Greetings, everyone. As public health concerns regarding COVID-19 intensify, many have expressed concern about the vulnerable individuals entrusted to our agency’s care, some of whom experience chronic conditions that place them at heightened risk.
We share these concerns and are closely following the advice and counsel of healthcare professionals and regulatory authorities in addressing this crisis. We maintain an ongoing dialogue with representatives of the New York State and Westchester County Departments of Health, the Office of Mental Health, and other key stakeholders and subject matter experts.
We have established screening and assessment protocols within our supportive housing and community outreach programs designed to identify individuals experiencing symptoms of illness for which more intensive screening and medical attention are necessary. We have also instituted a moratorium on visitation to our residential programs in order to ensure the health and safety of our residents and staff. (Although this practice entails a regrettable inconvenience for our clients and prospective visitors, we believe it is necessary at this time and in keeping with prevailing guidance and best practices.)
Our screening and assessment protocols also apply to agency personnel. We continue to encourage all SFC employees to err on the side of caution and to not report to work if they experience symptoms indicative of COVID-19 infection or have other reasons to believe they have been exposed to this virus. We also recognize we must balance our commitment to the health and safety of our staff with our obligation to our clients. As a health and social service agency that supports individuals with complex needs, it is imperative for us to retain a complement of personnel who are ready and able to serve amidst this crisis and the risks it entails.
This is surely no easy task, but we are not alone in confronting it. All agencies serving the public, and vulnerable populations in particular, must navigate this exceptionally challenging terrain.
We have no definitive answers to many questions that arise, seemingly on a minute-by-minute basis, but we will continue to do our very best to ensure the health and safety of the entire SFC “family” in the weeks and months to come.
We welcome your expressions of concern, questions, or requests for additional information. They may be directed to Ashley Brody, Chief Executive Officer, at (914) 428-5600 (x9228)/abrody@searchforchange.org.
Thank you for your continuing support.
We wish you and your families a healthy and safe passage through this crisis.
Ashley Brody, MPA, CPRP
Chief Executive Officer
Search for Change, Inc.