May 1, 2020

Dear Families and Friends,

When I last reached out to you, Judson Center was providing assurance that we would be available to assist you in new or limited ways as we adapted to the challenges of COVID-19 while still offering essential services as allowed by Governor Whitmer.  Although the health threat of the pandemic is not over, and the Governor’s shelter in place order continues until at least May 15, we are working hard on your behalf to make plans to re-open more fully once the stay home stay safe order is over.  Until that time, we remain committed to meeting your needs for support through phone, email and video conferencing.  For primary health care, we offer both in-person care at Judson Center Family Health in Warren or telehealth virtual appointments.

Following are just some of the new safety precautions we are planning to implement. Please be patient with us when you do return to one of our Judson Center locations. It will take some time for us all to get used to our new way of life when it comes to staying healthy and practicing safe social distancing and other precautions.

Foster Care and Adoption

We are so grateful that we have been able to continue to provide love and support to children as they wait to reunite with their families or to find their forever homes. As part of our family preservation services, our team has gone above and beyond, providing additional assistance such as grocery and school supply drop off.  As we transition back to being fully operational, we continue to keep the lines of communication open. Please reach out to 313-255-8272 or email us at foster_care@judsoncenter.org if you need additional assistance. Our on-staff foster navigator is continuing to support our families over phone, email and through virtual support groups. All our foster care, licensing and adoption staff are actively available and responding to family needs remotely through calls, emails and video conference.

When you engage with Judson Center’s Foster Care and Adoption Services again you will notice:

• Use of face masks, handwashing requirements, temperature checks
• Staggered seating in the waiting area and other safety precautions as necessary

Judson Center Family Health – Primary Care Telehealth Services Continue; In-Person Office Visits Available 

Judson Center Family Health, located in our Warren facility, continues to offer in-person and telehealth “virtual” visits so everyone can get the care they need.  Anyone can have a virtual visit from their home with a primary care provider using a computer, smart phone or other device.  Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, and other insurers have waived co-pays for this service, so be sure that you continue to take care of the emotional and physical well-being of you and your family! When you visit Judson Center Family Health either now or after May 15, you will note the following safety procedures:

• Health screenings prior to facility entry, temperature checks, lobby and office hand sanitizer stations, use of face masks, no waiting protocols for appointments and sneeze shields at lobby check in/check out windows
• Facility post-patient and daily cleaning and sanitizing protocols

Please fill out an appointment request at https://www.judsoncenterfamilyhealth.org/telehealth or call our office at 586-573-1810 to determine if you should be seen in person, given healthcare advice over the phone, or if a telehealth visit should be arranged. Whether you have concerns or questions regarding COVID-19, physical illness, or are experiencing emotional distress, we are an integrated primary care practice available to serve your entire family’s needs—from pediatrics to seniors. Judson Center Family Health clinicians also have experience in treating individuals with autism and children who have been traumatized.

Autism Connections

Judson Center has been offering autism services for 15 years – more than almost any service provider in the state. As we gradually return to the full center opening, we know that routines will once again be upended and individuals with ASD may grow particularly anxious. To ease anxiety for both children and families, Judson Center has put the following safeguards in place:

• Health screenings prior to facility entry, temperature checks, lobby and office hand sanitizer stations, use of face masks, staggered waiting room seating, no waiting protocols for appointments and sneeze shields at lobby check in/check out windows
• Limited classroom sizes and toys/equipment
• Between use and daily classroom, restroom and lobby cleaning and sanitizing protocols

In the meantime, Judson Center will continue to offer assistance by phone, email and videoconferencing, when available, to assist parents and caregivers now. Our team can be reached for assistance by contacting us through our website or by calling Autism Connections Director Frankie Groce at 248-837-2021.

Vocational Services for Individuals with Disabilities

We remain in contact with our community and business support partners and will resume our regular employment placement and skill building services as soon as it is safe to do so. If you need to reach a member of the Judson Center Disability Services team before that time, please contact 248-837-2079. In the meantime, we plan to implement the following safety precautions:

• Health screenings prior to facility entry, temperature checks, lobby and office hand sanitizer stations, use of face masks, staggered program participant activities to limit number of consumers in the building or in vehicles
• Face mask and gloves for consumers going to community sites for vocational activities
• Car kits with health and personal protection supplies

Lahser Respite Home

Judson Center is proud to offer children’s respite care at Lahser Children’s Respite Home, which is located in Beverly Hills. Our respite home provides care to children with physical and/or developmental needs for when you need support and trusted overnight care for your child. Lahser Respite Home temporarily closed on March 16 due to the COVID-19 crisis.  We are developing our plan to reopen the facility understanding the importance of safeguards for this vulnerable population. When the home reopens, the following health protocols will be in place:

• Health screening prior to and during stays, limited occupancy due to social distancing considerations, use of face masks and gloves and hand sanitizer stations
• Protocols for isolation of children who become ill during stays
• Enhanced facility cleaning

Behavioral Health

Extended periods of social isolation and uncertainty about the future have added to the stresses of everyday life and, while challenging for all of us, can be especially difficult for those who already struggle with their overall health and well-being. It is extremely important at this time that we all be highly attuned to the behavioral health needs of those who are openly struggling or who may have turned their anxiety further inward. If you or a loved one are experiencing an emotional health crisis or feelings of despair, please reach out to us immediately. We can also be a resource for parents and caregivers unable to use Judson Center’s Respite Care Services due to their current, temporary closure. Our behavioral health team remains available by phone, email, and telehealth or an in-person visit through Judson Center Family Health.

If your needs are urgent and you fear a loss of life, call 911 now or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Or text Hello to the Crisis Text Line at 741741.

When you return to Judson Center, you will notice the following safety precautions:

• Health screening questionnaire, temperature checks, lobby and office hand sanitizer stations, use of face masks, staggered waiting room seating, no waiting protocols for appointments and sneeze shields at lobby check in/check out windows
• Facility post-patient and daily cleaning and sanitizing protocols

Telehealth Resources for your physical and emotional well-being

Telehealth primary medical care, behavioral health and Autism Applied Behavior Analysis services are currently covered by both commercial insurers and government health plans for most individuals.  If you or a family member are not feeling well physically or emotionally, please contact our office either online at Judson Center Family Health or by calling 586-573-1810. We can determine if you need to be seen in person at our Warren office, or if a visit can be handled by telephone or video. For video telehealth services, all you need is access to a smart phone or computer with a camera and microphone. If your primary care physician does not offer telehealth, our telehealth services are available to:

• Renew an existing prescription
• Get treated for non-emergency services such as conjunctivitis (pink eye)
• Look at a rash or wound
• Discuss concerns of anxiety, depression or suicidal thoughts

Thank you for entrusting Judson Center with your family’s specialized needs. For additional information about our services or ways to give, as well as timely advice and updates, please visit our website at https://www.judsoncenter.org/, as well as our social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.

We will be back in touch with more specific information on hours of operation and location facility opening updates.  In the meantime, always remember, we are here for you!

Sincerely,

Lenora Hardy-Foster

President and CEO