Reused and Exchanged Equipment Partnership Award 2020-2021

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We are excited to announce that we have been awarded a contract for the Reused and Exchanged Equipment Partnership (REEP) for 2020-2021 through TechOwl and Temple University. This grant allows us to run our ReUse It program that accepts and redistributes medical equipment and assistive technology to Pennsylvanians with disabilities and the elderly for free.

Between our efforts and the efforts of other Reuse partners, over 3,100 equipment exchanges have taken place across Pennsylvania in the last twelve months.

Due to Covid-19, our ReUse It efforts had to be put on hold for about 3 months in the 2019-2020 award year. However, we have been preparing to build the program and increase our donations in the years to come. If you have any questions about the ReUse It program or would like to see a list of available inventory, please visit our website.

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Agency Updates

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Alleghenies United Cerebral Palsy (AUCP) has some very exciting things coming up in the next few months. Stay tuned to our social media, website, and upcoming newsletters for more information! This is news you will sure not want to miss!

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The Cause of Equality

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Alleghenies United Cerebral Palsy believes that every person has the right to be treated with respect and dignity. We are proud to employ and serve people of all walks of life, including any race, religion, age, gender or disability, with respect and genuine care. Know that Alleghenies United Cerebral Palsy supports the cause of equality and will always continue to do so.

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Alleghenies United Cerebral Palsy chosen as a Care Coordination Agency to join Community Care HUB

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Alleghenies United Cerebral Palsy is honored to have been chosen to be part of the Community Care HUB in Somerset and Cambria counties.

“The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent impact on particularly vulnerable populations requires a comprehensive, community-based approach to health now more than ever. The 1889 Jefferson Center for Population Health is implementing the nationally-recognized Pathways Community HUB (HUB) model to enhance community-based care coordination and Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) intervention efforts to impact the health outcomes of our most vulnerable residents.

A HUB is an organized, outcome focused, network of Care Coordination Agencies (CCAs) who hire and train community health workers (CHWs) to reach out to those at greatest risk. The HUB helps to coordinate community resources to reduce the medical, behavioral and social barriers to care, such as employment, housing and transportation, for individuals with complex health needs.

The initial priority population eligible for a HUB referral will include pregnant women living in the City of Johnstown eligible for or receiving medical assistance; and all pregnant women living in Cambria or Somerset counties who have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes.”

Alleghenies United Cerebral Palsy provides in-home services for individuals with physical disabilities, CEO Tammy Rhoades said. “For us, this was a great opportunity to expand and to learn about the community health workers,” she said. “We are an organization with social workers, so it fits right into our work.”

Click here to read the full press release and to learn more about the Community Care HUB.

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Virtually Together – A COVID-19 Update

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Since the Coronavirus outbreak, Alleghenies United Cerebral Palsy has quickly adapted to the changes that came along with it. We continue to follow guidelines set by our government and affiliate agencies to ensure the health and safety of our participants and employees.

As of May 1st, our staff continues to work from their homes with limited staff rotating office days, as needed. Our Service Coordinators were already working from home the majority of the time and were prepared to continue doing so. All other staff have been provided resources and equipment to work from home with little to no disruption in their day-to-day jobs.

As you may have noticed, we have increased our weekly phone calls in effort to ensure that each participant has a backup plan for emergencies and to ensure health and safety. To meet the Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) and Managed Care Organizations (MCO) required calls, the agency hired a few temporary Intake Specialists to assist with completing calls.

Although our day-to-day may look different, our mission does not change; to assist our participants in meeting their basic needs, enhancing their quality of life, and promoting their independence. Our participants’ health and safety is our main focus and as an agency we take pride and seeing this happen. The MCO’s have provided positive feedback about the way we are handling the new guidelines set in place. We are very proud of the hard work our staff does at all times, but especially in our current circumstances.

As an agency we are prepared to face whatever the future holds. We continue to monitor incoming news, learn how to best respond, and implement changes that will best support our participants and employees. Should you have any questions or concerns, we encourage you reach out to your Service Coordinator or by call the main office at 1-844-819-4455 to speak to a Programs Coordinator.

For state updates regarding COVID-19, go to www.health.pa.gov.

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A Letter to Our Participants | Covid-19

To our participants,

As you are aware there have been many restrictions placed on society to prevent the spread of the COVID-19. We as an agency are continuing to do business, but in a modified way.

Our Service Coordinators are working remotely and have cell phones should you need to contact them. If you are unable to contact your Service Coordinator, please call our Toll-Free number at 1-844-819-4455. Staff are receiving a large volume of calls so you may need to leave a message, but it is our goal to give you a call back within 24 hours. Should there be an emergency, please dial 9-1-1.

Additionally, staff will be calling you on a weekly basis to check in to be sure that you are doing okay and that your needs are being met.

Backup Plan – per the waiver you are required to have a plan in place with an informal support to assist you if an attendant is unable to cover your hours. Your Service Coordinator will ask you this question and work with you if you do not currently have a plan in place.  We ask that you be prepared.

If you should happen to be quarantined due to the virus it is imperative that you reach out to let your Coordinator know as this needs to be reported and, of course, we want to make sure that you have what you need.

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your Service Coordinator or by calling the main office (1-844-819-4455) to speak to a Programs Coordinator.

For state updates regarding COVID-19, go to www.health.pa.gov

Best Regards,
Kala Penrose
Director of Programs

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