Being Kind: Resources for Those Affected by COVID-19 (it’s all of us)

Although we have all been affected by the Coronavirus pandemic, there are plenty of ways we can continue to show kindness to ourselves and others.

We are all in this moment together. Physically apart, but together. COVID-19 has upended just about everything, and we at Texas Health Action and Kind Clinic are here for you. We have put together a list of resources and ways you can share kindness with others in our community.

 

 

 

 

Resource Categories: 

• I don’t feel well (Health)
• My job is gone/in jeopardy (Employment) 
• I want to connect with people (Community Resources)
• I need things to do (Entertainment) 
• I want to take better care of myself (Self-Care)
• I want to help (Pitch in) 

 

I don’t feel well (Health)

If you’re a Kind Clinic patient who is worried about your current insurance coverage, we can help! Please contact your patient advocate at 1-833-WE-R-KIND (1-833-937-5463). Now more than ever, it is essential to take care of your physical and mental health. Here are a few resources we found to help you stay healthy and happy.

• Austin
  • Austin COVID-19 Resources and Findings – The City of Austin’s webpage has resources and information to stay up to date and recommendations for your health. The Austin Public Testing Enrollment Form that allows the community to complete an online assessment for COVID-19 testing is now live.
  • CommunityCare Drive-Through COVID-19 Testing Sites and Info: CommunityCare Health Centers is offering free testing to those that meet screening criteria of cough, fever, shortness of breath or contact with someone who tested positive. No appointment or doctor referral needed. Call CommunityCare’s COVID-19 hotline at 512-978-8775 for more information.
  • Information for Health Providers
  • Information for Those Who are Sick

• San Antonio
  • San Antonio COVID-19 Resources and Findings – The City of San Antonio has created a hub for information pertaining to Resident Assistance and a handy self-screening for COVID-19 symptoms.
  • Call 2-1-1 – It’s like 911, but for non-emergencies. Use 211 to get more information on healthcare, access to housing and food, and more

• General Information
  • Statewide COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line – Texas Health and Human Services has launched a 24/7 statewide mental health support line to help Texans experiencing anxiety, stress, or emotional challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic
  • How You Can Get Tested for COVID-19 

• Mental Health
  • American Foundation for Suicide Prevention – AFSP encourages everyone to engage in an open, honest dialogue with their friends and loved ones, to demonstrate compassion and kindness, and to practice self-care by exercising, meditating, and consuming the news in measured doses. Check out their site for more information!
  • Crisis Text Line (free text-based support) – If you’re experiencing a crisis and would rather text than call someone, there’s a resource for that! Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the United States, anytime, about any type of crisis. A live, trained Crisis Counselor will receive your text and respond, all from their secure online platform.

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My job is gone/in jeopardy (Employment)

We know job status is linked to healthcare, and in a time like this, with health on everyone’s mind, health coverage can be a major battle to navigate. If you are a Kind Clinic patient and are worried about your insurance, please contact your Patient Advocate immediately at 1-833-WE-R-KIND (1-833-937-5463). Here are some resources we found to help bridge that gap.

• Texas Workforce Commission – TWC is staggering access to the unemployment system to diminish wait times, calm overwhelmed call centers, and avoid technical issues. To file for unemployment, contact TWC at the suggested call time.
• Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce – The Commerce has created an extensive resource and FAQ list for business owners and employers.
• Amid efforts to confront the impacts of the COVID-19 virus, both local and federal agencies are working to lessen the impact on vulnerable households facing eviction or displacement.
  • The City of Austin’s Neighborhood and Community Development has a list of guidance and resources.
  • The City of San Antonio has created this list for assistance to residents.
  • National Center for Transgender Equality has a list of mutual aid and emergency and emergency funds with specific resources for the transgender and LGBTQIA+ communities. 
• Food insecurity is another social determinant of health. Local resources are here to help. In addition to the resources provided on local government sites, these are the largest food banks in our areas.
  • Central Texas Food Bank is based in Austin and serves 21 surrounding counties through multiple locations offering groceries, hot meals, and kids meals.
  • San Antonio Food Bank is helping those in their season of need across 16 counties of southwest Texas. The arrival of the coronavirus has brought a new season of need for many, and the Food Bank is ramping up additional service to meet that additional need.

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I want to connect with people (Community Resources) 

In times like this, having a strong sense of community is so important. Since we are in this together, there are groups who are ensuring we stay connected and engaged even though we are advised to physically distance from one another to stay healthy. Kind Clinic was founded out of a community need, proving that when times get tough, we come together to make something happen. Here are some ideas on where you can reach out and find some community connection.

• Social Media Groups – We know a larger number of people are using social media now that we are sheltering in place. This means there are groups popping up all over the place for performances, resource sharing, movie watching and so much more. Go to your favorite platform and search key words to find a group you can join.
• Faith-Based Connections – Faith is very important to a lot of people and in these times leaning on your faith-based communities can come in handy. You can video chat with your faith leaders, attend a virtual service, or just send a quick positive text or email to a friend.
• Neighborhood Associations – A lot of residential areas have groups that handle the engagement of neighborhood communities. This can be your local Homeowners Association or recreation center. Check-in with these groups to see if there are recommendations on how to safely use the resources in your neighborhood, such as parks, ponds, trails, etc.

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I need things to do (Entertainment)

Have you already exhausted Netflix? It seemed impossible until now, but here we are. Fortunately, there are plenty of other things to do besides watch endless hours of TV.

• Want something to keep your hands busy? Enjoy these free coloring books from museums.
• Google has made museums available to tour virtually.
• Get your great outdoors fix with these virtual tours of iconic national parks around the U.S.
• NASA is providing educational content, projects, research, and virtual tours for all ages through NASA at Home.

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I want to take better care of myself (Self-Care)

Everything about this time is new: how we live, work, play, care for each other and ourselves. We will get through this. Now it is more important than ever to make caring for yourself a priority. #BeKind

• Mayo Clinic, one of the top healthcare providers in the country, has created this list of self care tips.
• To keep (or start) your body moving, YMCA is offering free health and fitness videos through their new online program, YMCA360.
• BossBabe, a Texas-based nonprofit that amplifies and connects women and nonbinary creatives, entrepreneurs and organizers, has these mental health tips.
• Document your life: This is a pandemic, a historic moment. Write about it. Put it into your own words.

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I want to help (Pitch in)

Although this pandemic is global, we must think locally and support our communities. If you find yourself with free time and would like to jump in and help others, here are some resources to explore.

• If you are looking for ways to help others with the added bonus of keeping yourself and/or your kids busy during this time of social distancing and staying in place, these are some projects from SAFE Alliance that you can work on from home by ordering supplies online and delivering at a later date.
• Food bank volunteering
  • San Antonio Food Bank has reduced volunteer opportunities to limit person-to-person contact.
  • Central Texas Food Bank still needs volunteers and has adjusted their volunteer shifts to include fewer people to maximize social distancing and taking more precautions than usual to minimize risks. If you’re healthy and not in a high-risk group, you are welcome to sign up to volunteer.

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We hope you find this list helpful!  To stay up to date on resources, news, and events from Kind Clinic, consider signing up for our newsletter. You can opt out at any time. 

 

Stay safe, stay well, and as always, #BeKind.