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BH/DS - Human Services Network

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1. CARES Act FAQ Provider Relief Fund

https://www.co.westmoreland.pa.us/DocumentCenter/View/19071/CARES-Act-FAQ-Provider-Relief-Fund

2. Dr. Fox, what can we do if an individual has no PCP and no health insurance? – Melissa McKowen

People can go to www.excelahealth.org and search the find a physician section.  They can also call our call center at  1-855-ExcelaDoc (1-855-392-3523) in order to find a primary care provider.  Excela will provide care regardless of your ability to pay.  We have systems in place where individuals can obtain assistance to apply for Medical Assistance as well as for other financial resources for which you may be eligible even if you do not qualify for medical assistance- Dr. Carol Fox, Medical Director, Excela Health

3. Applying for unemployment may be challenging. Can we give resources during calls for accomplishing this?

Here are two (2) links about how to file for unemployment in PA during this crisis:

https://www.uc.pa.gov/Pages/default.aspx

https://www.uc.pa.gov/Pages/covid19.aspx

4. What is the location of the Excela testing center? - Kim Louie, Sonward Youth Programs

Dr. Fox, in the April 9^th meeting, indicated that the testing center is located on Frye Farm Road, between Latrobe and Greensburg. She also indicated that no one should go there without an appointment. You will not be seen without an appointment. Please listen to the April 9^th call for more specific directions for how to get an appointment.

5. Is anyone at the 911 dispatch center now? Or are they all virtual? -Ann LeCuyer

The staff at the 911 center are split into two different operations, 911 dispatching operation, and our emergency management staff. The 911 dispatchers and their supervisors are still reporting to the center now, with the addition of several procedures. Each dispatcher gets screened by filling out a questionnaire and getting their temperature taken at the start of every shift. If there temperature is above a certain degree they are not allowed access into the building. Between each 911 console there have been plexi-glass shields created to provide an extra barrier, and food has been provided for each shift so they are not venturing into the public increasing their exposure risk. Three additional 911 consoles have been set up at our RSOC to serve as a backup site if there was a need for extensive cleaning to be completed within our center now. Our emergency management staff however have all been working off-site through our virtual EOC which was created to decrease contact between our staff and promote social distancing to ensure we all remain healthy at this time. The virtual EOC is staffed 12 hours a day, and can be activated overnight if an emergency arises. The virtual EOC has allowed us the ability to communicate as a team without close contact. – Bud Mertz, Director of Public Safety

6. How can older adults and people with disabilities access the United Way grocery shopping assistance service?

If you are aware of an older adult or a person with disabilities who cannot go to shop at a grocery store at this tie, please refer them to Open Your Heart to a Senior program of the United Way.

Individuals can call 724-205-6282 and leave a message with their name, phone number, area of residence, and that they are calling for grocery shopping help. The United Way staff is working remotely at this time, but phone calls will be returned throughout the day to take grocery orders and form of payment, and a volunteer will shop for and deliver the requested items. Individuals can expect no more than a 2-3 day turnaround and can use our service every two weeks. There is no charge for the shopping and delivery assistance.

7. How do we bridge gaps with clients who do not have transportation to food banks? - Sandra Smith

Please listen to Jennifer Miller’s, CEO of Westmoreland Foodbank, description of the Foodbank’s services from the recording of the April 9th meeting.

Team Rubicon is currently conducting missions with Pittsburgh’s Food Bank. You may want to reach out to them for volunteers for Westmoreland County Food Bank. https://teamrubiconusa.org - Jason Davis

8. My organization needs masks. Where can I get some?

Please download the following form, fill it out, and mail it to [email protected].

Individual masks are also available at the Westmoreland County Blind Association.

