Epic stakeholders there have been a number of developments in Epic’s plan to resume services. We continue to implement a phased in approach to resuming services. There are some individuals who have returned to work at community jobs. Others are receiving remote services through phone calls or electronic connections with staff. Some others are meeting with staff in community places for training and support. DHS has provided very detailed guidance on what needs to be in place before we provide services in our building. We are making preparations to offer services in our building to individuals who live with their family or in their own home. Epic has revised our COVID-19 Preparedness Plan based on new information provided from the Minnesota Department of Health, the CDC and the Minnesota Department of Human Services. Click on PDF Link to view document.
Epic looks forward to resuming services and we’ve heard from many that they are excited to return to their jobs and other services. The Commissioner for the Department of Human Services has identified that a person’s service-related rights include the right to make an informed choice about whether to receive services in the community or to “stay-at-home” and not receive day services in the licensed facility or in the community during the peacetime emergency to minimize their exposure to COVID-19. While Epic will be contacting persons served individually to discuss the option to resume services, we understand that some may choose to not return at this point or may initiate a voluntary discharge at any point in the future. Epic is committed to designing an environment that mitigates risk to the highest degree in which we are able. Epic is also committed to honor the individual choices made by the people in our programs. If you have questions or concerns, you can contact the staff who oversee your individual services or me lhibbard@epicenterpriseinc.org.
Warm regards,
Linda Hibbard