Fifty-Fourth
Community Health Advisory Coronavirus (COVID-19)
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weekly message from the Executive Director
First, By the Numbers
This week we reported 6 cases of consumers reporting positive COVID-19 tests and 6 Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) with positive COVID-19 tests. Regionally only one of our five counties, Tuolumne, is in the Orange Tier (Moderate), while Amador, Calaveras, and Stanislaus Counties remain in the Red Tier (Substantial), and our largest county, San Joaquin, is still in the Purple Tier (Widespread). Nationally, the news is reporting increases of positive tests throughout the country and as of Thursday California has reported a slight increase of .2%, which is the first increase of the positivity rate in the state since December 30, 2020. Some good news is that the latest Poll on vaccination conducted by NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist shows that now 73% of African Americans, 70% of Whites, and 63% LatinX said they either had already been vaccinated or planned to get vaccinated, but of course the flip side is that of all of those surveyed, 30% said they planned on not taking the vaccine. With this kind of math, the 90% herd immunity is going to be very challenging.
The Vaccination Clinics are Coming
Last week I mentioned our big news about the vaccination clinics hosted at the VMRC offices. Well, it's really happening (see details in Claire Lazaro's Clinical Directors' section below) and the registration will be managed by Safeway Pharmacy. Our goal is to get vaccinations to 1890 people with disabilities in our region. Thank you to Safeway Pharmacy for reaching out to our community directly and to volunteers who will be coming from DRAIL, SCDD, SAC6, FRN, CLASP, DRC, and grassroots community groups.
Plain Language Summaries of Important Directives from the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) This Week
Guidance for New Vendors Rates for Alternative Services
DDS may approve a monthly "Alternative Services" rate for a new vendor but will decide this separately for each one. This service called "Alternative Service" is meant to give consumers different supports if the zoom, computer, or phone is not working for you. For a new program to get this rate VMRC must ask DDS for this and tell the department:
· What the program's regular rate is
· How many days and or hours we think they will provide for each consumer on average if the service was traditional.
· VMRC takes the rate multiplied by the days or hours to get this monthly rate.
· VMRC compares this new rate with what other programs like them are getting and may make changes if very different.
· VMRC has to ask for this by May 13th.
· VMRC has permission to use rate we come up with while we are waiting for DDS to make their decision. If DDS decides on a different rate this will be adjusted will be made.
Transportation Alternative Services Rates
Starting Thursday April 1, 2021, transportation providers will use a monthly rate for "Alternative Services" that will not be more than their average payments for a year ending February 2020 (minus gas). The rate total will be the monthly rate multiplied by the number of consumers served each month. If any consumer receives Alternative Services, then this rate applies to all consumers that month even if some got traditional services. The decision to get these services must be person centered and based on the consumer's individual needs. VMRC will get an email from DDS with the vendor monthly payment average, and we will work with R&D Transportation to make sure the providers get their information. The transportation providers can bill for gas separately. DDS really wants everyone to keep working on creative ways for these providers to support consumers.
Group Supported Employment Alternative Services
Starting on Thursday April 1, 2021, each group supported employment provider will have their own monthly rate. These providers will bill for each consumer that they gave Alternative Services to and will use the monthly rate in the eBilling system. This change will make their billing more like the others already doing Alternative Services. If a consumer received any Alternative Services within a month, then the provider bills for the monthly Alternative Services.
VMRC will get an email from DDS with the provider rates and documentation supporting the rate calculations and we will get that information to each provider. If the provider asks VMRC for a review of their rates and the review shows it should be changed then VMRC must give DDS this extra information by May 14, 2021. Rates may only be changed by DDS.
Provider Attestation for Absence Payments (Nonresidential)
Absence payments, payment to providers even though the consumer was absent from their program, ended August 31, 2020. Last July DDS told providers that if they got these payments (between May and August 2020) they would have to report:
· if they saved money due to DSP layoffs or furlough days during that time and if they reduced their bill by that amount.
· If they got COVID-19 relief funding (not a loan), like the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), Economic Injury Disaster Loan Emergency Advance Program, etc., did they pay the regional center back that same amount for payments that were for the same reasons.
Providers will be asked to report on this in their eBilling and are asked to keep good records of this.
Definitions:
· (New Vendor means a program that started by last year March 2020 or one that did not provide services in VMRC's area one year before February 2020.)
