As we continue to mourn the lives lost in the tragic Boulder shooting, we reflect on the impact that Teri Leiker had on her community.
Teri Leiker worked at the King Sooper’s in Boulder for over 30 years. When she wasn’t busy at work, serving the community, her family reports that
Teri was the most joyful person to be around. Everyone loved her and she loved them back. Teri was a very empathetic individual that cared deeply for those around her and cared about those affected by past floods and wildfires. Teri, like so many of us, was a multifaceted person with her own individual needs and wants and hopes and dreams. With help from Imagine, Boulder County CCB, Teri was able to live on her own at age 21. She maintained her independence and lived a full of dignity and pride. From starting her first and only job at King Sooper’s in 1989 to becoming a homeowner, Teri found her place in the world, becoming a steadfast staple of her local community.
To say that this loss has been significant and absolutely heartbreaking for the IDD community and those that knew her would be an understatement. As the last few weeks have passed, we’ve heard stories in the field relaying what a tremendous individual Teri was. We send our most heartfelt thoughts and well-wishes to Teri’s family and the IDD community in Boulder, including those that knew her at Imagine. We pray that the memories of her life provide comfort and solace to those that loved her.
These photos posted below were from a recent memorial service. As you can see, Teri’s impact on the community remains unmatched and she will be sorely missed.
In this communication we will cover the following:
Colorado COVID-19 vaccine update and where to get a COVID-19 vaccine
Support, Inc.’s COVID-19 vaccine clinic
Looking ahead
Colorado Vaccine Update
Beginning today, Friday April 2nd, 2021 Phase 2 of Colorado’s distribution plan opens. In this Phase, anyone over the age of 16 is eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Colorado expects anyone who wants the vaccine should be able to get the vaccine within the next 2 months, this may change however based on vaccine supply and the increased demand.
There
are many options to schedule a vaccine appointment across the state. Click on
any of the locations listed below to be directed to the sites appointment
registration system.
Vaccine Spotter is a
tool to help you find COVID-19 vaccine appointment openings at Colorado
Pharmacies. The website is updated every minute.
We
are here to help you access the vaccine! Please reach out to your supervisor or
Residential Program Coordinator for assistance finding a vaccine appointment.
2. Support, Inc.’s COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic
On Wednesday March 17th we hosted a first dose COVID-19 vaccine clinic at our Aurora office. With the support of CDPHE’s (Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment) Vaccine Support Team we were able to administer 165 doses of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine to our individual’s receiving services, employee and contractors.
Hosting
this clinic was important to our organization. This is a big step in supporting
all our employees, contractors and individuals receiving services to get access
to this critical vaccine. Navigating community-based vaccine clinics can be
frustrating and time consuming. Hosting this clinic allowed us a simple avenue
for our constituents to access the vaccine. People with intellectual and
developmental disabilities have often been overlooked in both National and
State pandemic response. This population also faces challenges in accessing
quality medical care in the community. By hosting this clinic, we were able to
offer our constituents access to the COVID-19 vaccine at a familiar location,
with support staff around they recognize and know by name and most of all we
were able to administer the vaccine in a flexible and safe environment that
allowed us to support each person and family’s unique needs.
If
you attended the clinic, your Residential Program Coordinator or Supervisor
will assist you to schedule your second dose appointment.
3. Looking Ahead
We continue to work under our current COVID-19 operating protocol including limiting in-person visits to homes, limited office use by appointment only and limited on-site day services. Everyone, regardless of vaccination status, should continue to follow all infection control practices including social distancing, washing your hands frequently and wearing a mask when in public or having contact with people who don’t live with you.
There
continues to be on-going research into the COVID-19 vaccine. We know the
vaccine is highly effective at protecting the recipient from getting COVID-19
and will also protect you from getting seriously ill if you do contract the
virus. We do not know yet how well the vaccine prevents you from spreading the
virus to others. We are also still learning how effective the vaccines are
against new variants that cause COVID-19.
