Susquehanna Conference Disaster Response

Vaccine Considerations for People with Disabilities This CDC website provides information for people with disabilities or conditions and for their care providers. Included on the website are resources about COVID-19 that are easy to read , resources for people with limited English and resources in American Sign Language . The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) has also shared vaccine resources for people with disabilities. 

Where two or three are gathered, will God really be there? I know, this sounds like a very silly question to ask. Of course He will be, right? Recently, a friend shared her reservations about returning to in-person worship after spending the last year worshipping virtually. She has been faithful in wearing her mask and being as socially distant as she can. On Sunday, she gave herself a pep talk and headed to her car with the intention of going to church. She pulled into the parking lot and walked into the church. But, that is as far as she would go. “With like 400 people who were singing with no masks on! That’s all I could focus on. And, that’s not what He deserves.” She returned to her car and watched the service online from there. In a moment of empathy, I offered the words of Matthew 18:20 to her and suggested the verse never mentions that those two or three must gather in a church building. Later, I read the verse again, along with the associated verses. It added context to the me...

photo: morguefile.com FEMA providing financial assistance for COVID-19 related funerals FEMA is providing financial assistance for funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020. FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Helpline - 1-844-684-6333 Click here for an informative video: COVID Funeral Assistance Frequently Asked Questions can be found here: COVID Funeral FAQs COVID-19 Financial Assistance for COVID-19 Related Funerals Webinar A free webinar will be held on Tuesday, April 20, to provide additional information regarding this program. Register here: English: 1 – 2 PM ET    Spanish: 3 – 4 PM ET    Addressing Your Concerns About the COVID-19 Vaccine FEMA will present the webinar: "Addressing Your Concerns about the COVID-19 Vaccine" on Tuesday, April 27 at 2 – 3:30 PM ET.   The webinar will provide information on the science behind the vaccine, common myths about the vaccine, and more.   To register, click here: Concerns about the vaccine

Struggling to pay for internet service during the pandemic? The Administration for Community Living will present the webinar: "Increasing Connectivity with the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB)" to provide information about the Federal Communications Commission program that helps households struggling to pay for internet service during the pandemic. A connected device with internet access provides a gateway to social engagement with family and friends while practicing physical distancing; healthcare services; remote work and school; and supplies and meals. During the webinar, attendees will learn about the program, who is eligible, how it works, and how to help people enroll.  Thursday, April 15, 3-4 PM Click here for additional information and to register: Emergency Broadband Benefit Webinar FREE Transportation to vaccination appointments Rabbit Transit is offering shared ride transportation service to any community member who needs transportation to and from their scheduled...

5 things you need to know about COVID-19 vaccines  The Ad Council and COVID Collaborative are sharing resources, along with the latest information, to empower people to make informed choices about the COVID-19 vaccine.  You will not catch COVID-19 from COVID-19 vaccines.   Researchers made sure that the trials included adults of diverse backgrounds, races, ethnicities, and geographic areas.   People with underlying medical conditions can receive FDA authorized COVID-19 vaccines as long as they have not had an immediate or severe allergic reaction to a COVID-19 vaccine or to any of the ingredients in the vaccines. Vaccination is an important consideration for adults of any age with certain underlying medical conditions because they are at risk for  severe illness from COVID-19.   We should continue wearing masks, staying 6 feet apart from people we don't live with,  avoiding crowds, and washing our hands.   Getting immunized aga...

“ To Be or Not To Be. ” This is probably one of the most well-known of Shakespeare’s monologues. In fact, it may be the most famous in all literature. And, while we know as he uttered these words Hamlet was contemplating some pretty dark subjects, a deeper review of the “nunnery scene” suggests he was asking a larger question: Is it easier to passively deal with the discomfort in life or take drastic measures to avoid it? The doubt, confusion, and eventual madness that ensued remind me of where we stand with the pandemic. Speaking in this manner indicated Hamlet was weighing the facts of each side of the question in order to make an informed decision. To a similar degree, many of us have taken this same approach to addressing the pandemic. To be wearing face coverings, or not to be wearing them? Are they effective? Should we remain socially distant? Or, can we meet in-person? Does it really make a difference? Should we get the vaccine? Is it really effective?  There is so much inf...

