Thirty-Fourth
Community Health Advisory Coronavirus (COVID-19)
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weekly message from the director... |
Exposure Update
This week we reported two Direct Support Professionals, two consumers, and one VMRC staff positive (Stockton office is closed for additional cleaning returning Monday), and sadly one more consumer died from COVID-19. Please stay vigilant with all the safety rules we've all memorized by now, 6 feet apart, hand washing, and wear your face coverings.
Day Programs
Each week the most common question asked by consumers and families is "when will the day programs be able to open their doors?" If you're a regular Health Advisory reader you know that a lot has been done to stabilize the service system, and for day programs the following are important factors related to reopening their facilities:
· The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) has set forth provisions to allow Day Programs to be open to provide Traditional (hourly or daily rates) or Alternative Services (monthly rates) in a variety of formats (click here for more information). Day programs must comply with state guidelines in the Governor’s Blueprint and local county public health officials.
· DDS provided a waiver for non-residential programs to suspend half-day billing requirements, which is very important to support traditional Services.
· The Department of Social Services (CDSS) published a Provider Information Notice that includes guidelines for reopening facilities (i.e., 6 feet apart, no group over 10 in a room, etc. see attached).
· DDS and CDSS have set prohibitions against anyone with “compromised immune systems or who are more susceptible to respiratory illness” from using day program services, plus, they have prohibited day program services for anyone in an Adult Residential Facilities for Persons with Special Health Care Needs or ICFs.
In an ongoing effort to engage with our provider community we make sure they receive our Health Advisories (this is the 34th consecutive week), we meet with the vendor Coalition of Local Area Service Providers (CLASP) once a month, CLASP day program work group once a month, the CLASP residential work group once a month, the CLASP professional development and conference committee, and the officers of CLASP once a month. This provider group in turn is in constant communication with the member vendors, including significant contributions from the SCDD local North Valley Hills Office.
Congratulation and Thank You to Nicole Weiss
I want to take a minute to say thank you to our very own Nicole Weiss, who will be retiring shortly after the end of this month. Nicole has dedicated most of her career to serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families at Valley Mountain Regional Center for the past 30 years. She has been in the forefront of several historic changes in the community system and has seen the organization grow and transform and most importantly she has made a difference in people’s lives. To me, it’s the most enviable thing to be able to say upon your retirement, “I made a difference in people’s lives”. Thank you Nicole.
Upcoming Reorganization of the Community Services Department
With Nicole's retirement, and after significant analysis and consultation, I have merged our two units in the Community Services Department to be led by one Director instead of two Assistant Directors. As of November 1st, Brian Bennett, formerly the Assistant Director, Resource Development, will have the new title of Director of Community Services. Brian Bennett has done an excellent job for us for many years at VMRC as:
· Assistant Director, Resource Development
· Resource Development Program Manager
· Resource Development, Sr. Community Services Liaison
· Community Services Liaison, Quality Assurance Dept.
· Started at VMRC in 2006 as Service Coordinator
· SEIU Shop Steward and Contract Negotiator, and prior to VMRC he was
· Special Education (SDC-SH) teacher Delta Sierra Middle School (Lodi Unified) 2001-2006
Brian is a local San Joaquin county family man with three boys and is an avid reader. Join me in congratulating Brian is this new expanded role at VMRC.
Quality Assurance and Public Health
Our Quality Assurance team has been working hard to establish liaison relationships with each of our county's Public Health authorities so that we can help expedite the safe reopen of day program service facilities. It's important to remind people that they've been open for providing service this whole time but their buildings have been closed. Providers are encouraged to use the most protective guidance and should look to their local public health departments for Re-Opening Guidance. According to California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) Blueprint for a Safer Economy, every county in California is assigned to a tier based on its test positivity and adjusted case rate for tier assignment including metrics from the last three weeks. Many business activities may increase the level of operations and capacity as a county reduces its level of transmission. While CDPH may not provide official approval for re-opening, they can help you navigate their website and understand the guidance.