As
vaccination rates increase, research data is released, and we get additional
guidance from the CDC (Center’s for Disease Control) and CDPHE’s (Colorado Department
of Public Health and Environment) we will update our operating protocol and
communicate any changes to you.
Be sure to never
miss our correspondences, follow us on Facebook, be sure you are on email and newsletter
distribution lists and check out website for on-going updates about COVID-19 and other happenings around
the organization.
Please join us in congratulating our recent Host Home Providers of the Month, Berthy Pondaag!
The following write-up was produced by the Denver Metro Three Team:
Denver Metro 3 (Team Hypernova) would like to nominate Berthy Pondaag and co-provider Jacqueline Lompolium for the HHP of the month award! They have continued to provide consistent and exemplary care to two of our most vulnerable individuals. Their patience while the team worked on methods to ensure the health and safety of one of their individuals to provide them with the least restrictive, most inclusive environment is admirable.
Time and time again, they’ve shown their ability to go above and beyond to ensure documentation is completed accurately and in a timely manner, come up with solutions to ensure goals are being worked on and that the services being provided are carried out in the proper setting. Berthy and Jacqueline have worked hard to make sure their individuals live their best lives while still following all protocols and doctor’s orders. The last few months have not been easy but one thing is for certain, their quality of care for their individuals has never wavered. We want to thank you both for the work you do and let you know we appreciate you!
Support, Inc. is preparing to host it’s first vaccination clinic on March 17th from 10:00a.m.-4:00 p.m. The clinic is hosted in partnership with CDPHE and is offered to clients, staff, providers, and family caregivers who meet the criteria based on the phase we are in. For more information, please see the flyer below, or contact your RPC or supervisor to get signed up as quickly as possible.
The following information has been produced by our Associate Director of Quality Assurance, Laura Viers, on March 4th, 2021. For additional questions and information, please email Laura at Laura.Viers@supportinc.com
To all Support, Inc. Staff, Providers and Families:
In this communication we will cover the following:
National COVID-19 vaccine update.
Comparison of the three COVID-19 vaccines
Colorado’s updated COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan and what this means for persons receiving services.
1. National updates:
On Saturday February 27th, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted Emergency Use Authorization to Johnson & Johnson to use their Janssen Bio tec. COVID-19 vaccine. Comparison of the three COVID-19 vaccines:
2. Comparison of the three COVID-19 vaccines:
When getting your vaccine, you will likely not have a choice in which vaccine you get. Manufacturer availability depends on the vaccine each clinic gets on a weekly basis. For vaccine’s requiring a second dose, you must get the same brand for your first and second dose. There are now 3 COVID-19 vaccine’s below is a comparison of the three vaccines.
Side effects: Pain at the injection site Injection site redness Injection site swelling Tiredness Headache Muscle pain Fever Chills Joint pain Swollen lymph nodes
Side effects: Pain at the injection site Injection site redness Injection site swelling Tiredness Headache Muscle aches Fever Nausea
Side effects: Pain at the injection site Injection site redness Injection site swelling Fatigue Headache Muscle pain Fever Chills Joint pain Swollen lymph nodes Nausea Vomiting
Who
can get the Pfizer vaccine?
The FDA
granted emergency use authorization for individuals 16 years and older
Who
can get the Janssen vaccine?
The FDA
granted emergency use authorization for individuals 18 years and older
Who
can get the Moderna vaccine?
The FDA
granted emergency use authorization for individuals 18 years and older
Administration
of the Pfizer vaccine:
The
Pfizer vaccine vaccination series if 2 doses given 21 days apart.
* You
must get both doses of the vaccine *
Administration
of the Janssen vaccine:
The Janssen
vaccine is given as a single dose.
Administration
of the Moderna vaccine:
The
Moderna vaccine vaccination series is 2 doses given 28 days apart.
* You
must get both doses of the vaccine *
Storage
of the vaccine:
The
Pfizer vaccine must be stored at ultra-cold temperatures of -76° F and -112° F
Storage
of the vaccine:
The Janssen
vaccine must be stored between 36° F and 46° F.
