Martha Farewell, Vice President of Clinical Services for Aspire, has provided an update for Aspire Health Center patients.
Know the Facts
As we learn information about COVID-19 and how it is affecting Aspire and our community, we will continue to post resources and updates on this page. Please check back often and if you have any questions please feel free to call us at 716.838.0047, email us at intake@aspirewny.org or fill out our contact form online and someone will respond to you as quickly as possible.
Aspire Health Center Provides Update on Telemedicine, In-Person Visits
Governor Cuomo’s PAUSE Program
(updated April 17)
Governor Cuomo’s PAUSE Program has been extended through May 15, 2020. Please see full details on this program below.
The Governor’s 10-point NYS on PAUSE plan is as follows:
- Effective at 8PM on Sunday, March 22, all non-essential businesses statewide will be closed;
- Non-essential gatherings of individuals of any size for any reason (e.g. parties, celebrations or other social events) are canceled or postponed at this time;
- Any concentration of individuals outside their home must be limited to workers providing essential services and social distancing should be practiced;
- When in public individuals must practice social distancing of at least six feet from others;
- Businesses and entities that provide other essential services must implement rules that help facilitate social distancing of at least six feet;
- Individuals should limit outdoor recreational activities to non-contact and avoid activities where they come in close contact with other people;
- Individuals should limit use of public transportation to when absolutely necessary and should limit potential exposure by spacing out at least six feet from other riders;
- Sick individuals should not leave their home unless to receive medical care and only after a telehealth visit to determine if leaving the home is in the best interest of their health;
- Young people should also practice social distancing and avoid contact with vulnerable populations; and
- Use precautionary sanitizer practices such as using isopropyl alcohol wipes.
“Matilda’s Law” includes the following rules for vulnerable populations:
- Remain indoors;
- Can go outside for solitary exercise;
- Pre-screen all visitors and aides by taking their temperature and seeing if person is exhibiting other flu-like symptoms;
- Do not visit households with multiple people;
- Wear a mask when in the company of others;
- To the greatest extent possible, everyone in the presence of vulnerable people should wear a mask;
- Always stay at least six feet away from individuals; and
- Do not take public transportation unless urgent and absolutely necessary.
Key helpful links to keep you informed during the COVID-19 pandemic:
Erie County Health Department – www2.erie.gov/health
Office of People with Developmental Disabilities – opwdd.gov
New York State Governor Cuomo – governor.ny.gov
New York State Education Department – http://www.p12.nysed.gov/sss/schoolhealth/schoolhealthservices/coronavirus.html
An Update from NY State of Health
As we work through these challenging times together, NY State of Health is committed to ensuring access to affordable, quality health insurance for all New Yorkers so they can get the care they need during this state of emergency.
With the recent closure of businesses across the state, many New Yorkers are at risk of losing their health insurance coverage as a result of COVID-19. Many are likely to be eligible for health coverage with financial assistance through NY State of Health due to their loss of coverage and income. NY State of Health opened a Special Enrollment Period last month for people who are uninsured, and the Marketplace has started an awareness campaign to let people know that NY State of Health is there as a safety net in difficult times like these.
New Yorkers who are without health insurance should apply now through NY State of Health. If you lost employer coverage, you must apply within 60 days of losing that coverage. Because of a loss of income, New Yorkers may also be eligible for Medicaid, the Essential Plan, Child Health Plus, or subsidized Qualified Health Plan coverage.
Thousands of assistors are ready throughout the state to help consumers enroll by phone. NY State of Health is committed to helping New Yorkers get the coverage they need so they can get the care they need.
Visit us at www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov and let us help you find a health care plan that works for you.
If you have additional questions you can contact the Marketplace directly at 518-486-9102 or NYSOH@health.ny.gov.
Protect Yourself and Your Family from Coronavirus (COVID-19)
The New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities has published a comprehensive guide with recommendations and information on how to help protect yourself and your family during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Residential Opportunities
Residential Opportunities is open and providing our full array of services in all of our community based homes (IRAs). We are carefully following national and local directives to ensure we are keeping our residents safe and healthy. We are strictly limiting visitors and community outings per the guidance we have received from regulatory agencies. We will keep you abreast of any changes or updates that need to be made in the future.
Suspended Services
Effective March 19th, Community and Independent Living Supports has temporarily suspended Pre-Vocational Supports, Free Standing Respite, After School Respite, Saturday site based Respite.
We are continuing limited Community Habilitation, In home Respite, Self-Directed Services and employment supports to ensure people living in the community with minimal support have the needed supplies and services they require.
The Office of People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) has released the below guidance related to visitation at Individualized Residential Alternatives (IRAs), Community Residences and Private Schools. Please click on the link for details.
Aspire of WNY Statement on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
We have received a directive from the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) that we are to temporarily suspend our services for all Day Habilitation, Day Treatment and Prevocational Programs, effective 5 p.m. today.
After appropriate COVID-19 screening, we will be working to provide alternative programming for families that are negatively affected by the suspension of these services. Please note these are temporary suspensions.
We ask you send all questions regarding the impact of services due to COVID-19 to covid19@aspirewny.org.
Thank you for your support as we work to remain current in this ever-changing environment.