9. We have heard from other facilities (residential facilities) that they were overlooked in FEMA's relief plan, and they do not have access to the PPEs. Any recommendations for them? - Kim Pape

At that time we have asked for guidance or direction from FEMA that we know that FEMA is only giving limited supplies to the hospitals and first responders and to department of health licensed long term facilities. We have asked them for further guidance on group homes, especially personal care homes and home health care and hospice care entities We are awaiting their response – Bud Mertz, Director of Public Safety, Westmoreland County

10. Is Blackburn Center continuing its services?

Blackburn Center is continuing to provide 24/7 services for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and other crimes. This includes hotline and counseling/therapy, and emergency shelter specifically for victims of domestic violence. We have adapted services to allow for social distancing.  – Ann Emmerling, Blackburn Center

 Please listen to Ann Emmerling’s description of the Blackburn Center’s services from the recording of the April 9^th meeting.

11. How are Westmoreland Drug & Alcohol and SPHS Drug & Alcohol addressing case management and treatment with their consumers?

Colleen Hughes spoke at the April 9^th meeting and gave a full description of enrollment for D/A Services. Please listen to the recording of the April 9^th call on the Human Service Network’s webpage, located on the website of Westmoreland County Behavioral Health/Developmental Services/Early Intervention.

12. I am receiving calls and emails for resources to assist very low income or rural families who don't have the resources or internet access to continue education. - Carol Dunlap, Valley Youth House

Dr. Jason Conway and Matt Thomas from the Westmoreland Intermediate Unit #7 spoke to these questions in the April 9^th Teleconference. Please listen to the recording of this session.

13. Does Westmoreland have a stockpile of PPEs and what is the process so that we get our fair share? - Scott Harshman

[When the first case in Western PA was diagnosed in Washington County, a local news channel showed a stockpile of N95 masks there in Washington County as part of the Region 13 Task Force. Westmoreland County is part of Region 13.]

Westmoreland County had a stash of resources similar to Washington County when we began to respond to COVID-19. All of those resources have been distributed to our 4 Points of Distribution across the county as well as supplies from PEMA to be used for our EMS agencies. – Bud Mertz, Director of Public Safety, Westmoreland County

14. With the Governor now requiring employers to provide masks for essential workers, is there a resource where we can get these? -Ron Weaver

Below are two (2) resources:

• The Westmoreland County Blind Association (WCBA) in Greensburg is selling masks ($3 per mask): Call 724-837-1250, extension 11, and leave  your name, phone number, and email address. Once WCBA confirms your order, they will email you the "pick up" details. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].
• Global Links is the second resource.

15. How can non-profit volunteers help...We have volunteers making mask coverings...what else is needed? -Val Wilson Paulisick, MSW CEO, Director, Rewind-Reuse Center and Workshop

Thank you, Ms. Paulisick! Any non-profit that are interested in getting help from Ms. Paulisick’s group, please contact her at 724-733-1950.

16. Is it possible to offer links to grant opportunities? -Kim Pape

Human Services Network - Resources. At the bottom of the page is a section titled Foundations.

17. What is being done on de-incarceration of low level, non-violent offenders? – Michael Pardus

The Court of Common Pleas had adopted criteria to determine if a defendant incarcerated at the Westmoreland County Prison should be considered for release due to the Covid-19 pandemic.  The Court reviewed all applicable cases and made the final determination on all released defendants. - Eric Leydig, Assistant Chief Adult Probation Officer

18. I had heard of a safe place or quarantine area that might be set up. Can we hear more about that and how it will be staffed? - Jamie Walker

There are a group of people trying to find emergency housing for those affected of all ages currently. So far that group has hit many roadblocks that they are still trying to knock down. That group includes but is not limited to Dan Carney (Union Mission), Mandy Zalich (Community Action), Michele Whiting-Zona (County Area Agency on Aging and Public Safety), Phil Koch (Community Foundation), Bud Mertz (Public Safety), Jason Rigone (County Planning), Janet Thomas (County Planning), Dirk Matson (County Behavioral Health/Developmental Services and Human Services), and Ann Emmerling (Blackburn Center).

19. Has there been an avenue to reach out to these at risk youth through the schools or any other entity other than CYS?

The Student Assistance Programs are still very active in school districts. Their job is to be their first to react to the needs of students. They are employees of WCSI and can do direct enrollment shortcutting the process for students and families. They also link with other resources, such as D/A providers, to help students deal with whatever they need.