· Traditional Service is when the provider supported you at a place not at their site and or remotely with the phone or computer and or in their vehicle.)
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Tony Anderson
Executive Director
Valley Mountain Regional Center
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Case Management Update
Protect Your Proof of Vaccination
Millions of Americans who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 are carrying around paper cards as their only proof. Staples and Office Depot are offering free lamination of vaccine cards around the country to help with safekeeping. Cards can be laminated after the holder receives the second dose, for vaccines that require two doses.
Staples says the service is available at all locations. No end date has been set.
The Office Depot offer is available at both Office Depot and Office Max locations until July 25.
You must bring a copy of a coupon with your vaccine card to get the free lamination at their locations:
IHSS Provider Can Accompany You to Obtain a Vaccine
The California Department of Social Services is implementing a new COVID Medical Accompaniment special transaction which provides payment to In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) providers to accompany recipients to COVID-19 vaccine appointments.
· Notices will be sent out about the changes made to the state’s vaccination plan.
· Those aged 65 and older will receive a copy of the claim form only.
· IHSS recipients who need assistance from their providers to obtain a vaccination can use their authorized service hours for medical accompaniment.
· Recipients who need additional hours for this purpose, or for recipients who do not have authorized time for accompaniment to medical appointments, but require this service to get their vaccine, a new one-time payment to the providers for up to four (4) hours (two hours per vaccine appointment) per recipient was created.
Your VMRC Service Coordinator can assist you with arrangements, as needed.
FEMA to Help Fund Funeral Costs for COVID-19 Related Deaths
In early April, FEMA will begin providing financial assistance for funeral expenses incurred for deaths related to the coronavirus. The hope is that this will help ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the pandemic. This funeral assistance program is being implemented nationwide.
To be eligible for COVID-19 funeral assistance, the policy states:
· The applicant must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien who acquired funeral expenses after January 20, 2020 for a death attributed to COVID-19.
· If multiple individuals contributed toward funeral expenses, they should apply under a single application as applicant and co-applicant.
· An applicant may apply for multiple deceased individuals.
· The COVID-19 related death must have occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories and the District of Columbia.
· This assistance is limited to a maximum financial amount of $9,000 per funeral and a maximum of $35,000 per application.
· Funeral assistance is intended to assist with expenses for funeral services and interment or cremation.
In the coming weeks, a dedicated 800 number will be established to help individuals who apply. In the meantime, potential applicants are encouraged to start gathering the following documentation:
· An official death certificate that attributes the death to COVID-19 and shows that the death occurred in the United States.
· Funeral expense documents.
· Proof of funds received from other sources.
However, as in many cases, beware of fraud. FEMA has received reports of scammers reaching out to people offering to register them for funeral assistance. FEMA has not sent any such notifications and does not contact people prior to them registering for assistance.
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Cindy Mix
Director of Consumer Services
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Clinical Update
VMRC is excited to partner with Safeway in our COVID-19 Vaccination efforts!!! Important to note are the following:
· This will be an appointment based only clinic. You would have to pre-register and then print out or bring a copy of your email confirmation.
· You would have to fill out and print out the consent form and bring it to your appointment day.
· Please also bring your medical insurance (or prescription bottle or any document to show insurance) and photo ID that shows your date of birth or age.
· Do not come more than 15 minutes early to your appointment.
· If you don’t have medical insurance, you can still register and come to get the vaccine. You would need to bring an ID or document that shows your date of birth.
· Please plan to be available on the scheduled second dose of your appointment based on the schedule below.
Save the dates:
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VMRC COVID-19 VACCINE TRACKING
All regional centers are tracking how many consumers have been immunized with the COVID-19 vaccine. Based on the data below, we have about 1,005 consumers who have gotten the second dose or the single shot vaccine, and 662 who got the first dose, totaling to about 1,667 consumers (12.3% of consumers that are 16-year-old and older) who have gotten the COVID-19 Vaccine based on our record. Below is the latest data we have for our consumers:
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With the news of Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine, BNT162b2 having 100% efficacy and powerful antibody response to clinical trial volunteers 12-15 years old[1],[2], I am hopeful that most adolescents will have the chance to get vaccinated before the next school year. This clinical trial was well tolerated among the adolescent participants, and the company has begun their study on children 6 months to 11 years old.1
In the hopes of helping our consumers, this social story about the vaccination process might help. It is from the Center for Dignity in Healthcare for People with Disabilities.
