To all of our families and those we support,
These are challenging times for all of us as we learn how to operate during the coronavirus crisis. As things continue to change daily, we want you to know that we will continue to ensure that the supports needed by citizens with developmental disabilities are provided and that our actions will also focus on keeping everyone healthy and safe to the best of our ability and resources.
On Sunday, March 22, Governor Mike DeWine issued a stay-at-home order, requiring all residents to only go out when necessary and for all non-essential businesses to close until April 6 to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
However, the order makes exceptions for essential human services agencies, and the Morrow County Board of Developmental Disabilities is included as an essential service in our community. We will continue working for you and your loved ones. We will do our best to ensure that there are no gaps in the necessary supports people need to remain safe throughout this crisis.
Prior to the stay-at-home order, Governor DeWine ordered the closure of adult facility-based services which includes Whetstone Industries and other similar service locations for adults with developmental disabilities. While we know this decision causes an inconvenience for many, this decision was made to protect the health, safety and well-being of the adults and also the employees working in those facilities. We are quickly acting to support residential providers in any way that we can as we implement procedures to ensure compliance with these orders.
The health, safety and wellbeing of all persons with developmental disabilities, as well as their families, our employees and service providers is our top priority. Therefore, we are taking all necessary precautions to keep people healthy and safe. We have increased our usual cleaning practices to ensure all surfaces are being sanitized frequently. All employees who are able to work from home will do so to help decrease the spread of COVID-19. We know that many of those we support are particularly at risk of transmission, and protecting them is of utmost importance.
Even though these are uncertain times, we are here for you! All of us at the Morrow County Board of DD are dedicated to supporting our extended family: the people with developmental disabilities, their families and service providers, our employees and our greater community. We will continue to ensure the most urgent needs are addressed and met. Whether in person or remotely, the Morrow County Board of DD team is with you throughout this unprecedented time and beyond.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions related to county board services, the board’s response to COVID-19 or anything else. Thank you for your cooperation, support and trust as we work through this crisis together.
Stay engaged, stay healthy and stay empowered!
Nancy Foglesong
Superintendent
RESOURCES
Dear friends,
In an effort to provide assistance during this global crisis, we have developed a Resource Guide to help you navigate community resources that may be needed during this difficult/challenging time. We understand this is a stressful time and we are here to help in any way we can. We will get through this together!