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108th
Community Health
Advisory
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Weekly Message from the Executive Director
Tony Anderson
By the Numbers
This week we reported five positive COVID-19 cases, which is four less than last week. Two of the cases were consumers and three were direct support professionals. Our numbers in the region continue to remain below the threshold of 5% in our largest counties but we're seeing an uptick in our rural region. Last week we told you about our new consolidated COVID response policy. One of the changes we made was to modify the rules for wearing your mask in our office buildings. We consolidated the mask policy with the rule of face to face quarterly meetings in regions exceeding 5% positivity rate. If our staff is working in an office site where the positivity rate exceeds the 5% threshold then they are permitted to stop providing in-person quarterly visits (we still do them in specific cases). Therefore, if this threshold is met triggering this precaution, then all our staff and visitors will be required to wear the masks and other face coverings in that office building. This week was the first report to staff on the positivity rate for the amended policy which indicates no change for two out of our three offices:
- San Joaquin – No Change - Does not exceed 5%
- Stanislaus – No Change - Does not exceed 5%
- Calaveras – Change - Does exceed 5%
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| May 3, 2022 | May 2, 2022 | May 1, 2022 | | San Joaquin – 3.2%
| San Joaquin – 3.2%
| San Joaquin – no report | | Stanislaus – 3.8%
| Stanislaus – 3.8%
| Stanislaus – no report | | Amador – 1.9%
| Amador – 1.9%
| Amador – no report | | Calaveras – 5.3%
| Calaveras – 5.3%
| Calaveras – 5.3% | | Tuolumne – 6.3% | Tuolumne – 6.3% | Tuolumne – 6.3% | | |
This week we developed a survey to get feedback from our community related to the caseload ratio compliance. Prior to our public hearing we are asking the community to provide us with your thoughts about case management and your thoughts on allocating the month for case management. While the Governor’s Budget includes money starting in July 2022 to reduce the caseload ratios, VMRC is required to hold at least one public meeting to receive stakeholder input to help inform the way the regional center allocates new positions funded through the allocation. In this public meeting we will discuss our plan of correction, and the challenges related to filling these positions, and we'll review our process for determining service coordinator caseload assignments to assist in meeting the required caseload ratios and in developing plan of correction. Letter from DDS | |
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Upcoming Calendar of Important Events
Transition Fair - San Andreas
Thursday, May 12, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
1299 Gold Hunter Road, San Andreas, CA 95249
Event Flyer Here
Caseload Ratio Public Meeting for Plan of Correction
May 31, 2022
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 829 7446 6592
Passcode: 572640
Performance Contract Public Meeting
June 6, 2022
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 885 7170 9612
Passcode: 143391
Person Centered Thinking Training
July 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 27
9am - 12pm via Zoom
To Register, Contact Angelique Shear
ashear@vmrc.net or 209-955-3294
Person Centered Thinking Training Flyer
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Case Management Update - Children
Tara Sisemore-Hester
Director of Consumer Services - Children
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Isis is nine years’ old and enjoys going to school and staying active. She’s a talented artist and loves to draw or make Play-Doh shapes into her favorite cartoon characters. Isis can write and spell and has impressive penmanship. She’s learning and understanding more and more each day. With the help of the VMRC interpreter, her Mom wanted to give the following statement:
“I want to thank Isis’ service coordinator for all her time and effort and VMRC as an agency for helping to support the growth of Isis. Especially in the last couple of years, Isis has made great progress. She’s calmed down so much and can communicate with us more, using her words and sentences. VMRC has helped with IEP support, monthly respite hours, interpreter services, the OT evaluation and recommendations, CBEM support and information to help us seek out services through our insurance (ABA, Speech). From the bottom of my heart, I am grateful to VMRC for helping to pull everything together to help Isis and our family.” – Sopon, parent
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In this week’s blog post, we’re highlighting an article that explores recent insights, drawn from the well-known Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) study. Take a few minutes to read Adverse Childhood Experiences in Infancy and Toddlerhood Predict Obesity and Health Outcomes in Middle Childhood.