DDS and CDSS March 20, 2020 Directive sets prohibitions against anyone with “compromised immune systems or who are more susceptible to respiratory illness” from using day program services plus they have prohibited day program services for anyone in an Adult Residential Facilities for Persons with Special Health Care Needs or Intermediate Care Facilities. Finally, keep in mind that all programs must adhere to and comply with the most protective state or local COVID-19 safety guidelines in effect at the time the service is to be delivered.
Amador County
Holly Sandman, Community Preparedness Coalition Coordinator
209-223-6407
Dr. Kerr, Health Officer of Amador County requests we refer providers to Holly Sandman, above.
Calaveras County
Justina Moore, Administrative Services manager
209-754-6574
Justina is presently seeking clarification as to which business category that day programs would best fit into and will report back.
San Joaquin County
Catherine Maghirang, Public Health Nurse, Disease Control & Prevention
209-468-3822
Dr. Park, Public Health Officer
209-468-3411 – general contact #
San Joaquin County Public Health is in agreement with PIN 20-33 and will not be more restrictive than the guidelines in that PIN. This PIN includes distances of 6 feet, no more than 10 people in a room, recommends cohorting, plus many other direction and recommendations.
Maggie Ramirez
Business Representative
Business Support Branch
Stanislaus County Emergency Operations Center
209-558-4473
Maggie is familiar with VMRC adult day programs and mentioned that while they’re not requiring day programs to submit plans they do expect that they create/follow one. She also mentioned that last she heard was that they should follow the “day camps” business activity per the Blueprint for a Safer Economy.
Tuolumne County
Kristina Herrera, Public Health Programs Supervisor
(209) 533-7401
Type “For Kristina” in the email subject line
Kristina stated that the business model for day programs to follow is day camps.
If you have questions, please contact your QA Liaison. If you do not know who your Liaison is, contact Kioti Fleming, Senior Office Technician/QA at kfleming@vmrc.net, or call 209-955-3287.
Disaster Response Preparation
Our friends from Quilo have been thinking about their friends in California and Oregon. They have put together some helpful video resources for the IDD community that they would like to share. This series of videos focus on the emotional support needed by people with disabilities, their families and staff during these times of evacuation or the fear of evacuation. They are releasing these on YouTube to support people through this process and wanted to get these to you and please feel free to share with others. Here is the link to the YouTube playlist:
The playlist includes videos such as:
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Tony Anderson
Executive Director
Valley Mountain Regional Center
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Case Management Update
SSI Increase
People with disabilities receiving Supplemental Security Income and other Social Security benefits will soon see their payments rise. The Social Security Administration recently announced that benefits will increase 1.3 percent in 2021. The change comes as a result of an annual automatic cost-of-living adjustment, known as a COLA, that’s tied to inflation.
The higher payments will begin Dec. 31, 2020 for more than 8 million SSI beneficiaries and in January 2021 for over 64 million people across the nation receiving Social Security.
For individuals receiving SSI, the maximum federal payment will grow from $783 per month this year to $794 per month in 2021 with the automatic adjustment. Couples will see $1,191 per month next year, up from $1,175. https://www.ssa.gov/cola/
ABLE Act Updates
The Internal Revenue Service issued final regulations this month spelling out details about how ABLE accounts should operate. The accounts, which were established by the 2014 ABLE Act, allow individuals with disabilities to accrue up to $100,000 without risking eligibility for Social Security and other government benefits. Medicaid can be retained no matter how much money is saved in the accounts.
Annual deposits to ABLE accounts are capped at the value of the gift tax exclusion for any given year, currently $15,000 annually. However, under the final rules, people with disabilities who are employed can now deposit their earnings in ABLE accounts, above and beyond the existing contribution cap for the year. These individuals can save whatever money they earn in their ABLE account up to the value of the poverty line in the state they reside.
The IRS said that workers with disabilities who have ABLE accounts can also qualify for a Saver’s Credit, which can reduce their federal tax bill. Separately, money saved in a traditional 529 college savings plan for an individual with a disability or a family member can be rolled over into an ABLE account up to the maximum annual contribution limit. The rules indicate that this option is available until Jan. 1, 2026.
