We have a few cancelations this week-in the meantime, check out the groups that we continue to host online!
These groups are still happening!
Wednesday,
January 20
MVP
Club
When: Wednesday, January 20 from 10:00 am-11:00 am
What: Be an MVP (Most Valuable Person) in your community! In this
new group, we will use arts and crafts, games, and engaging discussion to talk
about safe relationships, combatting bullying, setting boundaries, and being
the best, most valuable person we can be! This group is by
reservation only, please contact Gwen if you would like to participate!
To all Support, Inc. Staff, Providers, and Families;
Colorado continues to work through Phase 1A of the State’s
COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan and hopes to have the majority of Phase 1A
health care workers vaccinated by January 15th. Over the last week, Colorado
updated the states COVID-19 vaccine plan. The updated plan expands who is
included in Phase 1B to include Coloradoan’s age 70 or older, first responders,
front line essential workers and continuity of state government. This week, the
State started administering vaccinations to individuals in Phase 1B. We have
not received an update on which Phase constituents of Support, Inc. will be
eligible for the vaccine however, individuals, providers or family members who
are age 70 or older are eligible to get the vaccine at this time.
If someone you support is 70 years of age or over, they are eligible to get the vaccine now. The first step is to contact the individual’s primary care physician to discuss the vaccine and scheduling the two-step vaccine process. Attached is a plain language informational document about the COVID-19 vaccine that was developed by and for people with intellectual disabilities. Vaccine availability varies based on the federal supply and distribution throughout the state. Colorado expects to continue to get weekly shipments of the vaccine.
Vaccine FAQ’s:
Q: Will I be charged for the cost of the vaccine?
A: No, the vaccine will not cost
you anything. Medicare, Medicaid, CHP+ and private insurances are required to
cover the cost of the vaccine. In addition, uninsured Coloradoan’s will also
have access to a free vaccine.
Q: Do I still need to wear a mask and physically distance
after receiving the vaccine?
A: Yes. It takes time after getting
both steps of the vaccine for your body to respond and make enough antibodies
to protect you. This could take up to one to two weeks after your last dose.
Current data suggests that it is possible that someone who has been vaccinated
against COVID-19 may still have mild to asymptomatic infection or spread the
virus to others. So, it is important to continue to take precautions by wearing
a mask and practicing social distancing.
Q: Should I get a COVID-19 test to see if I am infected
before getting the vaccine?
A: No. The CDC does not recommend
getting tested to see if you are infected before getting the vaccine. If you do
not have symptoms and have not been recently exposed to COVID-19, there is no
need to get a test before deciding whether to get vaccinated.
Q: I already had COVID-19 and have recovered; do I still
need to get the vaccine?
A: Both the Moderna and Pfizer
vaccines are likely safe and effective in people who have recovered from a
previous COVID-19 infection. The Advisory Committee recommends waiting at least
90 days after recovering from COVID-19 before getting the vaccine. It is
currently unknown how long natural immunity lasts after recovering from
COVID-19 and, early evidence suggests natural immunity may not last very long
as cases of reinfection have been reported.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at Laura.Viers@supportinc.com. Be sure to never miss our correspondences; follow us on Facebook, be sure you are on email and newsletter distribution lists and continue to check out our website for on-going updated about COVID-19 and other happenings around the organization.
Please join us in congratulating our final Host Home Provider of the Month for 2020, Alice Bomboma!The following write-up was produced by RPC Shanita Lloyd:
I am nominating Alice B for HHP of the month. Alice has my PRS in her home and we know she can have high expectations at times. Alice welcomed this person in her home with open arms and a big heart. Alice has not once complained about the individual’s long list of expectations of her perfect host home, she does everything with a warm smile on her face. The PRS has had issues with dogs in the past but Alice has allowed her to have her service dog in the home and from this, I have seen great improvement in symptoms. Alice is a great asset to the team and we are happy to have her.
What: Be an MVP (Most Valuable Person) in your community! In this
new group, we will use arts and crafts, games, and engaging discussion to talk
about safe relationships, combatting bullying, setting boundaries, and being
the best, most valuable person we can be! This group is by
reservation only, please contact Gwen if you would like to participate!
