Hi everyone,
Thank you for all you are doing. We know that our lives have been upended – personally and professionally – by the COVID-19 virus. It’s so challenging right now because there are so many unknowns. And we are inundated with news about really terrifying projections that will impact the lives of people. At the same time we have come to the realization that we have PPE shortages and we are scared about what that means. I want you to know that we hear you, we see you, and we understand that it’s a really scary time. We want you to know that we are here to support you and your teams as we weather this pandemic together.
Please know that we are trying our best to keep on top of the information that is coming out of the MN Department of Health, MN Department of Human Services, the Governor’s office and the Legislature. We are partnering with national organizations like ANCOR who are working hard too, watching what’s happening in Congress. Thanks to all of you who have responded to our action alerts and engaged with your legislators. Our work is not done yet so please keep an eye out for ways that you can continue to stay engaged.
ARRM Web Resources: We know that you are thirsty for information. ARRM is providing daily updates to our members through newsletters. We have created a separate web page devoted entirely to COVID-19 (www.ARRMcovid19.com). We update that routinely with important links and information from our state and national partners.
Q&A with DHS Call: We are also holding the weekly calls with DHS—every Wednesday at 11:00 am. We greatly appreciate the availability of the DHS staff to hop on these calls with ARRM and MOHR members. It’s been an incredibly important resource for our members. Not only do we have the recordings available on the ARRM COVID website, we also transcribe the conversation so you can have a written record of what was talked about.
ARRM in the News: ARRM is actively working with the media to tell your stories -- what are people seeing in disability services, where are the pain points, what challenges are rapidly approaching. In the last week, ARRM board members and I have had media spots on WCCO Radio, KSTP, and Finance & Commerce talking about the workforce shortages we are all seeing and how unemployed Minnesotans can find a career in our industry.
Best Life Alliance: In line with that, the ARRM-backed Best Life Alliance is rebooting its public awareness campaign highlighting the need for workers. Our new hashtag is #MeettheNeedMN. Our goal is to encourage folks who are not currently working to join us in supporting people with disabilities. This effort was highlighted in the Governor’s press conference a couple of days ago and we have received calls from numerous reporters so we are trying to raise the profile of the need. Our job board has been rebooted to support DSP openings.
ARRM and MOHR have leadership check-ins 3x a week so we can stay connected and work together.
We have a template contractual document that residential providers and day providers can use to work toward sharing staffing during this time.
Using Tech During COVID-19: ARRM recently met with DHS Deputy Assistant Commissioner Annett to figure out ways that we could use ARRM’s Technology Resource Center to help providers understand how to use technology during this time of crisis. We are developing a webinar that would include a panel of DHS staff, vendors and providers who are utilizing technology now to help folks understand the basics of how to use technology and what you need to do to get reimbursed for it. Watch for more information on that.
Lastly, we are doing our best to answer your questions. We might not know the answer right away but we are committed to helping you get what you need. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to send us an email at info@arrm.org.
Stay safe,
Sue Schettle, CEO