ABLE accounts are open to people with disabilities that onset prior to age 26. Money saved in the accounts can be used for education, housing, transportation, employment training and support, assistive technology, personal support services and other “qualified disability expenses.”
As of June, data shows that there are nearly 71,000 ABLE accounts open nationally with $469.4 million in assets. For more information:
CNMA to Offer Grants for Autism Support
The California Nevada Moose Association (CNMA) is a charitable organization that has initiated a program to provide grants to autism support groups and individuals with autism who have special circumstances. CNMA has a network of lodges scattered throughout California and Nevada and will work to form relationships with and support for autism groups within their locality.
The organization seeks to identify support groups which may need financial support for swimming lessons, equine therapy, or other needs and indicates that ideal grant candidates will be support groups or individuals with special circumstances. According to information received, they are not looking to support large umbrella organizations with paid employees or high overhead costs, but rather small disparate groups who may be in need.
To apply for a CNMA CAP Grant or for information on the Grant Process please contact: Mitch Williams, CNMA CAP Chairman @ cell 815-751-4884 or mitchel_williams@hotmail.com.
Halloween Activities during Pandemic
Many traditional Halloween activities can be high-risk for spreading viruses. There are several safer, alternative ways to participate in Halloween. Medical experts indicate that if you may have COVID-19 or you may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, you should not participate in in-person Halloween festivities and should not give out candy to trick-or-treaters.
Consider fun alternatives that pose lower risk of spreading the virus that causes COVID-19. These lower risk activities can be safe alternatives for you and your family:
- Carving or decorating pumpkins with members of your household and displaying them
- Carving or decorating pumpkins outside, at a safe distance, with neighbors or friends
- Decorating your house, apartment, or living space
- Doing a Halloween scavenger hunt where children are given lists of Halloween-themed things to look for while they walk outdoors from house to house admiring Halloween decorations at a distance
- Having a virtual Halloween costume contest
- Having a Halloween movie night with people you live with
- Having a scavenger hunt-style trick-or-treat search with your household members in or around your home rather than going house to house
Annual “Drug Takeback Day” on 10/24
University of the Pacific (UOP), along with other county and local organizations, are participating in the Annual Drug Takeback Day on Saturday, October 24 from 10am to 2pm. People can drop off unwanted medications at no-cost and anonymously at 3 locations—Stockton, Lockeford and Lathrop.
The UOP School of Pharmacy will work with the San Joaquin County Public Health Services, San Joaquin County Opioid Safety Coalition, San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Department, Lathrop Police Department and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to provide the public an opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs.
There will be three drive-thru drop-off sites throughout the county where you can bring your medications for disposal:
· Code 3 Wear at Lincoln Center, 304 Lincoln Center (North), Stockton
· Young's Payless IGA Supermarket, 18980 N Hwy 88, Lockeford
· Lathrop Senior Center, 15707 Fifth Street, Lathrop
Sites cannot accept liquids, needles or sharps, only pills or patches. Pills may be brought in loose, in blister packs or in their original prescription bottles. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. To keep everyone safe, collection sites will follow local COVID-19 guidelines and regulations.
FREE Health Services in SJ County
The 2020 Bi-National Health Coalition is being held on Saturday, October 24 from 10am to 2 pm. The free Drive-Thru services will happen at the San Joaquin County (SJC) parking lot located at 500 W. Hospital Rd., French Camp.
Free COVID-19 testing and Free Flu Shots are available. You can talk to a doctor about your health and discuss various programs for which you may qualify. Services you can access at the Coalition also include: wellness checks, blood pressure checks, healthy weight checks, women’s health, children’s health, healthy eating, and mental health.
The event is being sponsored by Health Plan of San Joaquin, San Joaquin General Hospital, SJC Clinics, Health Net, SJC Public Health, El Concilio, and First 5 of San Joaquin. See the flyer here.
