April 2nd, 2021
______________________________________________________________________
COVID-19 Updates – March 26, 2021 – Information on COVID-19 vaccinations for individuals eligible for CLBC
Good Afternoon;
On Tuesday, the Provincial Health Officer explained the term “Clinically Extremely Vulnerable” (CEV) and how people in this category will get vaccinations. CLBC has provided more detailed information below on what people can expect in the next four weeks.
- The Ministry of Health will send each person a letter confirming their eligibility. Some people have already received their letters. These letters will arrive by April 15, 2021.
- The letter will provide a phone number to call to make an appointment for your vaccination.
- Take the letter and your health card with you to the appointment and get your vaccination.
- The BCCDC has published vaccine planning information for people with developmental disabilities. This answers questions about vaccines, how to prepare for the appointment, who you can bring with you, and what to do if you need help making a decision about the vaccine.
This is the process for people who are receiving services. For staff and home-share providers there will be separate processes led by the Health Authorities.
Please read through the information below, and let us know if you have any questions.
Ernie Baatz
Executive Director
Spectrum Society for Community Living
|
|
|||||||
|
COVID-19 Updates – March 23, 2021 – Vaccines for People with Developmental Disabilities
All people eligible for CLBC services are now in line to get a vaccine by the end of April 2021.
The press release below describes the full program, but in summary;
- Government will send eligible people a letter confirming their eligibility. CLBC is confirming up-to-date addresses this week.
- The person or their family will phone to make an appointment.
- The person will take their letter to their appointment for the vaccine.
- For staff and home-share providers, the Health Authorities will continue to expand their programs and we’ll keep you informed. This is a separate program.
People deemed clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV) prioritized for COVID-19 vaccine
People at higher risk from COVID-19 due to existing medical conditions, such as various forms of cancer, transplant recipients and severe respiratory conditions, will be able to register for their COVID-19 vaccine beginning Monday, March 29, 2021.
The accelerated timelines for B.C.’s COVID-19 immunization plan mean approximately 200,000 people in B.C. aged 16 years and older who are clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV) are eligible to receive their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine in the coming weeks. Some of the CEV population will have already been immunized as part of B.C.’s age-based vaccine program (currently 75 years and older).
“B.C. has made tremendous progress on our age-based vaccine program,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “Now, we are able to expand to those people who are at increased risk from COVID-19 due to underlying medical conditions or various medical treatments. Clinical experts have now determined those who have a high risk of severe illness from the virus and now have the vaccine supply to protect these most vulnerable people.”
Expert physicians and providers in cancer care, kidney diseases and other conditions causing compromised immunity worked with public health and international COVID-19 data to define B.C.’s updated CEV list to ensure those most at risk of severe illness from COVID-19 are prioritized first (see backgrounder).
Those people identified as CEV will receive a letter in the mail in the coming days with information on how to book an appointment, beginning March 29, 2021. People who receive this invitation letter must bring it with them to their vaccination appointment.
If people who believe they are in the CEV group have not received a letter by April 15, 2021, they can contact the provincial call centre or visit the get vaccinated provincial online registration and booking system, which is scheduled to launch on April 6, to confirm if they are on the CEV list. If they are not on the CEV list, they can reach out to their physician or nurse practitioner about their eligibility.
“Since day one of our immunization plan, we have set out to protect those who are most at risk to COVID-19,” said Dr. Penny Ballem, executive lead, B.C.’s immunization plan. “We used clinical evidence from around the world and clinical expertise and patient registries in B.C. to develop this list and look forward to taking another important step forward in our immunization plan.”
Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer, said: “Through this additional immunization, we are able to relieve a significant burden from those who are extremely clinically vulnerable to severe illness from COVID-19. This is another encouraging step forward for all of us as we continue to ramp up our immunization efforts.”
The CEV-based booking process will run parallel to the ongoing age-based booking schedule.
This schedule is being accelerated, starting with those born in 1945 able to book starting Wednesday, March 24. The revised health authority eligibility call-in schedule follows:
- age 76 (born in 1945) – Wednesday, March 24 at noon
- age 75 (born in 1946) – Thursday, March 25 at noon
- age 74 (born in 1947) – Friday, March 26 at noon
- age 74+, and CEV population (must have invitation letter to book) – Monday, March 29 noon
Learn More:
For the full CEV list and criteria, visit: http://gov.bc.ca/cevCOVID
- You have a significant developmental disability, such as adults with Down’s Syndrome and other conditions, that is significant enough that you require support for activities of daily living and you use or receive support from:
- Community Supports for Independent Living (CSIL)
- Community Living British Columbia (CLBC)
- Nursing Support Services program for youth aged 16 to 19
== == == == == == == == ==
Join CLBC’s March 30 COVID-19 telephone update for self advocates and families
Dear self advocates and families;
Please join Community Living BC (CLBC) next Tuesday, March 30 for an opportunity to hear from Dr. Daniele Behn Smith, Deputy Provincial Health Officer, about the latest health and vaccine information and guidance on COVID-19.