Storage
of the vaccine:
The
Moderna vaccine may be stored in a fridge or freezer. The vaccine may be
stored in a freezer between -5°F and -13°F or under refrigeration at 46°F to 36°F for up to 30 days.
How
effective is the Pfizer vaccine?
During
the clinical study, Pfizer’s vaccine was found to be 95% effective at
preventing COVID-19 disease.
How
effective is the Janssen vaccine?
During
the clinical study, Janssen’s vaccine was found to be 77% effective at
preventing severe/critical COVID-19 disease at least 14 days after
vaccination and was 85% effective at preventing severe/critical COVID-19 at
least 28 days after vaccination.
How
effective is the Moderna vaccine?
During
the clinical study, Moderna’s vaccine was found to be 94.1% effective at
preventing COVID-19 disease
3. Colorado’s updated COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan and what this means for persons receiving services:
In the coming weeks, Phase 1B.3 and Phase 1B.4 of Colorado’s distribution plan will open. Phase 1B.3 will open additional eligibility for some individual’s in services. Phase 1B.4 will open eligibility for all individual’s receiving services through Support, Inc.
Eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine now
Coloradoan’s age 65 or older
Eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine FridayMarch 5th
Coloradoan’s age 60 or older Coloradoan’s age 16 and older with 2 or more of the following high-risk conditions: Down Syndrome COPD Diabetic mellitus (type 1 and type 2) Individuals with disabilities who require direct care in their home. People with disabilities that prevent them from wearing a mask Cancer (those currently receiving treatment or have received treatment in the last month) Chronic kidney disease Specific heart conditions (heart failure, cardiomyopathies, coronary heart disease, severe valvular/congenital heart disease) Obesity (BMI equal to or greater than 30kg/m^2) Pregnancy Sickle cell disease Solid organ transplant
Eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine Around
March 21st (official date TBD)
Coloradoan’s age 50 and older Coloradoan’s age 16 and older with 1 of the following high-risk conditions: Down Syndrome COPD Diabetic mellitus (type 1 and type 2) Individuals with disabilities who require direct care in their home. People with disabilities that prevent them from wearing a mask Cancer (those currently receiving treatment or have received treatment in the last month) Chronic kidney disease Specific heart conditions (heart failure, cardiomyopathies, coronary heart disease, severe valvular/congenital heart disease) Obesity (BMI equal to or greater than 30kg/m^2) Pregnancy Sickle cell disease Solid organ transplant
Do you follow us on Facebook? We are running a social media campaign to
#SupportTheShot and have joined Alliance Colorado’s (our trade association)
campaign to #RollUpYourSleve and help Colorado conquer COVID. If you would like
to be featured on our social media page email cathy.kellogg@supportinc.com with a picture and why getting the COVID-19
vaccine is important to you.
Be sure to never miss our correspondences, follow us on Facebook, be sure you are
on email and newsletter distribution lists and check out website for on-going updates about
COVID-19 and other happenings around the organization.
Support, Inc. is offering insight into the vaccination process as documented by our Director of People Operations. Read below to learn more about the vaccination process from Nick’s perspective as he received his first dose in the Denver Metro Area.
Hello All,
I am Nicholas Manning, the Director of People Operations at
Support, Inc. I currently oversee our Human Resources Department, and have been
with Support, Inc. since May of 2015. If you know me, you most likely have met
me in my former role as an Associate Director in the Denver/Metro Area.
I would like to share my experience getting the COVID-19
vaccine with all of you. Now, you may or may not assume that this choice was
easy for me, it was not.
I am a person of color and identify as a member of the Black
community. I have always had concerns about vaccines due to generational trauma
and a general desire to not go to the doctor for anything other than a medical
emergency. From the infamous Tuskegee Experiment to the misrepresentation of
the voices of POC on medical boards, etc., feeling comfortable being on the
front line of receiving medical treatment is not something I feel terribly
comfortable with.