DRC Victory Changes IHSS Pro-Rated Hours Practice
The rules have just changed to allow more hours when two or more individuals who receive IHSS Protective Supervision (PS) live in the same household. For some years now, IHSS has “prorated” the protective supervision hours, which resulted in a significant reduction of hours for a number of families/households. Disability Rights of California (DRC) and other lobbyists were instrumental in the change of eliminating proration of County IHSS hours in these circumstances.
The change is retroactive to July 1, 2020 so some providers should receive an additional payment.
Families and providers are now empowered to call their county in order to implement this change for the recipients affected. All eligibility requirements for PS and documentation remain unchanged. As a reminder, PS does not include routine childcare or supervision, friendly visiting or other social activities; when the need is caused by a medical condition or in anticipation of a medical emergency; to prevent or control anti-social or aggressive recipient behavior; or to guard against deliberate self-destructive behavior.
Autism Star Conference 2020
The parent-centered Autism Star Conference 2020 is being held virtually on Saturday, October 24 from 8:45 am to 12:45pm. The conference is free and dedicated to families of children with autism, 0-21 years of age.
The schedule includes: IEP Rights, IEP Basics about Distance Learning, and Engaging Students and Families with Virtual Learning. The conference originates out of the East Bay area, but is available to all.
There is still room available, so act quickly. To register in English or Spanish:
Staff Donations Support Local Women’s Center
Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) is held throughout the month of October as a way to bring awareness and help end domestic violence. Domestic violence includes a wide range of abusive behavior including physical, emotional, financial and psychological, and it is un-discriminatory of age, ethnicity, race, socioeconomic status or gender.
VMRC employees have been collecting donations for the Women’s Center—Youth & Family Services during the month to show our support. The donations are mainly made up of full or travel size toiletry items and will continue to be accepted through November 20. The organized effort was spear-headed by the VMRC N.O.T. (Navigating Options Together) Team.
The Women’s Center of Stockton supports four (4) shelters—2 for domestic violence that also houses males, a Safe House (runaways) ages 12-17, and Transitional Housing for ages 18-21.
Cindy Mix
Director of Consumer Services
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Clinical Update
Latest update on COVID-19
· The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have expanded the definition of “Close contact” as to someone who was within 6 feet of a SARS-CoV-2 infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period, starting from 2 days before illness onset (or for asymptomatic individuals, 2 days prior to test specimen collection) until the time the infected patient is isolated.[1] For example, three 5-minute exposure will total 15 minutes of exposure.
· Report of racial disparity in COVID-19 mortality by the National Vital Statistics system for May to August 2020.[2] Non-Hispanic White decedents were 51.3%, Hispanic/Latino were 24.2% and Black were 18.7%. Compared to the U.S. population data, Black decedents slightly decreased by 2.9 percentage points while Hispanics increased by 10.1 points.
· Strong recommendation by CDC for all to wear masks when on airplanes, trains, buses, ride-shares, taxis, ferries, and ships.[3] Part of the recommendation is for operators to refuse boarding to anyone not wearing a mask.
· A survey of 1,971 U.S. adults showed that they will trust a COVID-19 vaccine more and be receptive to it if there is increased efficacy from 1-5 years.[4] Furthermore, endorsement from the CDC or WHO were associated with higher probabilities of choosing a vaccine compared with an endorsement from the president.
· Study showed that children with the following symptoms will most likely develop multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C): higher median maximum temperature of 40oC,[5] increased frequency of abdominal pain, neck pain, conjunctivitis, oral mucosal irritation, extremity swelling or rash, and generalized rash, and lower absolute lymphocyte count and platelet count, and higher inflammatory marker.
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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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Education and Early Start Update
Early Start
The Early Start program, which provides early intervention in a coordinated, family-centered system, has experienced a decline in referrals since the beginning of the State of Emergency. As you know, early intervention is critical for children to achieve the best possible developmental outcomes.
All 21 regional centers across California remain open and are accepting referrals to the Early Start program, although some regional center staff may be working remotely and not holding face-to-face meetings in their offices. As we navigate new challenges, Early Start will continue working to find new ways to support our consumers, families, providers, staff and communities.
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.
