COVID-19 Updates
FDA Approval for COVID-19 Vaccine and Booster Shots
On August 23, 2021, the FDA approved the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for individuals 16 and older. The Pfizer vaccine will now be marketed as Comirnaty (pronounced koe-mir’-na-tee). While this may seem strange, it’s actually very common. For more information on this approval, see here.
Although the COVID-19 vaccines continue to be highly effective in reducing the risk of getting seriously sick or hospitalized, public health experts are starting to see slightly reduced protection against mild and moderate cases of COVID, particularly with new strains like Delta. For this reason, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is planning to roll out a booster shot this fall, so vaccinated people stay protected over the coming months. It’s not yet clear if the booster will be recommended for all groups or only for “at risk” groups. The FDA is still conducting research to determine how effective and safe the booster shot is.
Individuals will be eligible for the booster 8 months after the second dose of an mRNA vaccine (like Pfizer or Moderna). Data on boosters is not yet available for the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine.
For more information on the booster shots, see the CDC’s website here.
CPI will continue to provide updated info on the COVID-19 vaccine and booster shots on our website.
ODDS Changes to Guidelines – In-Person Visits
Due to recent increases in cases and hospitalizations resulting from COVID-19, the state has gone back to pre-July 2021 guidelines. This means that CPI is temporarily being asked to stop in-person visits as a way to slow the spread of the Delta variant. Other changes include:
Requiring masks for all providers (except those living with the person they work with) and agencies, both inside and outside, regardless of vaccine status or social distancing; and
only allowing Group DSA and employment path services (like classes) if 80% of staff are vaccinated, and no more than 6 people (including staff) are allowed per cohort.
COVID-19 Update – Oregon
Currently, there are nearly twice as many hospitalized patients in Oregon as there were last year during the worst part of the pandemic. The number of new cases of COVID has sky rocketed. Hospitals and ICUs are full or near capacity and most individuals in the hospital and in critical care with COVID are unvaccinated. Elective surgeries have been delayed, and those who need other care may not be able to get it when they need it.
Medical professionals are encouraging all eligible adults over the age of 16 to get vaccinated in order to protect themselves, their loved ones, and their community. Individuals should also continue to wear masks, social distance, limit gatherings and stay home when feeling sick. For more information on the situation in Oregon, see here.
Personal Support Worker (PSW) Training Updates
Effective September 1, 2021, orientation will be required in order for a PSW to receive a provider number. Current PSWs will be required to take a Refresher Training of 12.5 total hours (due date March 31, 2022). Orientation and training is provided through Carewell.
How long is the new provider orientation? What is involved?
The initial online orientation lasts 4 hours. This will be followed by an additional 4 hours of self-directed online core training, and a 4.5-hour live core workshop webinar.
Make sure to complete an application before you begin training.
See here for the New Worker Training Registration and User Guide.
For more information on New Worker Training, see here.
If you have additional questions as a new provider, call 1-844-503-7348 or email CarewellSEIU503training@RISEpartnership.com.
What is involved in the refresher training for existing PSWs?
The refresher training for existing PSWs is broken up into two parts; an online refresher and a refresher workshop. Once PSWs complete their refresher training, they will receive a $200 stipend and be entered to win prizes up to $1000!
The online refresher is about 8 hours, and the online live webinar will take about 4.5 hours.
What if I miss the deadline for the training requirement as an existing provider?
If you miss the deadline, you will most likely have to stop working until you meet the requirements.
How do I complete the training? What if I don’t have access to a computer, tablet or smartphone?
New PSWs can register with Carewell here, and the training may be completed online on the Carewell Learning Portal.
Existing PSWs may sign up here for the Learning Portal, if they haven’t already. To log in with current credentials, see the Carewell learning portal here.
If a PSW doesn’t have access to a computer, they may request a paper packet (or DVD) and listen to the webinar on the phone.
To request a paper packet (or DVD), call 1-844-503-7348; hours are Monday-Friday, 8AM-6PM. The paper packets are currently taking approximately 4 weeks to arrive in the mail, so the sooner a packet is requested, the better.
The packet/DVD will be sent to the address provided with a list of questions that the PSW should complete and mail back to Carewell. Once the packet has been received, Carewell will mail a survey for the PSW to complete and return, along with instructions to set up the audio workshop.
After the workshop has been scheduled, Carewell will send a workshop packet to use to follow along with the presentation.
What if my first language isn’t English, or I would prefer to complete the training in a different language than English?
The Carewell SEIU 503 Training team is working toward offering training in a variety of languages including Arabic, Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese, Mandarin (voice-over), and simplified Chinese (written). You can adjust your language preferences in the upper right corner of the Carewell website and the Carewell Learning Portal.
For more information on registration in a different language, see here.
If a training is not currently offered in your preferred language, PSWs may call Carewell directly to request an interpreter at 1-844-503-7348 (hours are Monday-Friday, 8AM-6PM) or email carewellseiu503training@risepartnership.com.
For more information on these changes, as well as orientation and training, see the FAQs on the Carewell website here.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits & COVID Relief for People with Disabilities
Last month, the Social Security Administration (SSA) changed its rules about which types of financial assistance can affect eligibility for SSI. Previously, the SSA said that the stimulus checks provided by the government would not be considered income for those who also received SSI for 12 months. This has changed and there is now no end date.
