Health Advisory LVI: VMRC Community Notice

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Fifty-Sixth

Community Health Advisory Coronavirus (COVID-19)

weekly message from the Executive Director

By the Numbers

For the second week in a row we mourn the loss of another consumer who died at home from COVID-19. She had a son and a daughter, and all three got the virus and were isolating from each other at home. This is a tremendously sad situation and our hearts go out to this family. We also reported that seven consumers tested positive for COVID-19, and one of them was hospitalized. For the second week in row we are reporting no positive test results for our DSP community, and while none of our counties advanced to the next level in the tier system, we also did not drop either. Finally, the state is trending downward and according to the CDC, California is listed as having the fourth lowest positivity rate in the country at 52.7 (per 100,000).

This week we held our first 3 of 12 vaccination clinics authorized to vaccinate 1890 consumers, families and providers. Unfortunately, we were only able to use 82% of the vaccinations available to us in Modesto because we did not have enough people willing to take the vaccinations. Several individuals who were registered for the vaccination on Tuesday reported to us that they no longer felt confident after they heard the news that the Johnson and Johnson vaccination was put on a "pause" due to serious side effects experienced by 6 people (out of 7 million vaccinations). A couple people came back on Thursday, but in the end we definitely were impacted by the news. Hopefully we will have better luck in our Stockton clinics next week. Having concerns about the vaccinations are normal, and like any concerns you have, especially those impacting your health, getting more information from trusted public scientists and getting your questions answered is the best way to make an informed choice about getting the vaccines. For starters check out this informational video developed by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention below:

COVID-19 Vaccines: How Do We Know They Are Safe? | April 2, 2021

Tony Anderson

Executive Director

Valley Mountain Regional Center

Case Management Update

TikTok Helps Illustrate the Individuality of Autism

About 1 in 54 children are diagnosed with autism and it manifests differently for every person. Because of the disorder's uniqueness, it’s crucial for providers to treat every autistic person as an individual.

Videos on TikTok demonstrate personal experiences and are helping autistic students and caregivers, as well as the general public.

This Autism Awareness Month, autistic TikTok users are uploading videos using hashtags such as #autismawareness and #actuallyautistic to talk about their personal experiences with autism. You may find these videos helpful in your everyday life.

https://www.verywellhealth.com/individual-autism-experiences-tiktok-5176309

Tenant Relief Act

California tenants, landlords or homeowners can receive CA COVID-19 rent relief information through the Housing is Key website at: https://housing.ca.gov/ or call 833-430-2122.

Help During the Pandemic

Find food assistance, help paying bills, and other free or reduced cost programs, including new programs for the COVID-19 pandemic. Just enter your zip code and resources can be available to you.

https://www.findhelp.org/?ref=ab_redirect

Upcoming Self-Determination Program Orientations

Orientations for the Self-Determination Program (SDP) are being held for all interested participants. Attending an orientation is a requirement to start the process. Spanish translation will be provided.

· Tuesday, April 27, 2021 from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_0YPdfJRWTTyEWAQgAhglNg

· Saturday, May 15, 2021 from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_d1TjPC1pTJ-wogCyavie8g

· Wednesday, May 19, 2021 from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_n5cCfQTLSJyhG5ZDACllPw

· Tuesday, June 29, 2021 from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_GD2vHdC0TemogCdTR5lWMw

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining.

Please contact Angelique Shear at (209) 955-3294 or ashear@vmrc.net for questions.

Cindy Mix

Director of Consumer Services

Clinical Update

VMRC is grateful to the partnership with Safeway Pharmacy (Albertson’s Companies) in having our 3-day COVID-19 Vaccine Drive-thru Clinic at our Modesto Office!!! Many thanks also to our VMRC staff volunteers, and our community partners: DRAIL, B.E.S.T., UCP, SCDD, FRN, SAC6, DRC, and CLASP, who helped us make this possible and sent volunteers in our clinics. The volunteer Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) from B.E.S.T. helped our consumers who were anxious or afraid of needles make this experience a positive one for them. We vaccinated individuals 16-years-old and over.