Participants will also hear an update from Ross Chilton, CEO of CLBC. The call will be hosted by CLBC Board Chair Michael J. Prince.
When: Tuesday, March 30
Time: 1:05 to 2 p.m.* (Pacific Standard Time)
How to call in:
Vancouver: 604-681-0260
Elsewhere: 1-877-353-9184
Participant code: 37568#
* Due to the large number of participants, please call in at 12:55 p.m.
Self advocates and families are invited to submit COVID-19 health questions in advance by noon on Thursday, March 25 to CLBCInfo@gov.bc.ca with the subject line: March 30 CLBC Call. This will allow us to answer as many questions as possible.
We look forward to having you join us! For the latest information from CLBC, please visit our web pages with COVID-19 information here.
== == == == == == == == == ==
Community Immunity
Vaccines do more than protect you from COVID-19, they also protect everyone around you. The more people in a community who are immunized against COVID-19, the harder it is for the virus to spread.
Community (herd) immunity could be reached when a large majority of people in B.C. are immunized against COVID-19. When you choose to be vaccinated against COVID-19, you are helping save lives by protecting your household and your entire community from the virus.
Lifting restrictions
Lifting current restrictions will be based on many factors, including:
- Number of people immunized and level of community immunity
- Number of COVID-19 cases in the province
- Health care system capacity
Layers of protection
Going back to normal life will take time. Even if you have received the vaccine, you must follow provincial health orders and protect others by:
- Washing your hands
- Staying home when sick and getting tested
- Keeping a safe distance from others
- Wearing a mask in public indoor spaces
Together, we can keep each other safe.
______________________________________________________________________
RISE Community Groups and Workshops
For info or to register:
- Email info@cnh.bc.ca
- Call Collingwood Neighbourhood House at 604-435-0323
- Or ask a RISE Staff member
Spots are limited. Registration required.
Please click these links below for further details:
RISE Spring 2021 Workshops Info
______________________________________________________________________
 |
|
Benefits fraud happens when a person intentionally submits false or misleading information to their insurance provider for financial gain. Not only can benefits fraud lead to increased plan costs (and therefore potentially reduced coverage), the consequences of participating in a benefits fraud can include job loss – or even criminal charges. March is Fraud Awareness Month, and so here are four simple ways you can help prevent benefits fraud: Secure Your InformationIt’s essential to keep your benefits plan information in a secure place by treating it how you would with other important documents such as your passport or driver’s license. Remember: do not lend your benefits card to anyone! Understand Your PlanFamiliarize yourself with your benefits plan to make sure you know what is covered and what is not. Don’t be afraid to ask questions – make sure you understand the services, treatments, and products recommended to you. Keep It AccurateBilling for dental or health services that weren’t provided or ‘double dipping’ the same claim to increase your reimbursement is illegal. Always ensure receipts accurately reflect the product or service you received. Report ItNotice anything suspicious? You can report fraudulent activity here. If you want to learn more about the impact of benefits fraud or would like to report fraudulent activity, visit FraudIsFraud.ca. Resources |
______________________________________________________________________
|
||
 |
||
| Join mental health advocates and experts to take action for youth mental health
We know that many Canadians are struggling with their mental health during this challenging time. Family, friends and co-workers may be experiencing stress, loneliness and anxiety. Our young people in particular are feeling the impact of the pandemic, with 74% currently dealing with a mental health issue.1 It’s a crisis and they need our support. We’re thrilled to invite you, your employees, their families, and any young people in your life to our upcoming free Youth & Family Mental Health event. We are proud to host this event in partnership with the Unsinkable Foundation. |
||
|
||
This event features leaders and young Canadians facing similar challenges, along with Sun Life mental health experts. They’ll:
|
||
|
||
| Spread the word – everyone is welcome! You and your employees can invite anyone – from children, to friends, to extended family – by sharing the event link sunlife.ca/youthmentalhealth. Show your commitment to employee mental health We’ve created marketing materials to help you promote these events to your employees. You can email, post on your company intranet, or print and display in your workplace. |
- Email banner – to send a company email promoting this event
- Digital banner – to post on your company intranet and link to the registration page
- Event poster – English
- Event poster – French
Your employees will also receive this invitation through our bi-monthly Lumino Health Newsletter. We’ll honour all plan sponsor exclusions if you’ve opted out of direct communications.