In an effort to increase public awareness and outreach, we have attached the following outreach materials:
Early Start Healthcare Provider Brochure - An easy-to-read brochure that outlines the screening, referral and intake process.
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The Early Start Community Flyer – An informative flyer for families who may have a concern about their child’s development.
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Please feel free to share the attached resources with families, colleagues, and partner agencies via email listservs, social media, and other platforms.
Early Start also has a variety of additional multilingual brochures, booklets, publications, and other free resources that are available for parents, professionals, and others.
Thank you for your partnership and commitment to California’s children and families!
Families can still schedule appointments for well-child visits, developmental screening, and immunizations. Continue to monitor their child's development between visits. Please check out Learn the Signs Act Early for valuable child developmental monitoring at
A free virtual workshop dedicated to helping families and caregivers of children with disabilities will be offered Friday, November 13, 2020 from 9am - 12pm. Registration closes October 30, so please see the English or Spanish flyer for more information.
Tara Sisemore-Hester
Assistant Director, Clinical Services
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Employment Update
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month
The third week of "October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month" was full of great information and resources pertaining to employing individuals with developmental disabilities.
I was able to join the San Joaquin County Supported Employment Living Interagency Team (SELIT) virtual meeting. SELIT brings together all the community partners for our Transition age individuals to plan their transition from high school to vocational training, supported employment, post-secondary education, DOR, Competitive Integrated employment and day program. Special thanks to Dave Vodden and his Transformer team for being such an integral part of the meeting. SCDD provided an excellent virtual chat on Business Outreach & Benefits counseling.
I also attended an amazing presentation on effective Cover Letters hosted by Columbia College with Mother Lode Job training as the presenter. A link to the recording is provided below.
I was able to share a hiring events for Warehouse Supervisor, Clerks, Order Selector, Agent and Cargo Handler on 10/22/2020. I also shared a seasonal opportunity for Macy’s on VMRC linkedIn page:
Remember, for job announcements and hiring events please check our LinkedIn page for those updates.
Thank you all for helping me promote National Disability Employment Awareness Month!!!
October 20, 2020 ~ 2-3:30pm (note different time) Business Outreach & Benefits Counseling
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Enos Edmerson Jr.
Employment Specialist
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Our CLASP Leadership board and planning committee are excited that the 2nd Annual Provider Conference, “Vision 2020,” will be held as a Web Series across 3 days in November. Registration is now LIVE and 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 Wednesday, October 28th 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 October 26th and can be accessed at:
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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 23, 2020
TIME: 11:00am-12:00pm
WHERE: ZOOM - computer, tablet, cell phone
The next SAC6 CHAT:
· Friday, October 23, 2020 - National Disability Employment Awareness Month - PJ Swan from SCDD Grant "Let's Work"
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 22, 2020
San Joaquin County
- 21,528 total positive cases and 488 deaths
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4.9 new cases per 100,000 people and 3.3% positivity rate (Substantial/Red....2nd Most Restrictive)
Stanislaus County
- 17,455 total positive cases and 395 deaths
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6.0 new cases per 100,000 people and 4.3% positivity rate (Substantial/Red....2nd Most Restrictive)
Tuolumne County
- 262 total positive cases and 4 deaths
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1.4 new cases per 100,000 people and 0.8% positivity rate (Moderate/Orange....2nd Least Restrictive)
Calaveras County
- 339 total positive cases and 17 deaths
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0.6 new cases per 100,000 people and 0.1% positivity rate (Moderate/Orange....2nd Least Restrictive)
Amador County
- 287 total positive cases and 15 deaths
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1.9 new cases per 100,000 people and 0.7% positivity rate (Moderate/Orange....2nd Least Restrictive)
State of California
- 894,075 total positive cases and 17,270 deaths
- 7.0 new cases per 100,000 people and 3.3% positivity rate
Valley Mountain Regional Center
- 190 positive consumer cases and 14 deaths
- 11 positive VMRC staff cases
- 1 positive volunteer case
- 74 positive provider cases and 1 death
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Local County, State and National Public Health Resources |
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