On Tuesday, we administered 192 vaccines, 189 on Wednesday, and 208 vaccines administered yesterday. A total of 589 individuals who got their first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine. We have another 3-day Drive-thru vaccine clinic on April 23-15, 2021 at the Stockton Office. Here is the link to register:

https://mhealthcheckin.com/covidvaccine?clientId=1617381210836&region=NorCal_-_1&urlId=%2Fvcl%2FMVRCSTOCKTON

Below are photos of our Drive-thru COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic at the Modesto Office:

Thank you Safeway and community partners for making this possible!! Looking forward to our next vaccine clinic!!

Claire B. Lazaro, MSN, RN, NP, PHN, FNP-C

Director of Clinical Services

Early Start and Education Updates

Early Start

Amador County’s 23rd Annual 'Celebrate Our Children' Curbside Pick Up Event!

Wednesday, April 21

3:00 - 6:00 pm St. Katharine Drexel Church - parking lot

Celebrating National 'Week of the Young Child!' This year's event will look a little different. Drive through to wave at Chewy the Tooth, and get your child's car seat checked for safety. While you're there, pick up a free bag for your family, filled with lots of fantastic goodies... including a children's book, crafts, activities, and local resources! Designed for Amador County families with young children.

Education

CAPTAIN Event

PDF Version of the CAPTAIN Flyer Here

Tara Sisemore-Hester

Assistant Director - Clinical Services

Community Services Department Update

Weekly Residential Informational Session hosted by VMRC’s Community Services Department EVERY FRIDAY at 9:00 a.m.

https://zoom.us/j/92136846701

Meeting ID: 921 3684 6701

Residential providers are invited to join to learn about important changes and trends as it relates to the COVID pandemic.

Quality Assurance

Residential Providers please submit your Covid Mitigation Plan to your Community Services Liaison (CSL) or Robert Fernandez at Rfernandez@vmrc.net.

Failure to submit your plan will result in corrective action. Thank you for your continued commitment to our consumers!

Home and Community Based Services Trainings

VMRC will be hosting trainings for Residential Providers, Day Type Services Providers and Employment Services Providers. Service providers under the following service codes are encouraged to sign up for one of the trainings provided. Eligible service codes are:

Residential: 096, 113, 904, 905, 915, 910, 920;

Employment Services: 950 and 954;

Day Type Services: 028, 055, 063, 475, 505, 510, 515, 855

Zoom links will be sent out through the constant contact list.

HCBS Trainings for Residential Providers

April 27^th, 2021, 2:00pm – 3:00pm

May 17^th, 2021, 3:00pm – 4:00pm

May 20^th, 2021, 3:00pm – 4:00pm

June 8^th, 2021, 9:00am – 10:00am

June 10^th, 2021, 9:00am – 10:00am

HCBS Trainings for Day Type and Employment Services

April 29^th, 2021, 1:00pm – 2:00pm

May 5^th, 2021, 9:00am – 10:00am

May 6^th, 2021, 9:00am – 10:00am

June 2^nd, 2021, 11:00am – 12:00pm

June 4^th, 2021, 12:30pm – 1:30pm

Contact Anna Sims, Sr. Community Services Liaison, HCBS with questions, asims@vmrc.net, 209-955-3353.

Resource Development

Please go to our website to see current needs and Community Resource Development Program Grant projects https://www.vmrc.net/rfps/

Current Needs Includes:

Behavior Instructional Services

Occupational Therapy Services

Functional Vision Assessments

Early Start Autism Intervention Programs

VMRC has been awarded the following Community Resource Development Plan (CRDP) / Community Placement Plan (CPP) Projects for the current Fiscal Year:

Specialized Children’s Residential Group Home in Calaveras or Tuolumne County

https://secureservercdn.net/104.238.71.109/znc.7f6.myftpupload.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Specialized-Childrens-Residential-CDRP-2021-22-Calaveras-Tuolumne.pdf

Specialized Children’s Residential Group Home in San Joaquin or Stanislaus County

https://secureservercdn.net/104.238.71.109/znc.7f6.myftpupload.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Specialized-Childrens-Residential-CDRP-2021-22.pdf

An informational ZOOM session about these two projects will be held on April 19^th from 2:30-3:30

https://zoom.us/j/94463806660

Meeting ID: 944 6380 6660

The Community Services Department

April is Autism Awareness Month and Child Abuse Prevention Month

April is both “National Autism Awareness Month”, as well as “National Child Abuse Prevention Month”. As an agency that serves thousands of individuals with Autism, as well as thousands of children, we strongly feel the need to support these awareness’.