We all have the opportunity and responsibility to build stronger, more resilient communities. Together we can make a difference in the lives of young Canadians.
Questions?
If you have any questions, please talk to your advisor or your Sun Life Group Benefits representative.
1Sun Life survey, March 4, 2021
|
|
______________________________________________________________________
Get free, virtual help with your taxes!It’s been a challenging year, but we’re hoping we can make one thing easier – doing your taxes. It’s important to do your taxes on time, every year. Getting them done will make sure you continue to receive your entitled benefit and credit payments. Volunteers may be able to do your taxes for free through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP). You could be eligible if you have a modest income and a simple tax situation. This year, many community organizations are hosting free, virtual tax clinics where you can get tax help by videoconference, by phone or through a document drop-off arrangement. A list of tax clinics is posted on our website. They’re generally offered in March and April, with some even open year-round. You can also find a tax clinic with the free MyCRA web app when you select “Help with my taxes.” If you live in Quebec, you can get help through the Income Tax Assistance – Volunteer Program, offered by Revenu Québec. How you can help Did you know the CVITP has been connecting volunteers from community organizations with people who need help filing their taxes for over 50 years? If your community organization would like to host a tax clinic or if you’d like to volunteer, go to canada.ca/taxes-volunteer to register online. |
| Stay connected
To receive updates on what is new at the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), you can:
· Follow the CRA on Twitter – @CanRevAgency. · Follow the CRA on LinkedIn. · Subscribe to a CRA electronic mailing list. · Add our RSS feeds to your feed reader. · Watch our tax-related videos on YouTube. |
______________________________________________________________________
|
Changes to your Dental Benefits:
Link to Bulletin: Sun Life Update
______________________________________________________________________
It is a great time to review the contents of emergency medical and earthquake kits in your home.
Are your water and food rations currently dated? Other items like glow sticks and batteries have expiry dates. It’s a good time to make sure everything is up to date.
Did you use some of the medical supplies during the year? Now is a great time to order replacement items. Please note that WCB First Aid Kits are required in all of the homes that are staffed.
Have there been changes in the number of people residing in your home? Do you need more or less supplies?
Have any of the people you live with changed their diets over the past year? Do you need to change the dietary foods in their earthquake kits?
If you need help with restocking your emergency medical and earthquake supplies please feel free to contact Judy Smith at judy@spectrumsociety.org for assistance.
It is a good time to review all safety procedures in the home; making sure that exit routes are clear of debris, including accessing risk factors (for example, moving items on shelves that could fall and moving heavy items to bottom shelves instead of top shelves). Are all staff are familiar with where emergency care items are stored? Please review the following information from our policy manual with the staff and individuals you support. Include staff to join on skype or zoom if you cannot meet in person so everyone is familiar with this process.
(https://sscl.sharevision.ca/public/PolicyDirectory/General%20Policies/34.0.EmergencyPreparedness.pdf)
When you have completed your Earthquake Drill please record this information on Sharevision.
______________________________________________________________________
How to Register for First Aid:
We recommend obtaining and/or renewing your First Aid through St. John’s Ambulance with the Emergency First Aid Community Care course. If there is another course offered by a different provider, please contact Human Resources prior to enrolling to determine if it is equivalent and meets the basic requirements.
To obtain/renew through St John’s Ambulance, please call (604) 321-7242
- They above number is their main line, but they have a number of locations across the lower mainland if you would like to call a location directly: http://www.sja.ca/English/About-Us/Pages/Locations.aspx
- Register yourself for Emergency First Aid Community Care.
If an employee does not have a valid first aid certificate upon hire, the fee to obtain or renew certification is the responsibility of the employee. Future renewal fees for active employees are covered by Spectrum.
- If you are renewing your first aid, ask St. John Ambulance to invoice Spectrum Society
- Let them know Spectrum Society will be paying for your course fee.
*St. John Ambulance may request authorization from Spectrum. Email hr@spectrumsociety.org with the date/location you want to complete the course and we will call them to confirm your registration.
First Aid is a requirement for employment as indicated in ‘Policy 4: Requirements for Employment. Below is a link to Spectrum’s First Aid policy:
For employees renewing their first aid, please ensure St. John’s Ambulance (SJA) includes the CPR pocket mask with your first aid registration. If the CPR pocket mask is not included with your registration fee, SJA requires attendees pay for this on the day of course completion; you can save your receipt and submit it to Human Resources for reimbursement.
Please email your certificate of course completion to hr@spectrumsociety.org to have your file updated.
Please let Judy know if you have any questions or issues registering, by emailing judy@spectrumsociety.org