1. Salute to meet Oct. 13
Salute will hold its next meeting Oct. 13, 2021, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the training room of the Lucas County Board of Development Disabilities’ Larc Lane Building. (Use door O.) The guest speaker will be Lily Abrams, program manager of community engagement at the Ohio chapter of Best Buddies International. Abrams will discuss advocacy and lead an “Advocacy Millionaire” game.
You’re welcome to bring another staff member of support person, but please note that we’ve placed a limit on the number of people who can attend in person.
If you do attend in person, you must wear a mask (when not eating or drinking) and maintain social distancing practices. Temperatures will be taken on arrival; those with high temperatures will not be allowed to enter the training room. If you don’t feel well that day, please stay home!
Doors open at 5 p.m. and light snacks will be provided. To RSVP, please contact Deetra Mitchell at dmitchell@lucasdd.org or 419-380-5141.
2. October’s ‘Aging Gracefully’ now available
The latest edition of “Aging Gracefully” is now available. The issue contains a recap of the September Dementia Coalition Quarterly Meeting, opportunities for continuing training and engagement, and details about TARTA’s future in northwest Ohio. Read the entire issue here.
3. The latest information about COVID-19 vaccine boosters
COVID-19 vaccine booster doses
The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) has issued guidance on COVID-19 vaccine booster doses, which have been authorized for certain recipients of the Pfizer vaccine to prevent serious outcomes from COVID-19. Eligibility for these booster doses is currently limited to individuals at the highest risk for severe COVID-19 based on age, certain underlying medical conditions and occupational/institutional settings. Click here to see booster dose eligibility requirements
At this time, booster doses are authorized only for fully vaccinated Pfizer vaccine recipients who are at high risk for exposure to COVID-19 or the complications from severe disease.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will review data and determine if and when booster doses are needed for each COVID-19 vaccine product. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will offer guidance for booster dose use.
Right now, recipients of the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines do not need booster doses, but this could change based on ongoing evaluations.
Additional doses of COVID-19 vaccine for those who are immunocompromised
People with moderately to severely compromised immune systems are especially vulnerable to COVID-19 and may not build the same level of immunity to the two-dose vaccine series compared to people who are not immunocompromised.
According to the FDA and the CDC, a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine can be administered to immunocompromised people following the completion of the Pfizer or Moderna two-dose COVID-19 vaccine series. Click here for a complete list of immunocompromising conditions and requirements.
The difference between a booster dose and an additional dose
A booster dose is used to strengthen waning immunity and bolster protection against serious outcomes, including hospitalization and death.
An additional dose is intended to improve an immunocompromised person’s response to the initial vaccine series.
4. Board meeting recognitions
During the September 2021 Board meeting, the Lucas County Board of Development Disabilities recognized several individuals.
Paula Buehrer retires after 26 years
The Board recognized Paula Buehrer, who retired in August after 26 years. Buehrer began her career with the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities in February 1995 as a department secretary. After two years, she moved into the Information Technology (IT) Department. She retired from her position as an IT specialist on Aug. 31, 2021.
Buehrer served as the security officer for the Board and led many projects over the years. She participated in the Tech Alliance group to stay current on best practices, provided expertise in the development of policy revisions as we migrated into a co-managed IT system, and worked with the privacy officer to ensure we were HIPAA-complaint in our systems and processes.
Rehab Dynamics recognized with Special Recognition Award
Maureen Kane-Wineland, an occupational therapist, and Ann Nagle, a physical therapist, were recognized as outstanding providers of services for children and their families in northwest Ohio through their company, Rehab Dynamics.
Rehab Dynamics opened its doors on Phillips Avenue in 1996 and has grown tremendously since then. Through the years, Rehab Dynamics has worked with many children. The group’s passion and dedication to young children with OT, PT and speech needs are shown by the many ways Rehab Dynamics goes above and beyond working with families. Rehab Dynamics is a tremendous resource for the children and families in Lucas County, and the Board was proud to recognize the group with the September 2021 Special Recognition Award.
Tracy Roberts from the Huntington Center recognized
Tracy Roberts from the Huntington Center was recognized for her work with the FANS (Friends, Allies and Neighbors) Network and its “Make My Day” program.
The FANS Network recently received a request from two service and support specialists who wanted to support two individuals served by the Board who share a love of the band Kiss. The FANS Network reached out to the Huntington Center to see if any tickets for the band’s Toledo concert were available at a reduced cost. Going above and beyond that request, Roberts was able to connect these individuals with free premium tickets. They were so excited to have this experience! The Board was pleased to present Tracy Roberts with the Special Recognition Award for September 2021.
Ashley Bialorucki-Baker named Staff Person of the Month
Ashley Bialorucki-Baker, early intervention developmental specialist in the Children’s Department, was named a Staff Person of the Month for September.
Bialorucki-Baker’s positive attitude and energetic personality is an uplifting influence in the Children’s Department. Her experience makes her a valuable resource for the families that she works with and her colleagues. She is family-centered and tries to understand for herself the things we ask of families so that she can better assist them. Families are grateful for the time and commitment she spends with them.
Alex Sofalvi named Staff Person of the Month
Alex Sofalvi, secretary in the Service and Support Administration Department, was named a Staff Person of the Month for September.
A hardworking, reliable and trustworthy member of the department, Sofalvi has tremendous organizational skills and is diligent in his attention to detail. He assists in improving the lives of our individuals by ensuring that their documents are processed in a timely and efficient manner whilst always maintaining confidentiality. Sofalvi is a credit to himself, the department and the Board.
5. Applicants sought for opening on the Board
The Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities seeks to fill a vacancy on its Board of Directors. Applicants must be residents of Lucas County; citizens of the United States; interested and knowledgeable in the field of intellectual disabilities and other allied fields; and, to the maximum extent possible, have professional training and experience in business management, finance, law, health care practice, personnel administration or government service. This appointment is for a four-year term lasting from Jan. 1, 2022, to Dec. 31, 2025.
Interested applicants should submit the Application for Public Volunteer and a résumé to:
Benjamin Pushka
Board of Lucas County Commissioners
One Government Center, Suite 800
Toledo, OH 43604
The application deadline is Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2021.