Stanislaus County Transition Fairs

· English - Tuesday, April 27th, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

https://zoom.us/j/99461077808?pwd=Z2JYZlBQbnZHZ3BEcmdaSVhKWEo1UT09

Webinar ID: 994 6107 7808

Passcode: 945239

US: +1 669 900 6833

· Spanish - Thursday, April 29th, 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

https://zoom.us/j/95211361938?pwd=YzJVNWIwYVNscFR1R2dqdEZDeU9BQT09

Webinar ID: 952 1136 1938

Passcode: 814425

US: +1 669 900 6833

Amador, Calaveras, Tuolumne County Transition Fair

· Thursday, May 6th, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

https://zoom.us/j/97770161596?pwd=cjBVeUdzTlUwbm5mQ3drVnloLzZEUT09

Webinar ID: 977 7016 1596

Passcode: 759652

US: +1 669 900 6833

April COVID-19 Drive Through Testing

VMRC will be hosting another COVID-19 Drive Through Testing Event on Thursday, April 29th, from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM at our Stockton Office, located at 702 N. Aurora Street, Stockton, CA 95202. Registration is required, and will open in our Health Advisory that comes out on Friday, April 23rd.

Self Determination Advisory Committee (SDAC) Update

VMRC's Self Determination Advisory Committee invites you to join us at our 1st quarterly "Meet and Greet" to talk about the Self Determination Program! This is open to current Self Determination participants, and anyone interested in learning more about the Self Determination Program!

We will share ideas, struggles and successes.

DATE: Monday, April 26, 2021

TIME: 5:00 pm-8:00 pm

On Zoom

https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://zoom.us/j/99623002784?pwd=c0pPOUM3d3JwMGF6eUpBbWJJNS8vdz09__;!!GYLAgPY1nfYXW-ZqwnM!Y_EQnZWyiAR7vGNoVGTKzP-0peKNVDbxAAHeMGhILTw2okrpktz5Ng0rmiUkGjun5B6QMRY$

Meeting ID: 996 2300 2784

Passcode: 604313

Dial by your location +1 669 900 6833

Spanish interpretation will be available.

PDF Version of the Flyer Here

North Valley Hills Update

Dena Hernandez, Regional Manager (209) 473-6930

We are excited to share a new opportunity for self-advocates to become leaders in supporting other Regional Center consumers in securing resources to help them meet their dreams and goals!

Our I CAN program received a grant designed to develop the capacity among self-advocates so that they can become trained Independent Facilitators. Our training program will provide 20 adult self-advocates and up to 10 additional peers with the training required to fully support other regional center consumers in identifying their long and short term goals through a facilitated Person Centered Planning process, as well as connect to the vital resources that will help them meet their goals, and ultimately their dreams.

Once trained, our self-advocates can start their own business, or join I CAN teams in providing these valuable services. At the very minimum, self-advocates that participate will gain a deeper understanding the Regional Center service delivery system and how to make it work for them!

Please feel free to share with any self-advocates or staff in your program that think maybe interested.

To RSVP or for more information, please call (949) 351-6380 or email icanoc@yahoo.com.

Update from Family Resource Network

Diaper Distribution #2

With a generous grant from Junior League of San Joaquin County, The James R. Popplewell Fund, and community donations, Family Resource Network, the State Council on Developmental Disabilities-North Valley Hills, and VMRC are partnering to offer a second Diaper Distribution Event for infants and toddlers with special needs in San Joaquin County, on Saturday, April 24, 2021. This event is by invitation only and requires registration.

Please click link on flyer to register. While supplies last. We will be planning distributions in Stanislaus and Amador, Calaveras & Tuolumne Counties in coming months. Watch for more details!

PDF Version of the Diaper Drive Flyer Here

Project DATA

Family Resource Network (FRN) continues to assist consumers and families with Project DATA registration to provide devices and internet services to those in need. Please see the flyer for more information or contact the FRN office for assistance at 209-472-3674.