• Staying Informed – Given the evolving news about the coronavirus, we are closely monitoring the situation as well as the recommendations of the the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and Ohio Department of Health. We are making rapid and real-time decisions to ensure that we are preserving the well-being of all Chapter stakeholders, including persons with ALS, caregivers, and our employees. We will continue to do so throughout this public health emergency.

• Modifying Program Strategies – We are evaluating, day-to-day, decisions about holding Education & Exchange Groups. Going forward and for the near future, no groups are meeting in person due to the facility's protocol or due to choices made by the Chapter in an effort to protect our clients and staff.
  
  To learn the latest regarding Education & Exhcange Group cancellations, please read current announcements below under, "Care Services & Education Exchange Group Updates" or contact your Care Service Coordinator at 866-273-2572 ext 100.
  
  Despite any group cancellations, we will continue to be reaching out and connecting with persons with ALS and caregivers remotely. We will continue to staff ALS clinics by deploying care managers to be on-site in person (in some cases) and by complying with ALS clinic coronavirus protocols and following the lead of each facility – OhioHealth and University of Cincinnati. We are also re-evaluating our event strategies to ensure that we are protecting the health and well-being of attendees. Additional details are provided below.

• Increasing Hygiene – We are more frequently cleaning surfaces with disinfecting, alcohol-based cleaners. We are also providing hand sanitizers to staff members. We are ensuring the availability for hand-washing and hand sanitizing at community-based events.

• Educating Our Team – We are communicating frequently with our staff members to ensure that they are aware of the latest developments and prevention techniques. We are making certain that our team knows how to keep themselves and others at the lowest risk possible.

• Keep Yourself and Others Healthy – Follow the basic prevention guidelines from the (CDC), including the following:

  • - Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

  • - Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

  • - Fever, cough and shortness of breath are the main symptoms of coronavirus. Call your doctor if you suddenly develop any of those symptoms.

  • - Stay home when you are sick.

  • - Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

  • - Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

• Be Kind – We are all in this together. During stressful times people may direct their fear or anxiety towards others. By learning the facts of COVID, we can help counter any potential stigma tied to the virus. Viruses do not target specific racial or ethnic groups. We stand together as one community promoting the safety and well-being of all.

• Due to the rising concerns about COVID-19 in Ohio, The ALS Association Central & Southern Ohio Chapter has canceled all non-essential face-to-face contact, including home visits and in-person attendance of support groups until further notice. Alternatively, we are offering virtual visits and groups. Please see below for instructions.

• Education & Exchange - North Dayton - Wednesday June 3rd 1:00 - 3:00 PM Caregivers ONLY**

• Education & Exchange - North Dayton - Wednesday June 17th 1:00 - 3:00 PM Topic:  Assistive devices through the ALS progression with Lindsay Stutz, SLP & Missy Tally, OT; Perman Center/Mason**

• Education & Exchange - North Dayton - Wednesday June 24th 1:00 - 3:00 PM Persons living with ALS**

• Education & Exchange - South Dayton - Wednesday June 10 6:00 - 8:00 PM Topic: Transfer Techniques & Proper Exercise for ALS with Jennie Thompson, OT & Leslie Wolf PT**

• Equipment Loan - If you need to borrow equipment, please contact your Care Services Coordinator or call the office at 866-273-2572, Ext. 100. 

• Patient Grant Program - $1,000/year back in your pocket for disease-related expenses. Contact Carleen Hubbell - chubbell@alsohio.org or 614-273-2572, Ext. 110 for easy application!

• We understand how important it is to have a shared community of families facing ALS who are on the same journey, and we encourage you to reach out to those in your group. If you need assistance in contacting someone, please connect with your Care Services Coordinator to help facilitate this connection, or contact us at 866-273-2572 ext. 100* to be directed to that person.

**Your Coordinator wil send your virtual group code, if you have not received them contact your coordinator:

—  COLUMBUS - Carleen Hubbell - chubbell@alsohio.org 614-273-2572 ext. 110 

—  CINCINNATI - Yvonne "Pinky" Dressman - ydressman@alsohio.org 859-781-8555

—  DAYTON - Whitney Taverna - wtaverna@alsohio.org 937-525-0930 

To receive the virtual meeting link, please contact your care service coordinator.

Virtual Chapter Meeting Instructions:  

1. You do not need your own username and password to sign in to the meeting, simply use the link provided to you in the email from your coordinator.  If you have not received a link, please email or call your care services coordinator in advance to receive the appropriate link.
2. If using a phone/mobile device, you may be prompted to download the application through your app store. Please consider downloading the app a day or 2 before the meeting.
3. When joining the meeting on a mobile device or computer, you may be asked to follow these prompts - "join using computer camera" and "join using computer sound".   It is helpful to test the computer sound prior to the meeting.  You may need to identify yourself when you join the meeting.
4. For better connectivity, consider limit the number of other applications running in the background, limit the number of devices connected to wi-fi, or if possible connect directly to your modem.
5. Staff will be available 30 minutes prior to the start of the meeting to assist with technical difficulties.  Please email the appropriate chapter care services coordinator.

For further information on using RingCentral, please click images below regarding downloading app, and signing in and joining a meeting.

Downloading RingCentral App

Signing in and Joining A RingCentral Meeting

  **NOT ALL EDUCATION & EXCHANGE GROUPS WILL BE OFFERED VIRTUALLY BUT ALL WHO ARE SERVICED BY THE CENTRAL & SOUTHERN OHIO AREA ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND.

• We discourage anyone who is sick from attending any of our events. We also discourage vulnerable populations, including persons with ALS, from attending community events in-person if their doctor recommends avoiding crowds.

• We will have prevention supplies at our events for participants, to include hand sanitizer and facilities for hand washing.