News and Updates
Community Pathways
Newsletter: Friday, June 5
June is here and the summer weather is too!
In this week’s newsletter, learn about how to stay safe as Oregon begins reopening communities and we are all tempted to spend more time outside in the sunshine.
We would first like to acknowledge the importance of the Black Lives Matter movement. In case you missed it, please view this post to read Community Pathways’ response to and support for the movement.
Keeping Safe during the Reopening
Oregon is slowly starting to reopen businesses and outdoor areas like state parks. The Governor’s plan to reopen includes phases that are done in a slow and cautious manner. The Governor has been working with doctors and public health experts to create guidance for businesses and individuals as they reopen. This guidance includes way in which businesses can make public spaces as safe as possible; it’s important to remember that no space will be 100% safe.
Phases of Reopening
There are three phases to reopening Oregon. Right now, most of Oregon’s counties are in “Phase 1” of reopening. Some counties are less populated, meaning there is a decreased risk of the virus spreading quickly and getting out of control; those counties entered phase 1 early and some are starting to enter into phase 2. Multnomah county, which encompasses much of Portland, is one of the last counties to enter Phase 1 because Portland is the most populated city in Oregon.
Businesses are required to follow “Statewide: Baseline Reopening” guidelines (see visual below) to maintain social distancing and promote other safety precautions during early reopening stages. Read regulations for Phase 1 reopening here. Phase 3 won’t happen until a treatment or vaccine can help quickly stop the spread of the Coronavirus.
Image Source: Oregon.gov
It might seem like life is getting back to “normal” but reopening does not mean that the virus is gone. In many ways, reopening means that we need to be more aware of our safety and hygiene than ever before. “The biggest thing to remember before venturing forth: Many people spreading the virus appear perfectly healthy, so a strategy of simply avoiding people who look sick won’t work.” According to this news article from OregonLive, some studies have found that anywhere from 44% to 62% of people with the disease got it from someone who did not show symptoms.
What can I do to Stay Safe?
We should continue to follow CDC’s recommendations to stop the spread of COVID-19 even after our communities begin to re-open. In this video, the Office of Developmental Disability Services recommends steps to take in order to prevent the spread of the virus now and during the reopening of our communities.
Plan ahead and shop when stores are least crowded.
Wash hands often and use hand sanitizer
Wear a clean face covering
Keep a safe social distance (6 feet or more) and avoid people who are sick
Cover your cough and sneezes
Disinfect surfaces routinely touched
Stay home if you are sick and tell someone if you are not feeling well
It is important to realize that there is an increased risk of being exposed to the virus every time we go out in public and we are around people. If you are thinking about going out, talk with a support person about the risk.
As we begin to think about going out, we must continue to be cautious and limit our risk of exposure. It is still recommended that we reduce the amount of times we leave our home. We must not forget about maintaining social distance and wearing a face covering. Changing our behavior may be difficult at first. As with most things, over time these tasks will become second nature. We can also encourage one another to practice the things that keep us safer. Create a system to track where you go and whom you have been in contact with. This information can be beneficial in preventing the spread of the virus and may be needed at a later date. Read our newsletter from May 22nd for more information on contract tracing.
We can create new habits. Remember, if we don’t practice safety and the virus spreads, our community will close down again.
It is hard to be patient. We want to return to our “normal” lifestyles. However, reopening in phases is not the return to “normal”. Reopening is a way to help our economy. We need to remember that the Coronavirus spreads quickly and can cause serious illness and even death. There is currently not a cure or vaccine. As our communities reopen, the number one priority is to keep each other safe. Our leaders and lawmakers want to protect our health more than anything else.
““In picking our path forward, we seek the least harm possible to our community.””
Read more about adjusting to our new normal in a post issued by Oregon Support Services Association.
