A message from our Executive Director
TO: Dr. Gisele Ragusa, Board President & Board of Directors, San Gabriel / Pomona Valleys Developmental Services, Inc.
FROM: Anthony Hill, M.A. J.D. Esq., Executive Director
RE: Executive Director’s Report
COVID-19
On June 18th, 2020 Governor Newsom issued a statewide order for all Californians to wear face coverings. During Governor Newsom’s debriefing he stated…. “science shows that face coverings and masks work….” According to data, archived and found on the Los Angeles County Public Health Dashboard, the 7-day average testing positivity rate ending August 15, 2020 shows 5.4 percent (see publichealth.lacounty.gov), through 8:00 p.m. on August 22, 2020.
The COVID-19 positivity testing rate in Los Angeles County is trending downward, presumably if data within the reporting lag reflects similar results. This is great news! Simply, we need to stay true to our winning strategy through wearing face coverings, practicing social distancing, frequent handwashing, and implementing the Centers for Prevention and Disease Control (CDC) guidance supplemented with health policy issued from local governmental agencies. Indeed, together we have created progress. Our SG/PRC community is united.
SG/PRC Critical Business Functions
We are pleased to report critical business functions including Human Resources, Clinical Services , Fiscal Services, Client Services, Community Services and Information Technology are exceedingly effective and remain high performing.
Throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic, we have offered and delivered full scope intake and eligibility services for Early Intervention and Lanterman ACT Services. During a two week stretch, we paused delivery of intake and eligibility services incorporated within our “Monitoring” strategy.
Effective August 3, 2020, we resumed full scope intake and eligibility services. Accordingly, our remote workforce adjusted from 98% to 92% to support this critical business function.
Above everything else, it is rewarding and simply touches our hearts, when seeing children and their parents in our lobby and their being greeted by a clinician that will offer information and guidance to help their loved ones.
This vibrant imagery fulfills the purpose of our mission and commitment to assuring that the needs of our community are met.
SG/PRC Employees Workplace Exposure
There have been zero incidences of COVID-19 exposure with the workplace. Within my July 22, 2020 report you will find detail related to two potential exposures subsequently determined unfounded.
Ongoing COVID-19 Risk Management/Mitigation Strategies
We continue to review, assess and adjust our policies, practices, clinical resources, and surge capacity incorporated as our risk mitigation strategy to protect the health and safety of individuals served as follows:
- We are holding daily SG/PRC leadership meetings to monitor SG/PRC’s critical business functions, and to triage COVID-19 related service needs for individuals served, and securing supports for them, their families and Service Providers.
- We are sustaining our staffing registries inclusive of licensed and unlicensed staffing.
- We are triaging COVID-19 residential settings hot spots, with quality assurance monitoring, nursing and clinical supports, and leadership oversight that coordinate optimal use of allocated resources.
- We are partnering with the Local Public Health Department, Department of Health Care Services and the Department of Developmental Services delivering technical support, and prevention strategies to manage the spread of COVID-19 in residential settings.
- We are making telephone contacts with individuals served to assess their IPP/IFSP service and current technology needs.
- We are meeting every Monday through Zoom with our Vendor Community (averaging 280 participants) for review of Department of Developmental Services (DDS) Directives, public health policy guidance and updates, Best Practices, and planning for re-engagement of service delivery.
- We are meeting every Tuesday through Zoom with the SG/PRC Community (averaging 150 participants) to clarify the meaning of DDS Directives, to better understand the needs of individuals served and to share information regarding resources.
- We have distributed 340,000 pieces of Personal Protective Equipment deploying contact less delivery through the use of our transportation service providers.
- We are completing special incident reports and conducting COVID-19 surveillance reporting daily.
- We are conducting remote quality assurance visits, facility inspections, and investigations.
- We are providing daily clinical and nursing consultation and supports for individuals served.
- We are monitoring budget policy and legislation impacting the developmental services system.
SG/PRC Budget 19/20
Claims are still forthcoming. We anticipate reconciliation soon. A modest surplus is projected, adjusted upward should SG/PRC receive an allocation offsetting COVID-19 expenses.
SG/PRC Budget 20/21
We received our preliminary Purchase of Service (POS) and Operations (OPS) allocation. Our CPP OPS budget in current year projects a year-end deficit, due to a static allocation methodology applied to the cost of employees’ salaries and benefits. We are holding informative conversations with DDS representatives to find a remedy moving forward.
Our recent allocation analysis comparing budget year and prior year, reflects 12.9 percent POS growth funding, and 2.7 percent OPS growth funding.
Tenant Improvements
Our lease arrangement with PRBC 7 Limited Partnership (lessor) incorporates a $500,000 trust in escrow for the specific purpose of improving its property to support SG/PRC’s business functions. On August 17, 2020 Cannon Building Services Inc. began phase 2 tenant improvements. The SG/PRC lobby is undergoing redesign along with construction of a family style restroom, interior lighting, and millwork. The construction timeline will ensue over the course of 8 to 10 weeks.
Our reception area is temporally relocated within the East entry of our building. There is prominent signage placed throughout the parking lot entry as directional guides to help our visitors find our temporary public entry.
Recently, we have installed stainless steel sinks and garbage disposals. We have increased our security through installing upgraded security cameras as an added layer of protection for staff, visitors, and their property. We have purchased trash receptacles supporting our newly created recycling program. Soon we will have hot water in all restrooms. Also, our child and family friendly intake and assessment areas, envisioned through the creative design of SG/PRC staff is forthcoming. Phase 3, “beautification”, including painting, wall paintings, signage and furnishings will bring a close to our tenant improvements.