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In addition to these great visual guides, the State Council for Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) and Disability Voices United (DVU) has created documents titled Vaccination Day Tips. One for Medical Providers and one for Family Advocates of our consumers.
Latest Update on getting the vaccine:[1]
Stanislaus County
- Appointments at county site cannot be prescheduled unless a person is eligible to receive the vaccine.
- Appointments recommended.
- Walk-in at all county sites available, while vaccine supply lasts.
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Appointments can be made through the state’s scheduling system, MyTurn, or by calling (833) 422-4225.
San Joaquin County
- Appointments at county site cannot be prescheduled unless a person is eligible to receive the vaccine.
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Residents can sign up through the state’s scheduling site, MyTurn to sign up for notification when eligible to make an appointment.
- Appointments necessary at this time.
- Not currently taking first-dose appointments at county sites.
- No walk-up clinics.
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Appointments can be made through MyTurn or through the county's website.
Kaiser Permanente
- Appointments cannot be prescheduled unless a person is eligible to receive the vaccine.
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Updates on eligibility and appointments available here.
Dignity Health
- Non-members eligible to make appointments.
- No walk-up clinics.
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Appointments can be made through MyTurn.
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Claire B. Lazaro, MSN, RN, NP, PHN, FNP-C
Director of Clinical Services
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Education and Early Start Updates
Education
Please join us for this IEP training!
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Early Start
Our Early Start program is California’s early intervention program for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families in our 5 counties. Early Start services are available statewide and are provided in a coordinated, family-centered system.
The online Early Start referral form has launched! Click on the link below and it will take you to the application.
Tara Sisemore-Hester
Assistant Director - Clinical Services
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Community Services Department Update
Weekly Service Provider Informational Session hosted by VMRC’s Community Services Department EVERY FRIDAY at 9:00 a.m.
Meeting ID: 921 3684 6701
New Requests for Proposals (RFPs)
To view all of our RFP's please see our page on the VMRC website here.
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The Community Services Department |
Passover
Traditions
By Marlene Lombardo
VMRC Service Coordinator
Passover is a time to remember those that came before us that did not share our freedom or wealth of resources. Remembering our ancestry and appreciating what we have is essential in not repeating the dark days of history.
There are many similarities between Passover and the pandemic. We must suffer a little to appreciate all that we have. The pandemic caused us to shelter in place temporarily until the Covid-19 vaccine brought us more freedom and peace.
In 2020, my family’s virtual Passover was missing connections and the flavors of togetherness. This year, I cherished the traditions of Passover more than ever before. We sat around a table together with less fear and shared all the symbolic foods of poverty, hard work, freedom, and tears. We told the story of Passover, remembered those we have lost, laughed together, and reflected on all the blessings around us.
As our world continues to change, the Passover message is still hope and celebrating our freedom. May the richness of our differences continue to bring peace, awareness, and acceptance.
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April is Autism Awareness Month and Child Abuse Prevention Month
As we come to the end of March and our celebration of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, we want to highlight 2 more important causes that we will help champion in April.
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’.
This Friday, April 2 (TODAY), we encourage everyone to wear blue to help show your support for Autism awareness AND child abuse prevention.
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2021 Transition Fairs
"What is an LPA"
VMRC will be virtually hosting 3 Transition Fairs this year for San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and the Mountain Counties. Transition Fairs allow vendors who provide employment, independent living, and post-secondary education services to highlight their programs. Our Transition Fairs bring together many community resources that can help our individuals achieve their employment goals and hopefully provide a path to independent living. One valuable resource that I will be presenting on during our Transition Fairs is our Local Partnership Agreement (LPA).
VMRC is currently a core partner for the Amador, Calaveras, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Tuolumne County Local Partnership Agreement. The purpose of a Local Partnership Agreement (LPA) is to streamline services between agencies to increase employment outcomes for individuals with developmental disabilities. Our LPA can be utilized as a guide for VMRC individuals and families to help identify community resources that assist with employment goals.
I look forward to presenting in more detail about our LPA and hope you can all attend our upcoming 2021 Transition Fairs.