However, I found it important for me to receive this
vaccination , like no other time before.
Here is a bit about my journey.
The reasons:
Black, Hispanic, and Native American people are about 4
times more likely to be hospitalized and nearly 3 times more likely to die of
COVID-19 than white people. Yet African Americans have nearly the lowest rates
of vaccination among any ethnic group. In fact, white Americans are being
vaccinated at a rate 3 times higher than Black Americans. New CDC figures show
that of those who have received at least the first dose of a vaccine, 5.4% are
Black people, compared to 60% who are white people. According to recent Kaiser
Family Foundation poll, about 35% of Black Americans said they don’t plan to
get the vaccine, citing fears about safety and concerns that the vaccines.
As I have stated, these concerns are rooted in distrust
over time and I hope that my story can help provide insight on the vaccine from
someone you can connect with personally, not simply a stat on a website.
Additionally, I felt that being a person from my community who decided to
receive the vaccine, I could share my experiences with others in hopes of
supporting others regardless of whether or not they decided to also.
How:
First, I
utilized a link connecting me to Tri-County for an appointment. Now, this
process has been frustrating, and many of us can understand how and why. There
are a lot of people wanting it (about 80% of the adult population) and the
system itself has not caught up to the demand. However, after some time and
support I was able to access to an appointment. However, things came up, as
they do with most of us so I had to change it. I was scared, and hoped that I
would not lose the opportunity. I was successfully able to move my appointment
to Wednesday 17th, 2021.
I was sent an email with clear directions. I was instructed to sit in my car and await a phone call before entering the Tri-County East Aurora location.
I
received the call and was instructed to head inside. I was a bit nervous and
also excited. I am hopeful this will protect me, the people I care for both at
home and our Support, Inc. Community.
I headed in with my official leader from our CEO Bentley Smith, that is available to us.
I got to
the doors and moved through the secure building. People inside were respectful
as I checked in.
As I
awaited for my appointment, I filled out a single page document. Questions we
are used to as of now. Have I been exposed to COVID-19? Have I traveled outside
of the United States in the last 14 days? Etc. I gave the desk clerk my paper
and sat down. Within minutes I was asked to come back.
Alecia,
a data collector and registered nurse was my Shot Giver for the day. Alecia sat
me down and reviewed my form with me. She asked me about my experiences and
educated me on how my answers mattered. She also provided me the attached PDF.
She was transparent and discussed that the CDC wants to help us stay healthy as
well as gain important information from us individual to track the success of
the vaccine. She offered to answer any questions I had before she even prepared
the shot. She stated that she wanted to make sure I felt comfortable with the
information before moving forward. Alecia shared information about the trend of
data to how effective I can expect the vaccine to be. Though early signs
suggest the vaccine is effective, I was still encouraged to wear a mask
following my second dose to ensure the safety of our community. She informed me
that I was to remain in the waiting room for 15 minutes to ensure I do not have
an allergic reaction. She also explained I would most likely feel some ache in
my arm and the best way to ensure it was minimal was to use it and frequently.
She informed me that Tylenol and Ibuprofen were fine to use even though some
social media reports said otherwise.
She prepared my arm and I received the shot. It felt the same as most shots, no real pain outside of the assumed pinch. (I was not allowed to record the actual shot, I tried). I received my vaccine dose, thanked her for her time and headed to the waiting room. I waited 15 minutes and did not feel adverse effects so I stood up, got a drink from the vending machine and went home.
My arm
ached about 48 hours after with some slight swelling (thought it was my
muscles, but nope… just swelling). It has subsided in day 3. I have had no
illness reactions as of now. No fever, no cough, no headache.
My
experience may be unique. I also believe that many of us read so much on the
internet that may influence us to be more or less willing to move forward and
having a person who they can interact with share their experience may be more
meaningful. I also understand that my privilege of not have any health risks,
nor planning on being pregnant/breast feeding, is a benefit I have that many
who may read this do not.