While live engagement has concluded for our Early Start Cultural Humility Series, the webinar recordings and other course materials are available ongoing. You may access and complete course activities on the Early Start Online site. Be sure to make the most of these informative courses and products.
As always, we appreciate your comments and ideas for implementing all the resources shared through the Neighborhood. Keep them coming!
Visit Early Start Neighborhood at: https://earlystartneighborhood.ning.com/?xg_source=msg_mes_network
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2022 Virtual Provider CME Program
Driven by Excellence in Treatment, Teaching and Research
We are excited to announce our 2022 Virtual Provider Continuing Medical Education (CME) program. Our mission is to improve the lives of children by offering outstanding specialty care education for medical professionals. Our monthly CME webinars are offered at no cost to you.
Join Us!
Pediatric Constipation in 2022: How to Achieve Long-term Results
Monday, May 9 at 5 p.m. PST with Pediatric Surgeons Payam Saadai, M.D. and Maheen Ahmed Hassan, M.D.
Register Here or Scan the QR Code
Audience: Pediatricians, PCPs, RNs, School-based Nurses and other licensed healthcare professionals
Learning Objectives:
· Identify the diagnostic criteria for functional constipation
· Define the red flags and symptoms that are not consistent with functional constipation
· Develop proficiency with medical management of constipation and encopresis
· Describe the utility of diagnostic procedures in the evaluation of constipation
· Describe when and how to refer patients for medication optimization, motility testing or surgical evaluation
REGISTER TODAY!
Topic: Pediatric Constipation in 2022: How to Achieve Long-term Results
Cost: FREE
When: May 9
Time: 5 - 6 p.m. PST
Registration: Scan the QR Code
Special Invitation: Pediatricians, PCPs, RNs, school-based nurses and other licensed healthcare professionals
CME Credits
Shriners Children's Northern California is accredited by the California Medical Association (CMA) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. This activity is approved for AMA PRA Category 1.0 Credit Designation for 1.0 contact hour.
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Case Management Update - Adults
Christine Couch
Director of Consumer Services - Adults
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SPOTLIGHT ON Margaret Mockel
I met Margaret approximately 21 years ago. Marge was a feisty, outspoken self-advocate with a fantastic laugh and a great sense of humor. Fast forward 21 years and Marge continues to be feisty, outspoken, has a fantastic laugh and a great sense of humor. (She agreed to a SPOTLIGHT ON interview in exchange for a chocolate shake.) Marge lives at Estrella’s Care Home in Stockton and it is her home. Everything is good at Estrella’s. She shared with me her memories of times past when she would take a taxi or the city bus downtown, have lunch and get a perm at the local beauty salon. Marge said that was a long time ago, but she shared that I should get a perm and a haircut – and then that fabulous laugh came out. I’m never quite sure if Marge is joking or being straightforward and honest with me. But she always follows up her advice with a big laugh and a kind smile, so it always feels good to share some time with Marge and reminisce about times past.
Marge reminded me of all her favorites, chocolate shakes (see the picture above), hamburgers with cheese, spaghetti, cowboys, purple and country music. She gave me her lunch order for our next visit – there’s that sense of humor!!
Marge softly spoke of long ago and her life in San Francisco. She went to school there; she has friends and family there. With a faraway look in her eyes, she said one day she wants to go back to San Francisco and find her friends and family.
Marge attends Central Valley Training Center and likes to earn a check. She says she’s been with CVTC for a long time – really, it’s been 32 years!! After checking with staff at CVTC, we think she has attended CVTC longer than any other participant. Her teacher is Sarah and Marge refers to her as her best friend. The relationships Marge has developed at CVTC have withstood the test of time!
This week I celebrate Marge, her memories of times past and her longevity. Studies have shown that people who have satisfying relationships with friends, family, and their community are happier, have fewer health problems and live longer. I am thankful for the relationships we have in this community of more than 4.5 million adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities in the USA.
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May 16 is the 5th Annual Older Adult Mental Health Awareness Day Symposium
Hosted by: The National Council on Aging
Summary: The National Council on Aging is proud to host the 5th annual Older Adult Mental Health Awareness Day
Symposium. This event is co-sponsored with the U.S. Administration for Community Living, the Health Resources and Services Administration, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Registration is free and includes a full day of sessions on how to best meet the mental health needs of older adults.
