE Distribution Day Left in November 



Friday (TODAY) – November 20, 1pm – 3pm, UCP, 959 E. Monte Vista Avenue, Turlock, CA, 95382


Thank you to Valley CAPS Manteca, ARC of Amador, and UCP Stanislaus County for hosting us. We wanted to reach some areas that we serve outside of Stockton, Modesto and San Andreas. Also, a very big thank you to SAC6 and SCDD North Valley Hills for being a HUGE help. We couldn’t do this without them!

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.
North Valley Hills Update
Dena Hernandez, Regional Manager

This is just a reminder to all the caregivers out there that you must take care of yourself too during this difficult time. Here is some helpful info from www.listocalifornia.org 
To all next week!
Have a question or concern- feel free to contact me at 209-473-6930 or dena.hernandez@scdd.ca.gov
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 November 20, 2020
TIME: 11:00am-12:00pm
WHERE: ZOOM - computer, tablet, cell phone
 
The next SAC6 CHAT:

·    Friday, November 20, 2020 -  What Does Self Advocacy Mean To You? By SAC6 Members
 
Join Zoom Meeting on your computer, tablet or phone
 



Meeting ID:  962 5777 9463

Password: 144334

You must enter the Password or you can call in:
 
TOLL FREE NUMBER TO CALL IN:
·    1-877-853-5257 US Toll-free
 
Five County Data Update
as of November 19, 2020

San Joaquin County
  • 24,450 total positive cases and 504 deaths
  • 16.4 new cases per 100,000 people and 7.4% positivity rate (Widespread/Purple....Most Restrictive)

Stanislaus County
  • 19,802 total positive cases and 415 deaths
  • 15.9 new cases per 100,000 people and 7.6% positivity rate (Widespread/Purple....Most Restrictive)

Tuolumne County
  • 675 total positive cases and 8 deaths
  • 31.4 new cases per 100,000 people and 8.1% positivity rate (Widespread/Purple....Most Restrictive)

Calaveras County
  • 399 total positive cases and 21 deaths
  • 6.8 new cases per 100,000 people and 3.0% positivity rate (Moderate/Orange....2nd Least Restrictive)

Amador County
  • 410 total positive cases and 15 deaths
  • 7.0 new cases per 100,000 people and 2.9% positivity rate (Substantial/Red....2nd Most Restrictive)

State of California
  • 1,071,266 total positive cases and 18,507 deaths
  • 16.5 new cases per 100,000 people and 5.2% positivity rate

Valley Mountain Regional Center
  • 243 positive consumer cases and 15 deaths
  • 12 positive VMRC staff cases
  • 1 positive volunteer case
  • 81 positive provider cases and 1 death
Local County, State and National Public Health Resources
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