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1. Who should register for the CENS Alert Me notifications?

All cellular and VoIP phone subscribers within Lane County who wish to receive CENS Alert Me notifications should register for CENS Alert Me notifications. Registering a mobile device or VoIP telephone to an address will not affect any landline telephones already assigned to that location. To register, go to your public safety agency website.

2. Do I need to register my regular telephone?

No, landline telephones are already "registered" through the 911 system.

3. How will I receive alerts?

When alerts are issued, they will be sent as emails, phone calls (voice), and/or or text messages. When you register your telephone number, you will be asked to identify the type of device you are registering. If you register your device as a “cellular telephone” you will receive alerts as both a voice phone call and a text message. Standard messaging rates imposed by your service provider will apply to any text message alerts you receive. If you do not wish to receive text message alerts, please do not register your device as a “cellular telephone;” select one of the other device options that are available. If you register your cell phone as something other than a “cellular telephone,” you will still receive phone call (voice) alerts, but you will not receive text messages.

4. Will my information be sold or distributed?

No. All of the information you enter will feed directly into the CENS secure database. This information can only be accessed by system administrators and the data will never be sold or distributed to 3rd parties.

5. When will I receive phone calls?

You will receive phone calls when CENS is activated and your address is within the geographic area chosen to receive the notification message. CENS will only be activated for emergency purposes such as:

• Emergency evacuations
• Hazardous material leaks
• Missing child alerts
• Natural disaster alerts
• Neighborhood emergency incidents
• Tsunami warnings

6. What do I do if I move or want to opt-out of Alert Me?

If you move after you have entered your information into the website you will need to go back into the website and re-enter your information with your new address. To unsubscribe from all alerts, click unsubscribe after logging into your account.

7. Can I enter my telephone number more than once at different addresses? How many wireless and cellular numbers can be registered to one address?

Residents enter their name, address, and up to 2 phone numbers such as cell phone numbers or VoIP phone numbers. Residents can register up to 5 additional contacts to their accounts, such as parents, siblings, and spouses. Landline telephone numbers are auto­matically / already included in the CENS database and should not be registered.

8. Do I have to enter an actual address?

Yes. If you enter an address that does not exist you will not be in the database and will not be contacted when CENS is activated.

9. Will I be solicited in any way at the phone number that I enter?

No. You will only receive phone calls when CENS is activated and your address is within the geographic notification area chosen. CENS will only be activated for emergency purposes.

10. If I am in a location that is different than the address that I enter into the website for my cellular phone, will I still be contacted if an emergency affects the address entered?

Yes. No matter where you are physically located, you will only receive calls for emergencies that affect the address entered into the website. So if you are on vacation in a different state you will still receive a phone call if the address you entered is affected by an emergency.

11. Does it cost me anything to opt-in for CENS messages?

This service is provided to you free of charge by public safety agencies in Lane County. However, please be aware that text message charges may apply depending on your mobile service agreement and service carrier. Contact your mobile service provider for details.

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1. What is adult abuse?

Adult abuse is defined as the physical, sexual, financial, emotional and neglect of the basic needs of an older person or an adult with physical or developmental disabilities or mental illness, by a family member or caregiver, which results in harm to that individual. In addition, self-neglect is where an individual lacks the cognitive ability to care for themselves, which can also lead to harm.

2. Who should report abuse? Who is a mandatory reporter?

Everyone should report abuse. Learn how you can report abuse. However, Oregon law requires that certain groups report suspected abuse.

• Medical professionals
• Employees of government agencies
• Clergy
• Firefighters
• Legal counsel, guardians and family of nursing facility residents

3. What happens after I make a report of abuse?

An Adult Protective Services worker will contact the reported victim and other involved persons to determine whether or not abuse or neglect occurred and to help arrange for any needed services. APS workers also work with law enforcement when a potential crime may have occurred.

4. Will my name be kept confidential if I report abuse?

Yes, Oregon state law protects the confidentiality of all individuals reporting abuse. The identity of the reporter can only be revealed under specific legal exceptions, such as reporting of a crime or an order by a judge. You are not required to give your name if you wish to remain anonymous.

5. Can I see the results of abuse investigations?

Community investigations of people living in their own homes or are homeless are confidential and cannot be released to the public. Complaints involving residents in licensed facilities are public and are kept in the public disclosure file. The disclosure file also contains information about a facility’s license history. Please contact our office at 541-682-4038 if you are interested in viewing the public file.

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1. What is Meals on Wheels?

Meals on Wheels is more than just a meal!

• Friendly volunteers deliver a nourishing, freshly prepared noontime meal. Meals are nutritionally balanced to provide 1/3 of the recommended nutrients.
• Volunteers have time for a brief chat and a safety check. Many who live alone, feel more secure knowing that someone is checking on them regularly.
• Frozen meals are available for days we do not deliver or if requested.
• If more help is needed, the Senior Connections Area Coordinator may be able to suggest some options at the time of the home visit.

2. Where is Meals on Wheels available?

Meals on Wheels is available in 9 Lane County communities and will be delivered by either Senior & Disabled Services or the American Red Cross, depending on where you live. In Lane County, the Meals on Wheels program is operated by either Senior & Disabled Services (S&DS) or the Oregon Pacific Chapter of the American Red Cross, depending on the geographic location.