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Check Out Our Upcoming Transition Fair!
Click on the Flyer for Details
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Community Services Update
Brian Bennett
Director of Community Services
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Monthly Community Services Department Provider Informational Session
Info-Sessions will occur 1x per Month on the FIRST FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH
This is an opportunity for ALL VMRC providers to receive information related to changes (rate change info, COVID related guidance, Community Care Licensing updates, general Question and Answer sessions)
Zoom Link to upcoming Monthly Session
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88548962379
May 6th 2022, 9-10 am
June 3rd 2022, 9-10 am
July 1st 2022, 9-10 am
August 5th 2022, 9-10 am
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Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
VMRC needs your input on the implementation of the HCBS Final Settings Rule and Person-Centered Practices! Please share your feedback with us through our new survey. This survey is open to all VMRC stakeholders, including persons served and their families, vendors, and their staff, VMRC staff, VMRC Board Members and local advocacy groups. DDS has offered a new HCBS grant funding opportunity meant to encourage HCBS and Person-Centered Planning implementation for our catchment area and your input is vital to the planning process for this grant opportunity!
VMRC's HCBS/PCP Grant Funding Survey
Additional information about the HCBS Final Settings Rule can be accessed here:
VMRC's HCBS Page
California Department of Developmental Services - HCBS Page
HCBS Advocacy Coalition
HCBS Compliance Assessment Information
DDS in cooperation with Regional Centers is preparing for the implementation of the HCBS Final Settings Rule by assessing vendor settings that provide services to more than one individual in the same setting. This includes providers of residential, day program and employment programs. Between January and August of 2020 vendors were asked to complete an HCBS compliance self-survey. Then in 2021 DDS contracted with Public Consulting Group (PCG) to complete a full HCBS assessment for a representative sample of regional center vendors. VMRC had 60 providers who received this full assessment. Those reports have been received back from DDS and were emailed to providers on May 2nd, 2022. DDS is expected to release a directive in the coming months to regional centers on the remediation process that our vendors with these eligible service codes will need to complete. Once that directive is received, VMRC will disseminate it to our vendors.
COMPLIANCE DATA
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Upcoming Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Trainings
The HCBS Final Settings Rule applies to all vendors who provide services in a setting that serves more than one regional center consumer. The intent of the Final Settings Rule is to ensure that people with developmental disabilities receive services that integrate them fully into the community to the same degree as people without developmental disabilities. It ensures quality of life! They also ensure that the residential settings that services are received in are home environments rather than institutional environments. All settings must optimize and enhance choice rather than regimenting it. The HCBS Final Settings Rule protects consumers rights including the right to privacy, dignity, respect and freedom from coercion and restraint. The Final Settings Rule goes into effect March 17th, 2023, all providers with the service codes listed below, must be compliant by that date.
VMRC will continue hosting trainings for Residential Providers, Day Type Services Providers and Employment Services Providers. Service providers under the following service codes are strongly encouraged to sign up for one of the trainings provided. It takes time and effort to implement these requirements. 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
The attached flyers have registration links on them for the following trainings. You must register to take the training. Once you have registered you will receive a link for the zoom session on the date you have chosen. For attendance purposes please have each staff taking the training register with their own contact information including their email address. Any last-minute changes to the scheduled trainings will be communicated to the registered individuals by email at the email address they have provided.