Customer Spotlight of the Week
It has been so nice to share with you what our PA’s have been up to the last few weeks! But we also want to share stories from other customers at Community Pathways who are adjusting to their “new normal,” too. Some people are doing very creative things at home to stay happy and healthy, and we thought you might want to hear their ideas!
Kimi and her mom play games and cook together at home. But mostly, Kimi has been dancing! She started dancing in high school dance class. She loves to dance to pop, country, show music, and more.
At home, Kimi loves to watch Joseph Corella at 567Broadway! She has awesome moves! Check out her dancing along with 567Broadway! here, and dance along if the mood strikes.
Kimi also loves to watch Zumba concerts. She shared a link to a concert with her favorite teacher, Alberto “Beto” Perez, so you can dance with him, too!
Kimi’s dancing inspired us to get up and move to our favorite music at home. We hope it helps you, too!
Do you have a favorite hobby at home? We want to hear about it!
Write to pcantlon@communitypath.org to share.
Your privacy is important to us. We won’t put your story in our newsletter (unless you want us to)!
The Call for Change and Social Justice
In our community, and around the world, people have gathered to protest for change related to racial inequality and police brutality. Community Pathways sees the pain and understands the call for change and social justice. Community Pathways advocates for a person-centered and equitable community.
We work hard to support and empower individuals with disabilities of all races. We value diversity in our community and stand strong against racism. We understand that racial injustice is steeped in our nation’s history and continues to do harm to people of color. We advocate for true change within systems, and new policies that stop the direct and indirect harm to people of color.
The Office of Developmental Disability Services is using an equitable lens as they work on the initiatives, within their Strategic Plan, that support equitable access and opportunity for all. Read Lilia Teninty, Director, Office of Developmental Disabilities Services, response to the most recent protests here.
Here in Portland, the Portland police department is working with community leaders to provide safe opportunities for people to gather. We are fortunate in this community that we have leaders who understand and are willing to work together to share and shape a common message of peace and needed change. During this time we must remember that COVID-19 is still a concern. It is important to remember that the CDC still recommends a face covering and 6-foot distance between people in crowded areas. People who are vulnerable to contracting the virus are recommended to stay home.
You may decide that you want to get involved in the movement from home. Getting involved looks different for each person. Having a conversation about race is being involved. Supporting a black-owned business is being involved. Learning about social injustice is being involved.
There are a lot of resources to turn to if you would like to learn more about black history, the struggle for equal rights and the importance of anti-racism:
Image source: @blessthemessy on Instagram
You are invited to read more about the Black Lives Matter movement here.
Click here for a list of books, podcasts, films and articles.
You might want to think about becoming a member of an organization such as NAACP that fights for equal rights.
You may want to support a black-owned business. Here you can find some of Portland’s black-owned eateries.
You also have the option to join a protest from home. The King Center is hosting online protests every night through June 8th at 7 PM.
There is A LOT happening in our community right now. Community Pathways is here for you.
We support positive and peaceful engagement that will lead to transformative change that will make our community better for everyone.
Newsletter: Friday, May 22
Thank you for keeping up with our weekly news!
Our highlights this Friday include information on contact tracing, a weekly PA spotlight with Linda, and a reminder about our Memorial Day closure.
Contact Tracing:
An Important Tool to Prevent Future Outbreaks
As communities around Oregon slowly begin to open based on Governor Kate Brown’s framework, protective factors are being put in place that will allow health care officials to respond effectively and efficiently when an individual tests positive for the Coronavirus. The Governor is concentrating on implementing widespread Coronavirus testing and contract tracing to prevent another outbreak.
What is Contact Tracing?
Let’s first think about the word tracing. To trace is to make a copy of something, like a drawing or map, by drawing an outline of an existing picture. When we talk about contact tracing, health officials are trying to create an outlined map of all the people and places a person with Covid-19 has been in contact with.
In order to create this map, health care providers will ask an individual who has contracted Coronavirus many important questions:
Who has the infected person been in contact with?
What has the infected person been doing while infected?