What: Gwen and Meredith will first lead participants in a
scavenger hunt for the sensory items needed for the stories (all items are
common items found in every home) and then will tell the sensory-based stories
to the group. Please see the attached list for scavenger hunt items.
To All Support, Inc. staff, providers and families,
As we come to the end of 2020, we continue to see progress on the COVID-19 vaccine. The Moderna vaccine received FDA approval for emergency use at the end of last week. The first Moderna vaccines arrived in Colorado on Monday and was distributed to 35 facilities. Colorado is working through Phase 1 of vaccine distribution plan. Phase 1 includes vaccinations for health-care workers and staff at long-term care facilities who have regular exposure to COVID-19. At this time, we have not received any additional guidance regarding when constituents of Support, Inc. may receive the vaccine however, we believe we may be eligible in Phase 2 of Colorado’s distribution plan below. As we receive additional guidance, we will pass this along through email, Facebook and will post the information on our website.
Vaccine FAQ’s:
Q: How does the COVID-19 mRNA
vaccine work?
A: The COVID-19
mRNA vaccine gives instructions to cells to make what is called “spike
protein”. The spike protein is found on the surface of the virus that causes
COVID-19. The vaccine is given in the muscle of the upper arm. Once the
instructions (mRNA) are inside the immune cells, the cells use them to make the
protein piece.
After the
protein piece is made, the cells break down the instructions and get rid of
them. Next, the cell displays the protein on its surface. Our bodies recognize
that the protein does not belong there and builds an immune response and makes
antibodies. At the end of the process, our bodies have learned how to protect
against future infection. The benefit of mRNA vaccines, like all vaccines, is
that those who get the vaccine are protected without having to risk serious
consequences of getting sick with COVID-19.
Q: How long will the vaccine
protect me?
A: The duration
of protection is currently unknown. Continued research will be done to
determine the frequency the vaccine may need to be readministered.
Q: Will either vaccine give me
COVID-19?
A: No. Neither vaccine contain SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) and the vaccine cannot give you COVID-19.
Q: What are the differences and similarities between the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines?
As we are coming to the end of 2020, we have hope for 2021 as Colorado begins the implementation of the long awaited COVID-19 vaccine plan. During this holiday season, it is important we all continue to follow infection control practices and limit our contact with people who do not live with us. Limiting our contact does not mean we have to forego seeing friends and family. Zoom is offering free video calls with no time limits. This is a great opportunity to connect with friends and family outside your home. Zoom has removed the 40-minute time limit from 8:00 AM MT on Wednesday December 30th through 4:00 AM MT on Saturday January 2nd.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Laura at Laura.Viers@supportinc.com. Be sure to never miss our correspondences, follow us on Facebook, be sure you are on email and newsletter distribution list and check out website for on-going updated about COVID-19 and other happenings around the organization. Wishing everyone a happy and safe holiday season.-Laura
When: Wednesday, December 30 from 10:00
am-11:00 am
What: Be an MVP (Most Valuable Person) in your
community! In this new group, we will use arts and crafts, games, and
engaging discussion to talk about safe relationships, combatting bullying, setting
boundaries, and being the best, most valuable person we can be! This group is
by reservation only, please contact Gwen if you would like to participate!
When: Thursday, December 31 from 11:30 am-
12:15 pm
What: Gwen and Meredith will first lead participants
in a scavenger hunt for the sensory items needed for the stories (all items are
common items found in every home) and then will tell the sensory-based stories
to the group. Please see the attached list for scavenger hunt items.
What: Come celebrate Christmas with Support! Join us
at any time during the event by clicking on the link below. Please see the
attached flyer for the schedule and supplies list.
When: Wednesday, December 23 from 10:00
am-11:00 am
What: Be an MVP (Most Valuable Person) in your
community! In this new group, we will use arts and crafts, games, and
engaging discussion to talk about safe relationships, combatting bullying,
setting boundaries, and being the best, most valuable person we can be! This
group is by reservation only, please contact Gwen if you would like to
participate!