HCBS Trainings for Residential Providers
May 17th, 2022, 1:00pm – 2:00pm
June 7th, 2022, 10:00am - 11:00am
June 16th, 2022, 1:00pm – 2:00pm
July 7th, 2022, 1:00pm – 2:00pm
July 12th, 2022, 10:00am – 11:00am
HCBS Trainings for Day Type and Employment Services
May 4th, 2022, 3:00pm – 4:00pm
June 7th, 2022, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
July 12th, 2022, 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Contact Anna Sims, SCSL, HCBS Program Evaluator with questions: (209) 955-3353, asims@vmrc.net
HCBS for Residential Providers April through July
HCBS for Day Program and Employment Providers May through July
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VMRC has release their Community Placement Plan/ Community Resource Development Plan projects for 21-22
Please visit this link to see Request for Proposals
https://www.vmrc.net/rfps/
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SAVE THE DATE
VMRC’s Quality Assurance Department is offering Vendor Special Incident Report (SIR) Training on Monday June 13th 9-11:30 a.m. and Thursday June 16th 1-3:30 p.m. Staff can earn 3 CEUs for this course and the training is $ 15/registrant. Please watch for the email blast to register.
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Clinical Services Updates
Claire B. Lazaro, MSN, RN, NP, PHN, NP-C
Director of Clinical Services
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JHU and USAID
Great resource about United States Agency for International Development or USAID . The Johns Hopkins University (JHU) Bloomberg School of Public Health has invited Dr. Atul Gawande, Assistant Administrator of the Bureau for Global Health at USAID, for its Health Policy Forum. In this discussion with Dean Ellen J. MacKenzie, PhD ’79, ScM ’75, they talked about the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, global vaccination efforts, strengthening primary care and health systems around the world, preparing for future public health threats, how young people can get involved in public health, the importance of trust in public health information, and how Gawande’s career in global public health informs his work at USAID.[1] Click here to see the recording of the forum.
[1] Johns Hopkins Health Policy Forum. April 29, 2022. https://hub.jhu.edu/johns-hopkins-health-policy-forum-series/
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Emergency Services Updates
Aaron McDonald
Emergency Response Coordinator
Wildfire Preparedness Week May 1, 2022, to May 7, 2022
Governor Gavin Newsom issued a proclamation declaring May 1-7, 2022, as “Wildfire Preparedness Week” in the State of California.
The official proclamation can be found at: https://www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/2022-Wildfire-Preparedness-Week-text.pdf .
2022 Fire Season Outlook
California continues to experience longer wildfire seasons as a direct result of climate change. Extended dryness originating from January is expected to continue into the spring with little precipitation, leaving most of the state in moderate to extreme drought conditions prior to summer. These continued dry conditions, with above normal temperatures through spring, will leave fuel moisture levels lower than normal, increasing the potential for wildland fire activity.
Cal Fire has great resources to help you PLAN, KNOW & ACT that can be found here: https://www.readyforwildfire.org/ .
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North Valley Hills Update
Dena Hernandez, Regional Manager (209) 473-6930
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Dear Community Partners,
Please see this information on an upcoming event hosted by the State Council on Developmental Disabilities:
FAIR HOUSING RIGHTS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES,
A 2-PART WEBINAR
The primary audience of this event is people with developmental and other disabilities, and their family members and the professionals that serve them, but all are welcome!
Fair Housing Rights for People with Disabilities – Part 1
When: Thursday, May 19, 2022, 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Registration: Zoom Link
In part one we will have a general discussion of California and federal fair housing laws that protect people with disabilities from housing discrimination.
This will include definitions/commonly used terms, reasonable accommodations, how to file a complaint with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH), and other resources.
Fair Housing Rights for People with Disabilities – Part 2
When: Thursday, May 26, 2022, 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Registration: Zoom Link
In part two we will discuss common fair housing issues including source of income discrimination/section 8, harassment, reasonable modifications, criminal history, tenant disputes, and more.
We will also give an update on new fair housing rights and resources.
FREE REGISTRATION • SPANISH INTERPRETATION AVAILABLE
For additional access and accommodation needs, please email bayarea@scdd.ca.gov
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How to connect to SCDD through Social Media | |
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Self-Advocacy Council 6 (SAC6)
Come learn about Special Olympics!
WHEN: Friday, May 6, 2022
TIME: 11:00 AM -12:15 PM
WHERE: ZOOM - computer, tablet, cell phone
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 890 3340 7100
Passcode: 799292
PDF Version of the SAC6 Flyer Here
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Family Resource Network (FRN) Update
Lisa Culley, Executive Director
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Local County, State and National Public Health Resources | | | | |
