February 2026

Love is in the Air, but so are Germs!!

Influenza, or flu, is a common respiratory illness caused by a virus. Flu is an infection of the lungs, nose, and throat. Flu symptoms can range from mild to severe. In some cases, flu can be life-threatening.

Flu spreads easily person to person:

Through droplets in the air when someone coughs or sneezes
By touching surfaces with the virus

You may be able to spread the flu virus before you even know you are sick. You may be contagious for 7 days or longer after becoming sick.

How to prevent the flu?

The best way to prevent the flu is to get a yearly flu vaccine.

Other ways to help stop the spread of flu include:

Wash hands often
Cover coughs and sneezes
Stay away from people who are sick
Wear a face mask

QA Corner

Exciting news!

In December, CCI, Inc. completed a 3 day Basic Assurances (BA) Review with Liberty Healthcare

and the Council on Quality and Leadership. We received excellent feedback during the review,

and would like to thank all individuals, family members and staff who participated in the

process. We are particularly grateful to the individuals who were part of a Focus Group and the

valuable insight they provided. THANK YOU!

The BA review included an assessment of CCI, Inc. policies, procedures, and practices,

documents, forms and files, and interviews with people we support, family members and DSPs.

The Reviewers stated, “The dedication of Center for Community Inclusion, Inc. to people

receiving services is evident and it was a pleasure to work with the organization.” The Review

identified a list of our many strengths and a few suggested opportunities to formalize our

practices. All 10 Factors of the Basic Assurances were evaluated. Some of the strengths of CCI,

Inc. include:

Robust tools, resources and education about Individual’s rights
Satisfaction surveys are overwhelmingly positive, and people are provided opportunities

to give feedback in different ways

Recognition of the importance of natural supports and efforts to help connect people to

supports

Promotion of community resources
Comprehensive training and focus on health and safety topics for individuals and DSPs
95% of funded Personal Support ours are provided to people served, and 99% of

Community Development Service hours

94% overall Satisfaction of Individuals receiving services; 95% overall DSP Satisfaction
89% Retention rate for DSPs in 2025 (this is remarkable, especially for this field of work!)

We appreciate the time and training that all of you have completed the past several years to

understand the Basic Assurances and how they apply to services. Your dedication to learning

made this such a successful review!! Stay tuned, we’ll be sending out the annual Basic

Assurances training to everyone later this Spring.

Did You Know? Education on your Rights

Individuals receiving services have the right to request a review of their file with CCI, Inc., and

also with their Coordinator of Community Services. Contact the CCI, Inc. Case Manager, Callie

Kresser, to request to review your CCI, Inc. file/record. (CCI, Inc. does not have access to your

DDA/LTSS record, please contact your CCS for this request)

Individuals, family members and DSPs also have a right to file a Grievance at any time with CCI,

Inc. Just contact any Administrator at the CCI, Inc. office, or the Director, Marina Moore, and

we will ensure a quick and timely response to your concern. If you file a grievance, you are

entitled to Due Process, which includes timely and fair handling of your concern without fear of

retaliation.

Want more information about your Human Rights? Use this link to these short videos about

your Rights.

Our Rights --- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6d7O-o16fg

Rights and Responsibilities --- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJ8MrU4omV4

CCI, Inc. is not liability for any outside resources/ organizations.

Any cost incurred is sole responsibility of individual and/or DSP.

CCI, Inc. cannot be held responsibility for any associated or potential risks, liability and/or injury.

Join PG County Parks and Recreation on February 13th for some Valentine's Day trivia! Take the chance to show what you know about love songs, romantic places, and famous couples. Multiple choice answers, lifelines, and picture clues will be provided to give everyone an equal shot at winning. There is a chance to win prizes!

When: Friday, February 13th at 10:15am - 11:45am

Address: 7720 Barlowe Rd. Landover, MD, 20785

VIBE is Carroll County's first alcohol and tobacco/vape free nightclub experience for people 18+ years with disabilities, and their family and friends. Complete with DJ, dancing, games, snacks, and a mocktail lounge, Club VIBE provides a lively opportunity for physical expression and social connection in a judgment-free space. DO NOT COME if you are sick! Must be 18 years of age or older to attend and all guests MUST register in advance to secure entry. Non-registered guests must pay a $20 cover charge at the door and complete the required waiver!

When: Saturday, February 21st from 5:30pm - 8:30pm

Address: Charles Carroll Community Center

Purchase Tickets

Nature Without Limits invites you to explore the wonders of nature through hands-on activities, sensory experiences, and seasonal themes. Led by experienced naturalists, these programs encourage connection with the outdoors, foster curiosity, and promote physical and mental well-being. Join them on February 12th for this month's theme, which is maple sugaring.

When: Thursday, February 12th at 11am - 12pm

Address: 1000 Lakeside Drive, Baltimore, MD 21210

Medicaid Redetermination

Ensure you are ready for it!

When it's your time for Medicaid Redetermination - please sure to complete all required paperwork. Your Service Coordinator will help you through the process. But make sure that you do the following to get ready to renew:

1. Make Sure Your Contact Information is Up to Date.

● Make sure we have your right address, phone number

and email so we can reach you. To check and update

your information:

○ Log in to your MyMDThink account, or

○ Contact your Local Department of Social Services for

help, or

○ Work with your Coordinator of Community Services

(CCS) for help.

2. Check Your Mail. Read Your Mail.

● Watch your mail for notices from us. You will get notices

about your upcoming renewal 90 days ahead of time.

● Look for your renewal packet in your mail.

● Your Coordinator of Community Services can help you

with information about your renewal date too.

3. Complete and Return all Forms and Documents

Right Away.

● When you get your renewal packet, be sure to complete

and return it by the due date. If you do not, you will lose

your Medicaid and waiver coverage.

4. Help with Your Renewal

● Call your Coordinator of Community Services or your

personal representative, which is the person you choose to help you, for questions or help with your renewal.

We would love to hear from you!

Please let us know if there are any subjects, topics or resources you would like to learn more about!

Email Jen at cciprograms1@gmail.com with your suggestions.