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Harrisburg, PA – 49 state employees were honored yesterday with the Governor’s Awards for Excellence, showing bravery, innovation, persistence, and dedication to the residents of our state.

This group included the Community HealthChoices Team – Department of Human Services
Wilmarie Gonzalez, Jennifer Hale, Michael Hale, Randolph Nolen, Daniel Sharar, Jill Vovakes, and Kristen Wierman for leading the largest phase of implementation of Community HealthChoices, a program for older Pennsylvanians and individuals with physical disabilities. Their carefully planned coordination and communication with participants, stakeholders, advocates, local officials, and managed care organizations, as well as health care, home care, and long-term care providers, resulted in a successful roll out with no disruptions in care or services.

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The Office of Children Youth and Families has released a bulletin (DHS Bulletin 14-Bul-109 Complex Case Planning) providing guidance to all child-serving state and county agencies, family and youth advocacy organizations, and both physical and behavioral managed care organizations that are involved in case planning for children and youth with complex needs up to age 21.

The Department of Human Services (department) seeks to provide a comprehensive approach to serving children and youth, birth to 21 years of age, through programs that focus on early intervention, long-term prevention, and services that support family stability, safety, community protection, and the child/youth’s healthy development and permanent connections. In order to meet the needs of children, youth, and families with complex challenges, clear structures are necessary at the county, regional, and state levels so that resources, expertise, and collaboration can be maximized.

The bulletin can be accessed at this link and the Complex Case Planning Referral Form can be found here. If you have any further questions, please contact RCPA Children’s Division Director Jim Sharp.

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On October 2, 2020 the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Alex Azar, announced the renewal of the determination that a public health emergency (PHE) exists as a result of the continued consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. The previous PHE was scheduled to expire on October 23, 2020. This renewal is effective as of that date. A determination remains in effect for 90 days or until the Secretary determines that an emergency no longer exists, whichever occurs first. Many of the waivers issued to providers by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and HHS are eligible to remain in place for the duration of the PHE.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 5, 2020

Harrisburg, PA – Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine today urged residents to get their flu vaccine at the start of flu season as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

“Every flu season is different, but this flu season leaves a lot of unknowns,” Dr. Levine said. “One thing we do know is the flu is serious and can be deadly, which is why it is extremely important that Pennsylvanians are receiving their flu vaccine now. In addition to getting your flu vaccine, it is essential to take other preventative measures to protect yourself from the spread of the flu. There is no better measure to protect yourself from flu than to get a flu vaccine.”

This year, both the flu shot and nasal spray are available and recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older to protect against the flu. The flu vaccine can often diminish the severity of symptoms and the duration of symptoms a person might experience should they come down with the flu.

“It is still safe to visit your doctor’s office, pharmacy, local walk-in clinic or grocery store to get your flu vaccine,” said Dr. Levine. “The vaccine process is quick, easy and helps protect not only yourself, but anyone you may come into contact with this flu season. We recommend doing so before flu activity begins in your community, ideally before the end of October.”

Seasonal influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness, caused by the influenza virus. It attacks the nose, throat and lungs and may include the following symptoms:

  • Fever;
  • Headache;
  • Tiredness;
  • Dry cough;
  • Sore throat;
  • Nasal congestion; and
  • Body aches.

Similarly, COVID-19 symptoms include:

  • Fever;
  • Cough;
  • Shortness of breath;
  • Diarrhea;
  • Chills;
  • Repeated shaking with chills;
  • Muscle pain;
  • Headache;
  • Sore throat; and
  • New loss of taste or smell.

Since symptoms of the flu and COVID-19 may be similar, it may be hard to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone, and testing may be needed to help confirm a diagnosis. The best way to prevent respiratory illness at this time is to get the flu vaccine. It takes about two weeks for the antibodies from the vaccine to develop protection against infection. This small but powerful action will protect your family, friends and frontline health care workers who will be caring for sick people with respiratory illnesses this fall and winter.

In addition to getting vaccinated, Pennsylvanians are encouraged to practice healthy habits like covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, frequently washing your hands during flu season and remembering to disinfect commonly-touched objects, such as door knobs, light switches, countertops, cell phones and computers.

If you do become sick with the flu, it is important to stay home and rest. If you are at risk for developing serious complications from the flu, or feel extremely ill, you should see a medical professional immediately.

Additional information on how to stay healthy and prevent the flu can be found on the Department of Health’s website or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

MEDIA CONTACT:  Nate Wardle, ra-dhpressoffice@pa.gov

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