Good Afternoon Hilltoppers!

The Mesa County Public Health Department has announced the first presumptive positive case of COVID-19 in the county. We knew this day would come soon. Our job now is slowing and limiting the spread of the virus. We got this.

Everyone is doing really well with the new facility entry protocols. I truly appreciate your support in implementing this process.  At this time, there is no need to change employee processes put into place last week. We are well-positioned for Phase 2.

 

What’s New

The residential programs have new guidelines limiting essential visitors/guests, so check with your programs for specifics.

We have also begun some programmatic changes in our Phase 2 protocol:

  • Senior Daybreaks in both Mesa and Montrose have temporarily suspended services and staff are being utilized as needed in other programs.
  • Day Service programming at the Life Adjustment Program has been suspended.
  • Meal services for our cottage and patio homes residents will be home delivery.
  • Home visitation programs will utilize Hilltop’s entry protocols when entering individual’s homes.

What’s Coming

Family Resource Centers are assessing their services to determine which ones should continue as is, be done remotely, or suspended for the time being.

Closures and cancellations keep coming. The most recent announcement is School District #51 will be closed through April 10th. We know this adds a new layer of concern for our working parents.

 

What We’re Doing to Help

Employee Support – Rebecca Weitzel, Director of Employee Success, is tasked with creating a plan to help address employee concerns and needs so you can continue to come to work and feel supported. She is currently working with IT to roll out an Employee Information Line that will be staffed with a live person who can answer questions, help trouble-shoot your challenges, point you to resources and more. Watch for an announcement soon.

Childcare coverage – Childcare coverage may also become a challenge.  Hollie VanRoosendaal, Director of Employment and Training, is taking the point to identify alternatives and assistance in this area. More to come in the near future.

Task/job coverage – We’re organizing strategies for the deployment of employees to address needs and shortages in programs.  Sue Conry, Director of the Mesa County Family Resource Center, will use her extensive background with all of Hilltop’s programs to keep a clearinghouse of employees to match with our needs.

 

What We Ask of You

This is clearly a very fluid situation. I appreciate everyone’s ideas, concerns and suggestions.

Communication remains a priority. I encourage each of you to check your email frequently for corporate and program updates. We ran an EVERBRIDGE test today, which will be used for urgent and immediate information.

Finally, we need everyone to practice social distancing in the workplace and community. Use the telephone versus meetings whenever practical. Stand and sit 6 feet away from others when possible.  And please wash your hands frequently throughout the day.

Thank you all for your help as we work to keep everyone healthy and safe during this pandemic!  Let’s continue supporting each other.  Be prepared but not panicked.

People First. We got this.

Mike Stahl