April 7, 2020
Dear Families and Friends,
I, along with Harc’s management team, wanted to send this email to reassure everyone that Harc is doing everything we can to keep both residents and staff safe. It is our hope to keep you updated at least on a weekly basis. While I would prefer to update each of you personally, it is simply not possible. Please feel free to reach out to me with any specific concerns.
As many of you already know, a beloved staff member passed away on March 28th. This staff member was an extraordinary individual, dedicated to all of our participants and a best friend to all staff and families. At this time, out of respect for the family, we are keeping the name of the individual confidential. We are deeply saddened and hope that we can all be a source of comfort and strength to one another.
It is also with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Dennis Corso, who was dear to so many of us. After an extended fight with several underlying conditions, Dennis passed away on Sunday, 4/5/20. He has been a beloved member of our Harc community for most of his life and will be deeply missed. We will always remember Dennis fondly for his humor and affectionate nature. Please feel free to offer your condolences or share your memories on Dennis’s memorial website. The Corso family extends their thanks for all of the love and care provided to Dennis.
During these trying times, I know that many of you are concerned. We need to do our best to work together to ensure the health and safety of our participants and staff. We strive to provide your loved one with the same quality support with as little disruption as possible, which may be a challenge as the COVID-19 virus spreads in our area. We ask that you be patient and supportive, particularly to the dedicated staff who come to work to provide your loved one with the essential services they need.
We will continue to monitor the health of all residents and staff. In the event that an individual is displaying symptoms consistent with COVID-19, staff are contacting the nurse and separating the individual from the other residents, limiting the number of staff in contact, and disinfecting the home. The devoted staff who are working in the home where someone is showing symptoms of COVID-19 are provided with the necessary personal protective equipment. We are unbelievably grateful to these individuals for their dedication and continued support of the residents in the home.
Over the past couple of weeks we have received confirmation of positive COVID-19 testing. When this has occurred, the involved families, individuals and staff are notified and provided instruction from nursing. In order to protect the health information and maintain confidentiality, we will not be informing other families who did not have a loved one at that location. We assure you that if there is the potential of exposure to your loved one, we will notify you as soon as possible.
Harc continues to follow guidelines and regulations set forth by the Governor, Department of Developmental Services, Office of Early Childhood and other authorities. We are complying with all reporting required and advocate for additional resources to see us through. To do this, we have implemented the following procedures:
- Following DDS’s guidelines to limit visitation in the group homes
- We will no longer have staff going from one program to another, unless absolutely necessary
- Limiting the number of people reporting to 900 Asylum to essential functions only
- All group homes, vehicles and 900 Asylum are disinfected on a regular schedule per the guidance we have received.
- Working to obtain additional Personal Protective Equipment, this includes masks made per CDC specifications, additional thermometers, covers, gloves, and other necessary equipment.
- Any services that can be provided remotely have been implemented.
Beginning Monday, 4/6/2020 we implemented a designated email and phone numbers to help answer your questions that will be monitored throughout the day. Questions will be answered within 24 hours Monday through Friday by the appropriate personnel. Also, we are setting up a number for anyone to call in and hear the most frequent Harc updates which are in place as well. The information is as follows:
Voicemail box for questions: (860) 218-6044
To hear announcements from Harc: (860) 218-6033
Email address for questions: pandemicquestions@harc-ct.org
Looking for ways to help? We are looking for people to sew masks, send thank you’s to the house, donate supplies on Amazon Wishlist, or share activity ideas. Please feel free to contact us if you can help.
With Deepest Appreciation,
Annette Hargrove
Interim CEO/President