COVID-19: Community Resources Available in NYC and Nationwide
The sustained widespread community transmission of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) has prompted several preventive measures to keep most people out of harm’s way due to the virus, especially those that are most vulnerable. We understand that these measures have meant sudden social changes for us and that these changes may produce anxiety and distress.
The New York City Department of Health has shared some resources with our community partners that may be helpful as you practice social distancing, transition to work from home, see your peer and patient navigation routines change, and experience disruptions in your personal lives as well.
The New York City Department of Health has shared some resources with our community partners that may be helpful as you practice social distancing, transition to work from home, see your peer and patient navigation routines change, and experience disruptions in your personal lives as well.
SYRINGE SERVICES
Syringe SERVICE PROGRAMS have been deemed essential in NYS. NYC syringe exchange programs are operating - find services here
(https://iduha.org/nyc-sep-map/).
Peers are in urgent need of protective supplies such as masks and gloves to continue outreach. To donate, contact Marilyn Reyes, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]).
BUPRENORPHINE
Buprenorphine treatment via telemedicine is available. H+H is initiating treatment via telemedicine, learn more. (https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6650403775284555776/)
TELE-MEDICINE
Hepatitis clinical care can continue via telemedicine. Hep Free NYC is launching a capacity building initiative to support providers to rapidly implement hepatitis B and C telemedicine.
Learn more (https://hepfree.nyc/ny-hep-telehealth-resources/).
TRANSGENDER RESOURCES
"A Know Your Rights Guide for Transgender New Yorkers Navigating COVID-19": https://transgenderlegal.org/media/uploads/doc_802.pdf
MEDICAL RESOURCES (including for uninsured or underinsured)
New York State Department of Health COVID-19 Hotline or call 1-888-364-3065
NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene COVID-19 Updates. To receive regular updates on the latest developments regarding coronavirus in New York City, text COVID to 692-692. For updates in Spanish, text COVIDESP to 692-692. You will receive regular SMS texts with the latest news.
NYC Health + Hospitals: Call for an appointment 1-844-NYC-4NYC Network of hospitals in New York City that provide care despite insurance status and assists in getting patients connected to insurance.
Veteran’s Health Administration 1-844-698-2311
SYRINGE SERVICES PROGRAMS, WINTER WEATHER, AND COVID-19
https://www.nastad.org/resource/syringe-services-programs-winter-weather-and-covid-19
MENTAL WELLNESS RESOURCES
NYC Health Guidelines on coping with stress during infectious disease outbreaks
CDC Guidelines for coping with stress and anxiety related to COVID-19
SAMSHA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services) Hotline 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
National Eating Disorders Association Helpline 1-800-931-2237
NYC Human Rights or call 311 and say “Human Rights”
NYC Well or call 1-888-NYC-WELL
SMALL GATHERING AND HOLIDAY CELEBRATION GUIDELINES
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html
FOOD
Food Bank NYC Operates food pantries and soup kitchens, and directs you to SNAP enrollment sites.
Meals for public school students The week of March 15th there will be grab-and-go meals for students at every New York City Public School. The meals will be available at the schools’ start time. Visit schools.nyc.gov for most up to date information.
FINANCIAL RESOURCES
Edquity: Provides online emergency support to students during COVID-19. Offers referrals available in your community related to health, food, housing, transportation, and childcare.
NYC Human Resources Administration: Apply for Medicaid, cash assistance, SNAP, and childcare assistance at these HRA sites that also assist individuals in securing jobs.
New York State Unemployment Insurance
INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE SUPPORT
Safe Horizon: Provides support for survivors of intimate partner violence through a 24-hour hotline 800-621-HOPE (4673), and comprehensive family justice centers in each borough. Please call 911 for emergencies.
National Domestic Violence Hotline or call 1-800-799-7233 or Text LOVEIS to 22522
Emergency Housing Lists shelters for women, men, and families by city and state. Please see website for most up to date information
PARENT/FAMILY RESOURCES
For those with school-aged children that need home learning and entertainment activities:
The Spanish Experiment: Spanish Children’s Stories
Scholastic free daily classes for pre-k to 6+
Guardian article on families emotionally preparing for quarantine
National Association of School Psychologists guidance on talking to children about COVID-19 (in multiple languages)
Internet providers providing free Wi-Fi during COVID-19 response
NYC Children Resources are available to provide support to overwhelmed parents. Call 311 and ask for parenting support. The Administration for Children and Family Services can be found at this website as well.
CDC COVID-19 Schools, Workplaces and Community Locations Guidance
CDC RESOURCES
COMMUNITY AND FAITH LEADERS
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/index.html
TESTING AND SYMPTOMS
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html
MITIGATION STRATEGIES FOR COMMUNITIES WITH COVID-19 TRANSMISSION
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/community-mitigation-strategy.pdf
PANDEMIC FLU NPI (NON-PHARMACEUTICAL INTERVENTIONS) PLANNING GUIDES
https://www.cdc.gov/nonpharmaceutical-interventions/tools-resources/planning-guidance-checklists.html
Additional Resources
COVID and Liver Disease (AASLD)
COVID and Hepatitis (WHA)
COVID and Harm Reduction (Vital Strategies)
Guidance for COVID for Homeless Providers (DOH)
Guidance for COVID in Correctional Settings (CDC)
Trauma-Informed Response to COVID (Portland State University)
Reducing Stigma of COVID (CDC)
Local In-Language COVID Handouts (Hawaii DOH)
Need other languages? Go to: Multilingual Resources on COVID-19
The Department of Health recommends the following:
Individuals must procure, fashion, or otherwise obtain face coverings and wear them when they are in a public and are:
• Within six feet of distance from other individuals; or
• In a situation or setting where they are unable to maintain six feet of distance from other individuals; or
• In a public or private transportation carrier or for-hire vehicle.
When wearing cloth face coverings in public settings, where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community transmission, you should:
• Make sure that they fit snugly and cover their nose and mouth.
• Be changed frequently and laundered when they are soiled or wet.
• Not become complacent with other protective measures.
• Do not touch the cloth covering or face.
• Continue to be vigilant with thorough and frequent hand washing with soap and water, or alcohol-based hand sanitizer of 60%+ alcohol.
• Practice respiratory etiquette and cover your coughs or sneezes.
• Practice social distancing – even when wearing masks.
• Stay home and help flatten the curve!
While cloth face coverings may not prevent the wearer from becoming infected, they might help slow spread from people who have the virus and are unaware.
• Within six feet of distance from other individuals; or
• In a situation or setting where they are unable to maintain six feet of distance from other individuals; or
• In a public or private transportation carrier or for-hire vehicle.
When wearing cloth face coverings in public settings, where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community transmission, you should:
• Make sure that they fit snugly and cover their nose and mouth.
• Be changed frequently and laundered when they are soiled or wet.
• Not become complacent with other protective measures.
• Do not touch the cloth covering or face.
• Continue to be vigilant with thorough and frequent hand washing with soap and water, or alcohol-based hand sanitizer of 60%+ alcohol.
• Practice respiratory etiquette and cover your coughs or sneezes.
• Practice social distancing – even when wearing masks.
• Stay home and help flatten the curve!
While cloth face coverings may not prevent the wearer from becoming infected, they might help slow spread from people who have the virus and are unaware.
COVID-19 timeline
makemedicinesaffordable.org/new-resource-covid-19-timeline/
makemedicinesaffordable.org/new-resource-covid-19-timeline/