March 13, 2020
Individuals, Families and Guardians:
Over the past several weeks The Arc, like most organizations, businesses and families have watched and monitored the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. The Arc of Anchorage first and foremost cares about the health and well-being of our Arc individuals, family members, guardians and employees. With that in mind, on behalf of our Board of Directors, senior management and employees, The Arc is using a layered approach to conducting business. We are trying very hard to balance taking the current situation seriously while enacting precautions and being pro-active while not contributing to the worry and fear it has and is creating here in Alaska and across the globe.
We receive our information from a handful of places such as Center for Disease and Control (CDC), the State of Alaska (SOA), the Federal Government, The Arc of the US and other Arc affiliated chapters, where their respective states have already experienced or are currently experiencing exposure and have designed plans to deal with the COVID-19 outbreak.
Our layered approach will guide us in prioritizing services based on health and safety i.e., group homes and supporting living. In addition, our plan considers areas of The Arc that will not continue temporarily allowing us to reallocate employees to cover other services. In short, we will more than likely be canceling some special events and/or some services based on recommendations that are in the best interest of public health, including those we serve and our employees. Please see our attached list of event cancellations.
In the event The Arc has to cancel additional events and/or services, we will post information via our agency’s website and social media platforms and possibly making direct phone calls as may applies. This is inline with what many of our sister organizations are doing. Our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter links :
www.facebook.com/thearcofanchorage | https://www.instagram.com/the.arc.of.anchorage/ https://twitter.com/The_Arc_ANC | Agency website: www.thearcofanchorage.org
Currently, The Arc is operating business as usual using our layered approach with the intention of providing as many of our quality services while taking CDC recommendations in minimizing risk and exposure to the best of our ability. We are encouraging anyone who shows any signs of the illness to stay home, follow CDC protocols and seek medical attention; we have attached some helpful information for your review.
Recognizing this is a challenging time for everyone, please know that we will keep you updated as we are able to. In the meantime, self-monitor, wash your hands vigorously and regularly, and hopefully we all stay healthy and avoid this virus from negatively impacting our community.
With warmest regards,
Barbara Rath
Chief Executive Officer
To view the full letter with links/resources, use the following link:COVID-19 Letter From The Arc CEO