Where has the infected person been?
When did the infected person first have symptoms?
With this important information, health care professionals from Oregon Health Authority (OHA) determine who they need to reach out to in order to notify people that they have been around someone that has tested positive to the Coronavirus. People who have had interactions with someone who is sick are called “contacts” and OHA health care officials will also ask them about the interactions they have had outside of their homes.
“Contact tracers check in with contacts daily for 14 days to see whether the contact starts having COVID-19 symptoms. These check-ins can happen via phone, text, or email. Oregon Health Authority will also ask these same people to self-isolate for 14 days.” Read more about OHA’s plan to identify, investigate and monitor COVID-19 cases here.
Contact tracing can also be thought of as “retracing our steps” in order to protect each other from getting sick. It is an extremely important method to prevent an outbreak.
What if we find ourselves sick and test positive for the Coronavirus?
A person from Oregon Health Authority might call us and ask us questions like the ones listed above. If OHA calls us, we can choose to participate and answer their questions. Participating is our way of helping to decrease the spread of the virus. It might feel strange to share our friends’ names and our daily activities with someone we don’t know, but the information is only going to be used to protect other people from getting sick.
The information we share with OHA is held under HIPAA privacy laws and can only be used to prevent the spread of Coronavirus.
In order to be able to provide valuable information, we need to think of simple ways to track whom we’ve been with and where we have gone. Of course, we can’t track everything we do, but we can use a calendar to track when we leave our homes and make a list of people we spend time with. Some things we may want to write on our calendars or on a piece of paper are:
When we go to the grocery store or pharmacy
Where we go shopping and which pharmacy we use
When we meet a friend for a social distancing meetup
Who we spend time with in person
As always, be careful about giving away too much information over the phone or online. An OHA Contact Tracing representative would not ask you for money or for private information such as your social security number or bank account number.
COVID-19 and State Budget
Coronavirus has had an enormous impact on our communities. Many people have lost their jobs and businesses have had to close their doors. Income generates Oregon’s state revenue, and with this loss, less money will be available for state services.
You might have heard talk about state budget cuts and what they mean for the Office of Developmental Disabilities Services (ODDS). But as of right now, there are not specific plans or set dates to put any budget cuts into action. As we learn specifics we will pass the information along to our community.
“What we can do, as advocates, is to expand understanding of what our services are, and what they mean to our entire community.” Our voice is strongest together. Read OSSA’s post for more details about COVID-19’s impact on the state budget. Another great source for budget and legislative information is the Go! Project through the DD Coalition. You can sign up for their bulletin here.
If you have more questions or concerns about the state budget and its impact on DD services, reach out to us at pcantlon@communitypath.org.
Advocate for Equal Rights to Health Care
Disability Rights Oregon is fighting against health care discrimination based on disability, race and age. Everyone deserves proper medical treatment at doctor’s offices, clinics and hospitals. Advocate for equal rights for medical care by signing this petition. It only takes a minute to sign, and it is a great way to make a difference without even leaving your home!
Image Source: Make It Grateful
Memorial Day Crafts
It might feel a little different to celebrate holidays right now, but days like Memorial Day are still federally recognized and important to all of us! Get into the spirit by making patriotic crafts. This list might inspire you to get resourceful and make unique decorations out of objects you already have at home!
PA Spotlight of the Week
Linda, one of Community Pathways’ PAs, wants to share with you how her life is different since the outbreak and how she has been spending her time at home.
Linda has missed hugs and direct interaction with people more than anything. But, she lives far away from the office and she doesn’t miss the long drive into work!
Linda usually does a lot of nature photography, but during her time at home she has been drawing. Drawing helps to keep her mind at ease when she finds herself getting anxious or worried. Linda’s drawings are based on characters from the show the Walking Dead.
Do you have a hobby you like to do at home, or a story you’d like to share?
We want to hear from you! Write to us at pcantlon@communitypath.org.