Individuals on SSI have several options if they need to save over $2,000. One option is to open an ABLE account. There are special rules and you can ask your PA if you need additional information.
The SSA will no longer count the following types of financial assistance towards SSI eligibility:
Economic Impact Payments (EIP), or stimulus checks
State Stimulus Payments (Some exclusions may apply.)
Unemployment Assistance (also includes regular unemployment)
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP): Loan Forgiveness to Employers and Self-Employed Individuals
Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program: Loans/Grants to Employers and Self-Employed Individuals /Grants
Coronavirus Food Assistance Program – Direct Payments to Farmers and Ranchers
COVID-19 Veteran Rapid Retraining Assistance Program
COVID-19 Funeral Assistance
Emergency Rental Assistance Fund
Emergency Assistance for Rural Housing/Rural Rental Assistance
Homeowner Assistance Fund
Housing Assistance and Supportive Services Programs for Native Americans
Tribal Payments from the Coronavirus Relief Fund and the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds
Supporting Foster Youth and Families
Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund
Emergency Assistance to Children and Families through the Pandemic Emergency Assistance Fund
Farm Loan Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers
USDA Assistance and Support for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers, Ranchers, Forest Land Owners and Operators, and Groups
What should I do if my SSI was affected because I received any of the financial types above?
The SSA are reviewing SSI claims and records (going back to March of 2020) to make sure the correct payments are given out. If any SSI benefits (or other benefits) were changed after the stimulus payments were received, no other action is needed. If the SSA needs information from the individual, they will mail a letter to tell the individual to schedule an appointment to discuss.
If the SSA doesn’t need any information from the individual to restore SSI payments, they will restore benefits and mail a letter explaining the change. If an individual has an appointed rep or a rep payee, the SSA will send this information to them as well.
If the individual has moved since SSI stopped, they should call the local SSA office to report the move.
For more information on this change (including FAQs), see the Social Security Administration’s website here.
Community Pathways Picnic
A couple of weeks ago, the Community Pathways team and board held our first in-person get together since the start of the pandemic! This took place before the outdoor mask mandate was announced. The team gathered in Laurelhurst Park for games, tacos (provided by Pepe’s Super Tacos), and much needed social interaction. This was the first time many of us have seen each other in about 17 months. And, for our new staff, the first time we got to meet each other in person. We were grateful for the nice weather and the opportunity to see each other.
We were also joined by Caesar the No-Drama Llama and his handler, Larry! Caesar is a mainstay at many Portland events and has a calm disposition – many of the picnic-goers even got hugs from Caesar!
Here are some photos of our staff enjoying time together. We are very grateful for each and every person who works for CPI, and we look forward to the time when we can safely be together again. We hope everyone was able to enjoy time this summer with friends, family and co-workers.
September Recipe – Peach Cobbler (via Love & Lemons)
Source: Love & Lemons
As we move through the end of summer and into fall, it’s a great time to use up those ripe peaches! This month we have a recipe for an easy peach cobbler.
Ingredients
6 large or 7 medium peaches, thinly sliced
1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup cane sugar
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ cup melted coconut oil or unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Vanilla ice cream, for serving
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Layer the peaches into the bottom of the baking dish and drizzle the lemon juice over the peaches.
In a medium bowl, mix the flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Add the coconut oil (or butter) and vanilla and combine until the mixture forms a crumbly dough. Sprinkle over the peaches and bake for 30 minutes, or until the mixture is just lightly browned on top and the peaches are juicy.
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
Office Closure – Labor Day
Our offices will be closed on Monday, September 6th in observance of Labor Day. We will reopen Tuesday, September 7th at 9:00AM.
Enjoy the long weekend!
Upcoming Events
Housing Independence Events
During the month of September, Housing Independence is hosting more great events such as:
Movie Nights (9/7 Scary Movie: Night of the Living Dead, 9/17 Blank Check, 9/21 Captain America Civil War)
Read Along (continuing the Harry Potter series with 3rd book, The Prisoner of Azkaban)
Yoga (join provider Nic over Zoom to practice deep breathing and yoga poses!)
Acting at Commonwealth park, in person, (Friday 9/10 and 9/24)
Pokémon Go!, in-person, (Thursdays 9/9 and 9/23)
See their full list of events and dates in their September newsletter here!
To sign up for in-person events or to try out some online events, please email/call Deputy Director Jessie Robert directly at jessier@housingindependence.org, or by phone at: (503) 719-9711. Housing Independence are still offering 4 classes free of charge to anyone who would like to try out their program.
PHAME Online Events and Fall Registration
Interested in creating art, learning new skills, and building relationships? PHAME may be for you! 2021 Fall Term begins on September 27th. Classes will be online for now to keep everyone safe. See here for more information on how to become a student.
PHAME is also hosting two online events this fall - a viewing party this month, and a One Community event in October! Both events are free and will be hosted on zoom (details to come soon).
PHAME Video Release Party: Wednesday, September 29th - 6:30-7:15PM
Join PHAME for a viewing party for new student-driven video projects that were created this summer. The event will include a Q&A with some of the creators!
One Community: Thursday, October 7th - 8:30-9:00AM
PHAME’s fifth-annual One Community Event introduces business leaders in the community to the benefits of employing people with I/DD. Participants will gain practical advice for creating lasting change in their organizations!