20. Are there any other housing and supportive programs working specifically with young people ages 16- 24 besides the ones through the Coordinated Entry System?

If you are asking about housing and supportive programs aimed specifically at those affected by the pandemic, the answer is no. There are a group of people trying to find emergency housing for those affected of all ages currently. So far that group has hit many roadblocks that they are still trying to knock down. That group includes but is not limited to Dan Carney (Union Mission), Mandy Zalich (Community Action), Michele Whiting-Zona (County Area Agency on Aging and Public Safety), Phil Koch (Community Foundation), Bud Mertz (Public Safety), Jason Rigone (County Planning), Janet Thomas (County Planning), Dirk Matson (County Behavioral Health/Developmental Services and Human Services), and Ann Emmerling (Blackburn Center).

21. What is the link for the Broadband Survey?

https://www.co.westmoreland.pa.us/DocumentCenter/View/18614/Broadband-Survey-RESIDENT?bidId=

22. Has the county started to do SARS-CoV-2 virus testing and contact tracing for individuals in those specific hot spots to help control the spread of the virus? – Scott Harshman

Now that we have daily data from the coroner and PA Dept of Health which helps to identify the hot spots in the county, has the county started to do SARS-CoV-2 virus testing and contact tracing for individuals in those specific hot spots to help control the spread of the virus? – Scott Harshman

Currently , the vast majority of contact tracing is done by hospital personnel in collaboration with the Department of Health. This tracing is done related to individuals in contact with known positive cases. Cases that are identified in congregate living facilities such as nursing or personal care homes are traced directly by the Department of Health. Each contact of a known positive person is interviewed and is monitored for the development of symptoms. We are not currently testing these contacts presumptively. Testing occurs only after symptoms develop because it is possible to test negative yet still be infected. Although it is possible to identify an asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic individual by testing, it is more likely to be able to do so when symptoms are present. At some point, it will be more common to test after contact. - Dr. Fox

23. Can we get the Facebook group that Bud Mertz was referring to? – Maureen Zang

Here is a link to the Facebook page of Westmoreland County Public Safety:

https://www.facebook.com/WestmorelandCountyDpsInformationPage

24. Are there numbers of a decline in cases in Westmoreland County to be able to open the County safely and start the State phases of opening our area? – Ann Powell

Below is a link to the Governor’s Plan to reopen Pennsylvania.

https://www.governor.pa.gov/process-to-reopen-pennsylvania/

In this plan, the Governor has set a metric of 50 new confirmed cases per 100,000 individuals with in the previous 14 day period in the county to begin opening our County. Westmoreland County has roughly 360,000 persons living in the county so the metric for Westmoreland to open up to have 180 new cases or less within the past 14 days. Westmoreland County has fewer than 180 new cases. 

Additionally, these conditions must also exist:

• Enough testing available for individuals with symptoms and target populations such as those at high risk, health care personnel, and first responders.
• Robust case investigation and contact tracing infrastructure is in place to facilitate early identification of cluster outbreaks and to issue proper isolation and quarantine orders.
• Identification of area’s high-risk settings including correctional institutions, personal care homes, skilled nursing facilities, and other congregate care settings, and assurance that facilities have adequate safeguards in place such as staff training, employee screening, visitor procedures and screening, and adequate supplies of PPE to support continued operations.

25. Has the county started to do SARS-CoV-2 virus testing and contact tracing for individuals in those specific hot spots to help control the spread of the virus? -Scott Harshman

Currently, the vast majority of contact tracing is done by hospital personnel in collaboration with the Department of Health.  This tracing is done related to individuals in contact with known positive cases.  Cases that are identified in congregate living facilities such as nursing or personal care homes are traced directly by the Department of Health.  Each contact of a known positive person is interviewed and is monitored for the development of symptoms.  We are not currently testing these contacts presumptively.  Testing occurs only after symptoms develop because it is possible to test negative yet still be infected.  Although it is possible to identify an asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic individual by testing, it is more likely to be able to do so when symptoms are present.  At some point, it will be more common to test after contact --Dr. Carol Fox, Chief Medical Officer, Excela Health