Transition Fair Flyers are below.
Enos Edmerson Jr.
Employment Specialist
San Joaquin County Transition Fairs
- Spanish - Tuesday, April 13th, 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Webinar ID: 950 8508 2301
Passcode: 100159
US: +1 669 900 6833
- English - Thursday, April 15th, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Webinar ID: 934 7641 7158
Passcode: 365745
US: +1 669 900 6833
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Stanislaus County Transition Fairs
· English - Tuesday, April 27th, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Webinar ID: 994 6107 7808
Passcode: 945239
US: +1 669 900 6833
· Spanish - Thursday, April 29th, 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Webinar ID: 952 1136 1938
Passcode: 814425
US: +1 669 900 6833
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Amador, Calaveras, Tuolumne County Transition Fair
· Thursday, May 6th, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Webinar ID: 977 7016 1596
Passcode: 759652
US: +1 669 900 6833
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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.
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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
Meeting ID: 996 2300 2784
Passcode: 604313
Dial by your location +1 669 900 6833
Spanish interpretation will be available.
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North Valley Hills Update
Dena Hernandez, Regional Manager (209) 473-6930
CHOICES Registration flyer & the link to Eventbrite is now LIVE!!
We encourage early registration. Eventbrite registration link:
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Update from Family Resource Network |
Do you participate in telehealth?
Asking you about telehealth-Family Voices of CA
Telehealth is the term for receiving your doctor and other healthcare services (e.g. speech services, occupational therapy, applied behavioral therapies, etc.) through a computer, tablet, or smartphone using videoconferencing. You may have used videoconferencing when you used Skype or FaceTime with your friends. Sometimes telehealth is done over the telephone especially if a videoconference cannot be done.
FRN is participating in a project to develop resources to help families use telehealth. This survey will help us find out what help families need to use telehealth well.
After you complete the survey, you will receive one (1) entry into a drawing for a $50 Amazon gift card. To enter the drawing, you will be asked to provide your email or phone number on a separate page that is separate from your survey answers. Your email address or phone number will be kept confidential and will only be used for the random drawing for the gift card and destroyed after the drawing.
Please complete this survey to help families get the resources they need for telehealth. It should take about 4 minutes.
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.
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Lisa Culley
Executive Director
Family Resource Network
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Self-Advocacy Council 6 (SAC6)
Join SAC6 for Our Weekly Chat!
Let’s Check In with each other!
WHEN: Friday April 2, 2021
TIME: 11:00 AM -12:15 PM
WHERE: ZOOM - computer, tablet, cell phone
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 832 2095 9498
Passcode: 762292 (MUST ENTER PASSCODE) OR you can call in:
TOLL FREE NUMBER TO CALL IN 877 853 5257 US Toll-free
Topic: Starting a Self Advocacy Group - by SAC6 Members
ALSO at each CHAT: A VMRC update by Tony Anderson, Executive Director and a Mental Health Tip of the Day by Dr. Dave Demetral!
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Five County Data Update
as of April 1, 2021
San Joaquin County
· 69,978 total positive cases and 1300 deaths
· 10.2 new cases per 100,000 people and 4.4% positivity rate (Widespread/Purple....Most Restrictive)
Stanislaus County
· 52,668 total positive cases and 1001 deaths
· 11.2 new cases per 100,000 people and 4.6% positivity rate (Substantial/Red....2nd Most Restrictive)
Tuolumne County
· 4040 total positive cases and 62 deaths
· 3.3 new cases per 100,000 people and 1.6% positivity rate (Moderate/Orange....2nd Least Restrictive)
Calaveras County
· 2013 total positive cases and 51 deaths
· 6.5 new cases per 100,000 people and 3.0% positivity rate (Substantial/Red....2nd Most Restrictive)
Amador County
· 1676 total positive cases and 37 deaths
· 5.2 new cases per 100,000 people and 1.4% positivity rate (Substantial/Red....2nd Most Restrictive)
State of California
· 3,671,349 total positive cases and 59,411 deaths
· 4.8 new cases per 100,000 people and 1.8% positivity rate
Valley Mountain Regional Center
· 712 positive consumer cases and 24 deaths
· 34 positive VMRC staff cases
· 4 positive volunteer cases
· 287 positive provider cases and 1 death
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Local County, State and National Public Health Resources |
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