We will not share your information publicly (unless you want us to)!
Resources
It has been a while since our lifestyles changed due to COVID-19, but it doesn’t get easier with time.
Clackamas County Go Teams have been formed to “go out into the community to help individuals and families who are struggling with anxiety, unemployment, grief and a host of other emotional and social problems that are becoming more and more common during this time that the world is responding to COVID-19.”
Reach out for Go Team services by calling 503-655-8585.
For more mental health resources and crisis lines, click here.
MEMORIAL DAY CLOSURE
Community Pathways will be closed on Monday, May 25th for Memorial Day. We will reopen at 9 AM on Tuesday, May 26th - maintaining our COVID-19 operations.
Newsletter: Friday, May 15
Happy Friday, everyone!
Our newsletter highlights this week include important information regarding hospital preparation tips and medical rights. Don’t forget to read to the end for a hello from Jamal, Community Pathways’ newest personal agent!
Be Prepared for Hospitalization and Know Your Medical Rights
We are all trying to stay healthy by following CDC’s preventative suggestions.
Practicing healthy habits like proper hygiene and social distancing are some of the best ways to protect ourselves during this time. However, we need to be ready for the unexpected. As stated in OSSA’s post on Medical Support in the Time of COVID-19, we want to “hope for the best; plan for the worst.”
It is important to plan for emergencies. Hospitals are doing their best to keep people safe, but medical workers don’t always realize that some individuals need extra supports. It is important to know that people who experience disabilities have special protections. These protections make sure that individuals get the care they need.
Keep reading to learn how to prepare for a hospital visit and understand your medical rights.
Prepare for a Potential Hospital Visit
Think about what it is you need in a health care setting in order to receive the best possible treatment.
What do you want doctors to know about you? Have documents ready with information to share.
Independence Northwest has put together a resource page for hospital communications. This includes examples on how to communicate with hospital staff. Some of these forms can be personalized with your information and so you are able to give them to doctors.
These communication boards could also help doctors understand why you feel sick or hurt:
Source: Jems.com
Download, print and complete the forms and visuals that will help you communicate. Store them in a safe place in your home; maybe put the documents inside folder titled “For Emergencies” or “Medical Visits” and tell someone you trust where you keep it.
Talk to your PA if you need assistance with preparing these documents.
Know Your Medical Rights
Individuals have the right to communication and management of their healthcare decisions. Disability Rights Oregon (DRO) has put together a useful document to understand rights to medical treatment.
Doctor’s offices, clinics and hospitals must be able to accommodate certain necessities, such as your own wheelchair, communication device, or assistance animal. To read more about rights to reasonable accommodation, click here.
It is also important to know that if a person with a disability is hospitalized, he or she can bring a family member or provider with them if necessary (as long as that person is not also sick).
Oregon Health Authority’s visitor guidance policy during the COVID-19 outbreak states that patients who need assistance with treatments or to ensure safety can have a guardian or caregiver with them at the hospital.
Let your PA know if you need additional support with knowing your rights.
DRO wants to know if you need help. Reach out to them if you were denied your requested accommodations at a hospital, clinic or doctor’s office.
Call DRO:
503-243-2081 or 1-800-452-1694
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. or 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Monday through Friday
Write a letter:
Disability Rights Oregon
511 SW 10th Avenue
Suite 200
Portland, Oregon 97205
You can easily access and download these medical documents on the new Emergency Planning portion of our COVID-19 webpage.
PA Spotlight of the Week
Jamal plays the piano and flute.
Jamal started as a personal agent at Community Pathways in March.
It is strange for him that he has only met most of his customers and coworkers online or over the phone!
Jamal’s board game collection: some of his favorites include This War of Mine and Skythe.
Jamal is using his extra time at home to play music and use his board game collection.
He is excited to meet fellow gamers at future CPI Game Nights!
Read Jamal’s bio here to learn more about Community Pathways’ newest team member.