photo: morguefile.com United Way of Pennsylvania COVID-19 Impact Survey The United Way of Pennsylvania (UWP), has launched their 2nd COVID-19 Impact Survey!  Their first survey was a 6 month look at the impact of the pandemic on Pennsylvania families. Now UWP is conducting a second survey to help inform advocates about the experiences of Pennsylvania communities.  This survey asks about childcare, food insecurity, housing, healthcare, and employment status. The United Way is asking everyone to help by completing the survey and sharing it. Here are the links to the survey:  English: http://bit.ly/UWPsurvey Spanish: http://bit.ly/UWPEncuesta Register to become a COVID-19 Vaccine Point of Distribution (POD) The Disaster Response Ministry is working with our partners in the PA Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) to collaborate with federal, state, and local partners to provide staffing of POD sites throughout the Commonwealth. Almost every county has their own p...

photo: morguefile.com 1. CDC Guidelines on How Fully Vaccinated People Can Visit Safely with Others a. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued its first set of recommendations on activities that people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 can safely resume. b. The new guidance—which is based on the latest science — includes recommendations for how and when a fully vaccinated individual can visit with other people who are fully vaccinated and with other people who are not vaccinated. c. Click here for additional information: Visit Safely with Others. 2. COVID-19 Vaccine Questions and Answers a. The CDC has shared answers for some Frequently Asked Questions about the COVID-19 vaccine. b. Click here to review and get your questions answered. VACCINE FAQ Doug Hoy Disaster Response Coordinator drc@susumc.org 717-766-7441 ext. 3402

photo: Sandii Peiffer Pennsylvania State Pandemic Orders Update from the Governor and Secretary of Health: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BQYkzxFDUdSSwaT_Fc2WV8rnc8gH3ngW/view

photo: morguefile.com 1. PA COVID-19 Gathering and Travel Restrictions Updated a . Revised maximum occupancy limits for indoor events to allow for 15% of maximum occupancy, regardless of venue size. The 15% of maximum occupancy is permitted only if attendees and workers are able to comply with the 6-foot physical distancing requirement. b . Revised maximum occupancy limits for outdoor events to allow for 20% of maximum occupancy, regardless of venue size. The 20% of maximum occupancy is permitted only if attendees and workers are able to comply with the 6-foot physical distancing requirement. c . Eliminate out-of-state travel restrictions. In November, the Department of Health provided an updated travel order requiring anyone over the age of 11 who visits from another state to provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test or place themselves in a travel quarantine for 14 days upon entering Pennsylvania. Today, this order was rescinded. d . The governor reminds everyone that core public ...

photo: morguefile.com Transportation provider offers vaccination transportation Rabbit Transit , a regional public transportation provider, offers a variety of transportation services to the residents of the following counties: Adams, Columbia, Cumberland, Franklin, Montour, Northumberland, Perry, Snyder, Union and York.  Rabbit Transit is offering shared ride transportation service to any community member who needs transportation to and from their scheduled COVID-19 vaccination appointment. Advance reservations are required and must be made no later than noon on the business day prior to their scheduled appointment. Riders must have a a confirmed COVID-19 vaccination appointment at the location for which they are requesting transportation. To make a reservation, call the Rabbit Transit Call Center at 1-800-632-9063 For additional information, click here: Rabbit Transit Governor Wolf Signs Fourth Renewal of COVID-19 Disaster Declaration The governor is using the renewal to spread t...

photo: morguefile.com COVID-19 Vaccines: Fact vs Fiction Lehigh Valley Public Media (PBS39) presents Community Conversation, a series of forums that address today's issues impacting communities in the Greater Lehigh Valley and beyond. The latest edition, COVID-19 Vaccines: Fact vs Fiction, aired LIVE at 7 p.m. on Thursday, February 4. With input from local healthcare experts, physicians, state agency representatives, and others, the program examined the rollout of vaccines and the issues of supply and demand as millions in Pennsylvania become eligible in the first phase of distribution. It also explores impact on seniors, communities of color, schools and the workplace. To watch the discussion, click here: Community Conversation Coronavirus relief continues for housing and student loans The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announces it will continue to support renters, homeowners, and student loan borrowers through programs to reduce the financial impact related to the pandemic. Addi...