Good Afternoon,
Our State Operated Developmental Centers started vaccinating this week! As our first group of staff is vaccinated, we want to capture these moments across the state! IDHS is accepting photos and short videos! Above is a photo of MY PLEDGE to take the COVID-19 vaccine when it is available to me!
Submit your photo or video (either YOUR PLEDGE or actual vaccination) by texting "SELFIE" (English) or "SPASELFIE" (Spanish) to 552020 (message and data rates may apply; see Terms & Conditions of Use and Privacy Policy). Then upload your photo. You can also email it to DHS.COVID19@Illinois.gov.
Additionally, we want you to receive the fast, up to date information about COVID-19 vaccination, please text VACCINE (ENGLISH) or VACUNA (SPANISH) to 552020. (message and data rates may apply; see Terms & Conditions of Use and Privacy Policy)
QUICK NOTES
- As of yesterday, the preliminary seven-day statewide positivity rate for cases as a percent of total tests from January 7-13, 2021 is 6.8%. The preliminary seven-day statewide test positivity rate from January 7-13, 2021 is 8.0%.
- Just a reminder that the Division sent notice yesterday which extends the temporary rate increases for residential (5% on the per diem for 60D) and CDS (15% on 31U/31C) through March 31. Increases will be reevaluated in March. Policy allowances will extend through the full fiscal year.
- Need to register for the spring DDD training webinars? You can find information and links to register here: https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=45209
VACCINATIONS UPDATE (IMPORTANT!)
ICF/DDs are part of the Pharmacy Partners Program managed by Walgreens. CILA staff and residents, and PSWs vaccinations are being managed and scheduled by local health departments (LHD) at this time. Please note: The Pharmacy Partners Program is unable to provide vaccinations to CILAs. Individuals with I/DD who do not live in congregate settings will be in whatever phase is associated with their age and/or health conditions as outlined in the IDPH Mass Vaccination Planning Guide (updated! See below).
We are aware that people are running into roadblocks with scheduling vaccinations. Attached is a LHD contact list which you can use to reach out directly to the administrator at each LHD if issues arise.
The Division wants to ensure that all of our CILA residents and staff are offered vaccination. Therefore, over the next two weeks providers will need to report to their ISC that they have successfully connected with their local health department to schedule vaccinations for interested parties. Providers should provide this information to the ISC contact for positive resident cases of COVID-19. Thank you for your help on this.
Finally, we also understand that some are concerned as LHDs are moving on to 1b scheduling. Please do not worry. Moderna vaccination packaging requires doses to be used in sets of 10, within 24 hours of opening. The expansion is to ensure that no vaccines go to waste.
Additional vaccination resources:
OIG UPDATE
The Division is working with the Office of the Inspector General to update policies to increase the number of OIG liaisons within community agencies. This is a result of the State of Illinois Auditor General's recent audit of OIG that noted that pursuant to the Illinois Administrative Code, agencies are to have "at least one employee who is trained in Rule 50.30(f)." The audit explained that the purpose of Rule 50.30(f) training is to provide guidance as to preliminary investigative steps, including the taking of statements and the preservation of evidence, and that absent such training, relevant evidence "may be lost incomplete, or mishandled." According to the Auditor General, at the present time, 79 percent of community agencies do not have a 50.30(f)-certified employee. Therefore, the Auditor General recommended that OIG "consider establishing an 'OIG Agency Liaison' at each community agency who is trained in Rule 50.30(f)."
In response to the Auditor General's recommendation, OIG and DD are collaborating to increase the number of Rule 50.30(f)-trained OIG liaisons and staff at community agencies, with the goal of eventually having at least one OIG Agency Liaison at each community agency. As part of this project, OIG and DD will be holding a Rule 50.30(f) training webinar that, in conjunction with the completion of an online test, will allow attendees to become authorized Rule 50.30(f) staff, capable of providing their agency's initial incident response regarding allegations of abuse or neglect. OIG and DD will be providing additional information regarding the scheduling of, and registration for, this webinar.
RN TRAINER WEBINARS
The RN Nurse Trainer Medication Administration in the Community Webinars will be held on the following dates:
- February 9, 2021
- March 18, 2021
- April 13, 2021
- May 11, 2021
There are 3 webinars, and all are required. There is a recorded prerequisite webinar to be viewed prior to the two live webinars. The live webinars are held from 9:30-11:30 AM and 12:45-2:45 PM on each of the above dates. You must register for each webinar. To find additional information and to register https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=45209
DSP COVID IMPACT SURVEY
The Division would like to encourage our providers to support their DSPs to complete the below survey developed by the National Alliance of Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) in partnership with the Institute on Community Integration at the University of Minnesota. You can find the survey here: https://umn.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dmnJGZGYArpMrwp
This is a 6-month follow-up to the original survey. You can find the results of the original survey here: https://publications.ici.umn.edu/community-living/covid19-survey/overview
In order for Illinois to be included in the final report, we need additional respondents! Thanks to the Institute on Public Policy for People with Disabilities for the nudge.
WORK INCENTIVES PLANNING & ASSISTANCE WEBINAR
Join Ron Mulvaney, Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) Program Director, to answer your questions about working while receiving benefits, healthcare benefits for workers with disabilities, the Ticket to Work program and resources to help find a job. This event is sponsored by IDHS Division of Rehabilitation Services.
Thursday, January 28, 2021
7 - 8:30pm
Join here: https://us02web.zoom.us/s/81183546866?pwd=QnliU09JTHBiRG9BWlcrTkJNdCtpUT09
Thank you for all you do. Pledge to get vaccinated!
Warmly,
Allison V. Stark
Director, Division of Developmental Disabilities
Illinois Department of Human Services
600 East Ash-Building 400, Springfield, IL 62703
Tel: (217) 782 -6803
To request to be added to our email database, or to update your contact and service information, please complete our Contact Survey at the following link:
https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?module=17&item=110637&surveyid=1458.
Information provided will help us to better tailor communications to you in the future.