3. How can I get started?

To request Meals on Wheels Service call 541-682-3353, toll free 1-800-441-4038, or TTY 541-682-4567.

Your call will be answered by the Aging and Disability Resource Center whose staff may be able to provide additional service options to help meet your need.

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1. What is long-term care?

Long term care is a broad term used to describe the continuum of care options and settings for people who need assistance managing their activities of daily living. Long-term care can include help in your home, adult foster care, residential care, assisted living, adult day care and nursing home care. Long-term care also includes case-management services. Senior & Disabled Service provides assistance coordinating and arranging for long-term services for seniors and persons with physical disabilities. For clients with developmental disabilities or mental health concerns, please contact Lane County Developmental Disabilities or Lane County Behavioral Health Services.

2. How do I qualify for Medicaid?

Medicaid pays the long-term care costs for eligible, low-income individuals. There are 3 different areas for eligibility determinations:

• Income (300% of SSI for an individual - $2,022 per month)
• Resources ( $2,000 in assets)
• Limitations in activities of daily living

3. What does Medicaid cover?

Medicaid covers:

• Hospital services
• Doctors’ services
• Prescription drugs
• Medical equipment and supplies
• Eyeglasses
• Hearing aids
• Dental care
• Mental health services
• Diagnostic tests
• Ambulance services and medical transportation
• The full range of long term care services including in-home assistance and nursing home placements

4. Does Medicaid have a long-term care limit?

No, Medicaid will pay for long-term care as long as you qualify for needing the care, even if this means multiple years of care until death.

5. How can I apply for Medicaid?

There are several ways that you can inquire about your eligibility for Medicaid services. You may make an inquiry online, by phone, or stop by your local office. Learn more about how to apply.

6. What if my spouse needs care in a facility?

If your spouse needs care in a facility, this law lets you protect some of your income and resources. Because of this law, your spouse can become eligible for Medicaid benefits without you becoming impoverished.

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1. What is a Metropolitan Planning Organization?

A metropolitan planning organization is the local agency designated by federal law to have the lead responsibility for regional transportation planning for areas with a population greater than 50,000. Call 541-682-4405 for more information.

2. What is the Central Lane MPO?

In 1974, the governor designated Lane Council of Governments as the MPO for the central Lane County area that currently includes the Eugene-Springfield metropolitan area and Coburg. The Central Lane MPO is 1 of approximately 400 across the country, and 1 of 6 in Oregon. Call 541-682-4405 for more information.

3. Who makes decisions for the Central Lane MPO?

The decision making body is the Metropolitan Policy Committee, which was created by Eugene, Springfield, and Lane County to cooperate on issues of metro-wide importance. The members of the Metropolitan Policy Committee are elected and appointed officials from:

• Coburg
• Eugene
• Lane County
• Lane Transit District
• Oregon Department of Transportation
• Springfield

4. What does the Central Lane MPO do?

The Central Lane MPO is a forum for cooperative transportation decision making for the Eugene-Springfield metropolitan area and Coburg. The MPO produces plans and programs that focus on the regional aspects of transportation planning. The MPO channels federal funding to local transportation projects and programs through a sound planning process that is comprehensive, cooperative, and continuing.

There are 5 core functions of a Metropolitan Planning Organization:

1. Establish a fair and impartial setting for regional decision making
2. Evaluate transportation alternatives
3. Maintain a long-range transportation plan covering a 20 year planning horizon
4. Develop a 4 year Transportation Improvement Program and prioritize projects
5. Involve the public.

5. How is the Metropolitan Planning Organization process funded?

The federal government is the primary funding source for the Central Lane MPO. Other funding may come from a variety of sources including the state, transit districts, and local governments. Call 541-682-4405 for more information.

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1. How do I qualify for services through Senior Connections?

Services are available to all seniors age 60 or older, or their family caregivers. Services are available free of charge, regardless of income.

2. What are some of the services available through Senior Connections?

• Case Management - development of a care plan
• Referrals to organizations that may provide you with additional services
• Qualify seniors for the Energy Assistance Program - LIHEAP (Rural areas only)
• Arrange for senior Meals on Wheels
• Transportation for medical appointments, shopping. or errands
• Volunteer friendly visitors
• Respite care
• PEARLS in-home counseling program for older adults with moderate depression

3. How do I apply?

Call 541-682-4038 to contact a worker in your area, or apply online.

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1. What is SNAP?

SNAP stands for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program.

2. Who is eligible for SNAP / Oregon Trail Card?

There are many factors that can affect eligibility for the SNAP program. Many low income people can meet the eligibility criteria. For many low-income Oregonians, possessions, property, and bank accounts do not prevent eligibility. Those with interest should apply at the nearest Senior & Disabled Services office.

3. How do I sign up?

Those interested should visit or call one of the offices administering the program. A signed application or request for SNAP benefits that includes the person's address can start the process. An in-person interview is usually required.

4. What are the benefits?

An Oregon Trail Card account is credited with the dollar amount of SNAP benefits that the person or family is entitled to receive. The Oregon Trail Card is used with a Personal Identification Number at a participating merchant to purchase eligible items - mostly food or garden seeds.

5. How do I replace a lost card?

The offices that administer the program can issue replacement cards. It is usually done in person and photo identification is required.