Currently,
data does not show adverse risk to those who are pregnant or have moderate
health risks as the information is still very new, but also remains positive to
date.
If you have any personal or general questions about my experiences, please reach out to me directly at Nicholas.Manning@supportinc.com. I do not mind talking with you personally.
Please join us in congratulating our recent Host Home Providers of the Month, Linda and Scotty Cummins!
The following write-up was produced by Team SoCo: We would like to recognize Linda and Scotty Cummins as Support, Inc’s Host Home Provider of the Month. Linda and Scotty are dream providers! They routinely and regularly keep the daily documentation current for their individuals in service, as well as always keeping their own compliance requirements up to date. However, paperwork is not their only superpower! They also have fabulous, healthy relationships with the gentlemen in their care. Their folks love that they are part of the family, and all enjoy camping, fishing, hiking, and generally being in the outdoors. Linda and Scotty encourage their independence and help them to speak up for themselves.
Recently, Scotty and Linda were approached to take a new gentleman into their home. He preferred to have a bedroom on the same floor as everyone else, so Scotty and Linda took on the effort and expense of hiring contractors to transform their open-sided office into a new private bedroom. Talk about going the extra mile! While the remodeling was taking place, Linda and Scotty had Zoom visits with him and his mother so that everyone felt more comfortable about the impending move. The atmosphere of their home is friendly and happy, and obvious to all who visit (virtually or in person!) Please join the Colorado Springs team in congratulating this wonderful couple on their well-deserved recognition!
A friendly reminder for those looking for our weekly events- This information has transitioned to the calendar on our website.
The calendar includes information for our Day Program Events, LIFE Events and BACPAC events. To learn more information, simply click on the date and click on the event for further details.
Many of our events are hosted online due to COVID-19. To join, select the event on the calendar and be sure to download Zoom ahead of time.
If you have any further questions regarding our events or how to use Zoom, please contact Cathy at Cathy.Kellogg@supportinc.com and she will point you in the right direction.
To all Support, Inc. Staff,
Providers and Families:
In this communication we will
cover the following:
National
COVID-19 vaccine update.
Local COVID-19 vaccine update including eligibility for
individuals in services.
Where to get the vaccine (employees, contractors, and
individuals in services).
What to expect when getting the COVID-19 vaccine.
Reporting
your COVID-19 vaccine participation and how we store these records.
National
COVID-19 vaccine update:
COVID-19 vaccine administration continues
to increase across the United States where around 10% of American’s have
received at least one dose of the vaccine. About 9.7% of Coloradoan’s have
received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. While the demand for the
vaccine remains higher than the available supply, Colorado will begin receiving
an additional 9,000 vaccines weekly starting this week to help meet the demand.
Additional vaccine candidates continue to go through clinical trials to seek emergency use authorization (EUA) through the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Janssen Biotech Inc. has filed for emergency use authorization of their COVID-19 vaccine, an FDA advisory committee will review Janssen’s vaccine on February 26th.
2. Local COVID-19 vaccine update:
Colorado moved into Phase 1B.2 last week. This phase includes Coloradoan’s who are age 65-69, pre-K through 12 educators, childcare workers, and continuity of state government. IDT’s should continue to discuss individual’s preference regarding getting the COVID-19 vaccine and what support the individual needs to access the vaccine when it becomes available to them. Individual’s receiving services should consult with their primary care physician regarding the vaccine and any medical questions they may have. After an individual in services receives their COVID-19 vaccine please send a copy/picture of the vaccine card to the Residential Program Coordinator.
3. Where to get the COVID-19 vaccine:
As Colorado continues to open additional
phases of the COVID-19 vaccine plan, more vaccine options are also becoming
available.
Individual’s in services who are eligible
for the vaccine may go through their primary care physician or participating
retail pharmacies across the state. To find out if your local retail pharmacy
is offering the COVID-19 vaccine, follow these links; King Soopers, Wal-Mart, Sam’s club, Walgreen’s
and Safeway.
