October 1, 2021
CP State News
We're here for you! 
Urge Senator Schumer to Ensure HCBS Funding!
The President had proposed $400 billion in new funding for Home and Community-Based Services, but both the Senate and the House are proposing less - and there may be no agreement at all!
Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer is in the key position to make sure that the final agreement includes as much as possible for HCBS funding. Senator Schumer is New York’s senior Senator and it’s important that we reach out to his Office and the entire New York Congressional Delegation to advocate on behalf of the HCBS funding.
CP State has developed a one-click message and a phone script that advocates can use. Click here and take a moment to reach out to Senator Schumer, Senator Gillibrand and your House Representative.
Please share this campaign with staff, parents and other advocates. Link to www.cpstate.org/advocacy on your websites and social media!
IG Report: OPWDD’s former agency head overlooked potential conflicts in CCO transition
The New York State Office of the Inspector General released a report today on their findings in an investigation into potential conflicts of interest in the transition to Care Coordination. The complainant in the investigation is OPWDD Commissioner Ted Kastner. 
We are still reviewing the report and evaluating the potential implications for our field and OPWDD leadership. We will keep you all informed as we learn more.
CDC Health Alert: COVID-19 vaccination for pregnant people
The CDC has issued an advisory about the need to take urgent action to vaccinate people who are pregnant, recently pregnant (including those who are lactating), who are trying to become pregnant now, or who might become pregnant in the future , to prevent serious illness, deaths, and adverse pregnancy outcomes from COVID-19.
Safety alert related to the use of mechanical lifts
OPWDD has issued a Safety Alert titled “Important Information About the Use of Mechanical Lifts.”
All OPWDD issued Safety Alerts can be found on the OPWDD website.
Please note: We've updated our brochure!
Clinical Conference is Friday, Nov. 12
Join us for the 3rd Annual Conference on Multi-Disciplinary Clinical Care for Patients with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities on Friday, November 12, at The Embassy Suites, 86 Congress Street, Saratoga Springs. This conference is for anyone interested in growing increasing their clinical expertise in treating people with I/DD.
WHEN: November 12, 2021 – 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
WHERE: Embassy Suites Hotel, 86 Congress Street, Saratoga Springs, NY. Click here to reserve a room. 
COST: Physicians, Dentists, Clinicians, Others: $125 (early registration) $150 (after Oct. 1)
Nurses, Medical & Dental Residents, Students: $90 (early registration) $100 (after Oct. 1)
REGISTER: Click here to register (you can pay by check or credit card)
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: November 8.
SEATING IS LIMITED – REGISTER EARLY!
Topics to include:
  • Interdisciplinary Oral Healthcare
  • Dysphagia and Common GI Issues
  • Mental Health: Co-Occurring Conditions
  • Palliative Care and End-of-Life
  • Skin Integrity
This program has been designed to meet the interest of physicians, dentists, clinicians, therapists, nurses and administrators who provide services to people with intellectual/developmental disabilities or are interested in doing so.
CP of NYS | cpstate.org