To all Support, Inc. staff, providers, and families;
As the COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed our lives
over the last 9 months, there has been a lot of talk, questions and hopes for a
COVID-19 vaccination. An FDA (Food and Drug Administration) advisory committee
met on Thursday December 10th to review the Pfizer vaccine. The
committee resulted in a 77% “yes” vote that based on the totality of evidence,
the benefit of the Pfizer vaccine outweighs the risk for use in individuals age
16 and older. This was the last step in the process for Pfizer before the FDA
approves emergency use of their COVID-19 vaccine. Over the weekend, the FDA
accepted the committee’s recommendation and approved the vaccine under the
Emergency Use Authorization. His is a pivotal moment in the pandemic as the
first vaccine being approved for use in the United States. While we do not have
all the answers, we wanted to provide some information on what we do know at
this point.
Q: What is an Emergency Use Authorization?
A: An EUA (Emergency Use
Authorization) is a way to facilitate the availability and use of things like
vaccines during public health emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Under
EUA the FDA may allow an unapproved medical product to prevent serious
life-threatening diseases or conditions. Manufacturers submit an EUA request to
the FDA to be evaluated and to determine if statutory criteria are met. You can
read more about Emergency use Authorizations here.
Q: When can I get the vaccine?
A: This week, Colorado released a 3 phased roll out plan for the vaccine. Below is a description and timeline for each phase.
Q: Where can I get the vaccine?
A: Once a vaccine has been approved
for use by the FDA, Phase 1 recipients will receive the vaccine through their
employer (such as hospitals), local health agencies or through the Federal
Government’s pharmacy partnership for long term care programs. The Pfizer
vaccine requires ulta low temperature storage (-60 to -80 Celsius). Colorado
has identified 24 locations with the ability to store the vaccine at this
temperature and has purchased an additional 10 ulta low temperature freezers.
The state will release information for phase 2 and phase 3 vaccination
locations in the future.
Q: Will there only be one vaccine option?
A: At this time, the Pfizer vaccine
has been approved. Moderna has also applied to the FDA for authorization
through the Emergency use Authorization. There are 3 additional companies
working on clinical trials for a vaccination. It is likely individual states
and counties will get different vaccines based on manufacturing and
distribution from each company.
News of a vaccine is encouraging. At the moment constituents
of Support, Inc. may be eligible to receive the vaccine during Phase 2.
This may change and as we learn more information, we will send additional
updates. While we all anticipate the vaccine, it continues to be important we
all take steps to keep ourselves, our families and individual we support safe.
This includes, wearing a face covering/ mask when we are in public, washing
hands with soap and water or using hand sanitizer frequently, minimizing
contact with people we don’t live with and when we do have to have contact with
people who don’t live in our home, staying 6 feet apart.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Laura at Laura.Viers@supportinc.com
What: Tis the season to be jolly! Join us as we
celebrate different activities of this season. This week we’re going to do
faux- ho, ho, gingerbread houses! Cut out your pieces for the gingerbread house
before group, don’t be afraid to ask for help with cutting them out!
Materials: Cardboard for house pieces, glue or tape,
anything you can find to decorate it!
When: Wednesday, December 16 from 10:00
am-11:00 am
What: Be an MVP (Most Valuable Person) in your
community! In this new group, we will use arts and crafts, games, and
engaging discussion to talk about safe relationships, combatting bullying,
setting boundaries, and being the best, most valuable person we can be! This
group is by reservation only, please contact Gwen if you would like to
participate!
When: Wednesday, December 16 from 12:15
pm-1:00 pm
What: Get dressed up in your favorite holiday attire
and join us for a holiday dance party! Dancing is a great way to experience
different muscle movement.
When: Thursday, December 17 from 11:30 am-
12:15 pm
What: Gwen and Meredith will first lead participants
in a scavenger hunt for the sensory items needed for the stories (all items are
common items found in every home) and then will tell the sensory-based stories
to the group. Please see the attached list for scavenger hunt items.