Employees and contractors of Support, Inc.
are classified as Moderate-Risk Health Care workers and are also eligible for
the vaccine now. Employees and contractors may also utilize any of the retail
pharmacies listed above or their primary care physician. If you work out of our
Aurora office, you can use this
link for scheduling an appointment through the Tri-County Health
Department. If you work out of our Loveland office or Colorado Springs office,
please contact your Residential Program Coordinator or Supervisor for
additional information on how to schedule your vaccine in that area.
We have applied to host a vaccine clinic at
our Aurora office. Stay tuned for more information!
If you need any support or assistance scheduling a vaccine for yourself or an eligible individual you support, please reach out to your Residential Program Coordinator or Supervisor for assistance.
4. What to expect at your COVID-19 vaccine appointment?
5. Reporting your COVID-19 vaccine participation
For employees and contractors getting the COVID-19 vaccine, please send a copy of your vaccine card to hr.admin@supportinc.com. We are required to track participation and non-participation in the COVID-19 vaccine. Only our HR department will have access to your COVID-19 vaccine card. Vaccine participation and non-participation information will be used for internal and licensing reporting only.
Do you follow us on Facebook? We are running a social media campaign to #SupportTheShot and have joined Alliance Colorado’s campaign to #RollUpYourSleve and help Colorado conquer COVID. If you would like to be featured on our social media page email cathy.kellogg@supportinc.com with a picture and why getting the COVID-19 vaccine is important to you.
Be sure to never miss our correspondences, follow us on Facebook, be sure you are
on email and newsletter distribution lists and check out website for on-going updates about
COVID-19 and other happenings around the organization.
As a member of the Intake Team, I’ve often wondered how it
is to join the groups I frequently promote. From our LIFE Club to Moving and
Grooving and beyond, we offer quite the lineup of activities for people to join
online. Our Day Program offers the opportunity to participate in person with
peers in a safe environment. But for those that choose to stay home, I would
highly recommend Moving and Grooving as a means for light and fun exercise.
To start, you’ll want to wear some comfortable clothing and
shoes. I was honestly a little too excited for this group and got ready an hour
early. Meredith and Ashley will normally start with stretches and then we move
on to the festivities!
I had been meaning to join this group for quite some time.
So, to login for this Heartthrob Dance Party was pretty good timing if you ask
me. From N’SYNC and Backstreet Boys to Britney Spears and One Direction, the
majority of the requests were 90’s favorites. As a true millennial at heart,
this made me very happy.
Ready to move and groove in my new workout headband!
My favorite part of this group was just how casual it is. I
must’ve had this preconceived notion that the meetings were structured with
“group fitness expectations” such as everyone curling their arms together or
involving some sort of synchronized group moves. This was not the case.
Participants are literally encouraged to “move and groove”, whether that be
head-bopping, foot-tapping or full-blown dancing with great enthusiasm. I also
loved how comfortable the group felt for people joining it. Everyone was
accepting of each other’s dancing, and no one seemed to care how someone else
was choosing to move and groove.
Lastly, our clinicians leading the effort are a cut above
the rest. Meredith and Ashley are both thoughtful and considerate when guiding
these group activities. For instance, we have Moving and Grooving happening
again today. The group focuses on strength this week and takes a look at inner
and outer strength, so not just the physical elements. The way our Clinicians
focus on the whole person, including the emotional needs of our individuals,
remains a cutting-edge approach to care. In addition, these activities allow
the people we serve the chance to connect with other individuals in the program
for socialization opportunities. With deliberate planning and creative ideas, Meredith
and Ashley go above and beyond for every session they host. Every theme they
develop for Moving and Grooving is safe, fun and ultimately, engaging.
In short, I had a blast joining Moving and Grooving last week! I highly recommend that those on the fence give it a try. Moving and Grooving convenes every Wednesday from 12:15-1:00 p.m. For more information, please visit our calendar at www.Supportinc.com. You will also find other groups happening online that you’re welcome to join, as well.
