As COVID-19 vaccines continue to roll out across the world, it’s clear that the vaxxie will be 2021’s defining social media trend. But some vaccine selfies will be exposed to more eyeballs than our own or our friends’ and neighbors’. Celebrities, ever just like us, and their social media feeds have also become a reliable source of these photos in recent months. From Ian McKellen’s vaccination in December to Dolly Parton’s earlier this month, some of them have made headlines on their own.
As the vaccine rollout continues in Colorado, it’s glaringly obvious that getting an appointment is made significantly easier by owning a car. From the images of driving-reliant sites, to the increased ability to drive to remote parts of the state to get unfilled appointments, to the ability to drive to pharmacies when extra doses are released, having a car is a boon to getting a vaccine.
This often leaves out some of the most vulnerable people, including economically disadvantaged workers, people with disabilities that restrict them from driving, and people who use public transportation and risk greater exposure.
SAPGA’s Legislative Caucus on Aging met to closely follow legislation that hopes to benefit older adults. Two State Senators and one State Representative was present at the meeting. For 2021, SAPGA is focused on COVID, Caregiving and Long-term Care, and Rural Disparities and Regional Priorities (in medical care and workforce). Colorado is the second oldest state (based on age of population). Legislation of note:
HB21-1097: Establish a Behavioral Health Administration
SB21-175 : Sen. Kirkmeyer told the group that SB175 discriminates against older adults.
SB21-075: Supported decision-making agreement
SB21-176: Protections for Colorado workers against discriminatory employment practices. Repeals limits on remedies in cases involving age discrimination.
Next meeting on 4/23, 7:30am
Virtual meeting on Microsoft Teams
9:30-10:30 AM
Member Updates
Doug Tisdale-RTD
RTD Accountability committee has approved regional sub-committees to create opportunity for greater local participation in terms of scheduling and planning. Currently, the sub-committee plan does not include LCCs existing throughout the regional transportation district. Mr. Tisdale has requested that a proposal be entered incorporating LCCs into sub regional councils.
Karie Erickson- DCTS/ ARDC
ACA is forming a sub-committee to focus specifically on transportation; meeting outside ACA, and brainstorming outside the box. Rick Marrow (DRCOG lobbyist) will influence the financial component. Updates to be provided.
Also- Karie is stepping down as chair of DCTS and moving on now that Donielle is the mobility manager.
Dan Raine from the City of Lone Tree:
Link on Demand transit program and recovery of services during the pandemic:
Relaunched in October 2020, with enhanced safety measures with new, higher efficiency vehicles. Per social distancing requirements, maximum occupancy of the vehicle is 4 people.
Link is currently running a reduced service, using only one singular vehicle, with a set schedule: Mon-Thurs: 7 AM to 7 PM, Friday 7 AM to 7 PM, Saturday 10 AM to 10 PM. There is no Sunday service.
Destinations during the pandemic focus largely on retail, multi-family housing, as well as larger attractors, such as medical services at Kaiser Permanente, and retail opportunities at Target, Safeway and the Park Meadows Shopping Resort.
Tina Dill from Douglas County
Douglas County is working on consolidating plan for community development block grant. They are asking the community for input on funds from HUD. Currently working on 5-year plan to submit to HUD.
Community members who have been impacted by economic strain due to COVID-19 pandemic are encouraged to participate through the following survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Douglas-Co_Community_2021
DCTS LCC Chairperson Updates
Donielle Suber:
Due to pandemic, there was little opportunity to implement 2020 plan. Currently focusing on 2021 implementation plan.
Bylaws: Looking at bylaws which have not been updated since 2014: Seeking input on anything needing to be put forth to county commissioners. She would like to have contributions by September. Donielle will send a copy of bylaws for review and asks that members please be ready to discuss any changes or proposed amendments at June meeting.
Preparing 2022 implementation plan: Donielle will reach out to each member in DCTS regarding each member organization’s purpose and how it ties into our specific organizations. Also, she will discuss opportunities for transportation as seen around the nation as well as any current services to identify strengths to alleviate any gaps. She will take information from these conversations to DCTS council by December, so the council can approve and prepare guidelines for 2022.
Seeking new chairperson: Since there is no longer a DCTS chair, Donielle will want to identify executive committee leaders willing to work with Donielle and DCTS to prepare the new implementation plan. Please advise or recommend any people who would be a good fit- Goal is to have in place by 3rd qtr (Sept)
Jennifer Eby
DCTS was developed to explore how transportation needs could be met with finite funding. Since then, DCTS has evolved: Providers have increased capacity, funding needs are increased, and there is a strong need in DC for more transportation options. Resetting and reevaluating is a great opportunity to look beyond the current scope: Expanding communities served, making more services available through partnerships, leveraging current resources. Jennifer highlighted this group’s ability to leverage that and encouraged the team to be ready.
Mobility Program Coordinator Updates
SVT (Seniors and Vulnerable Transportation) grant: should be receiving in April. Funds need to be spent by June 30. This will be retroactive and eligible trips from Jan will be noted.
5310- DRCOG still working on the contract but should have by April. This too will be dated to Federal award date. DCTS has been instructed to use HST funds at front end and then 5310 funds.
2021 DCTS Planning/Goals
2020 total trips: 22,423. Most were deliveries, medical, qual of life: incidental (See Transportation Services Dashboard chart).
Big thank you: Funding sources: 5310,7604, HST, DRGOG all made reverse services possible during COVID-19 pandemic. Hopefully these reverse services will continue to be funded.
NEXT MEETING: Virtual via Microsoft Teams
THURSDAY, JUNE 24, 2021 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
The meeting began with an overview of the Reimagine RTD project followed by discussion of many challenging issues RTD is facing.
Michael Davies, Government Relations Officer, talked about proposed RTD legislation: remove the farebox standard, remove restrictions on how RTD manages its parking lots.
Members shared topics for future meetings.
Next meeting: 4/21, 3 pm
Via Zoom, 9am-10am
Introductions and Updates
Sun Valley Project Update
2021 Goals: Website and Other Steps
RTD and LCCs
Next meeting:
April 21, 2021; 9-10 AM
Zoom Meeting
