As the impacts of COVID-19 continue to unfold, we are sending a weekly update to check in with you – our community.
This week, we want to focus on an important aspect of wellness: mental health. From health to finances to socializing, the COVID-19 outbreak has caused heightened anxiety and drastic changes in our daily lives.
For those struggling, know you are not alone and there are resources available.
Crisis Lines – Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:
City of Portland Info
Dial 211
Multnomah County
503-988-4888
Clackamas County
503-655-8585
Washington County
503-291-9111
Southwest Washington
1-800-626-8137
Disaster Distress Helpline
1-800-985-5990
Lines for Life
Suicide Lifeline: 800-273-8255
Alcohol and Drug Helpline: 800-923-4357
Military Helpline: 888-457-4838
Seniors: 503-200-1633
Youth: 877-968-8491
Veterans Crisis Line
1-800-273-8255 and press 1
Text 838255
Chat online
If you are facing a life-threatening emergency, please dial 911.
Activities to support your physical and mental wellbeing (From the Center for Disease Control):
- Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
- Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs.
- Make time to unwind. Try to do some activities you enjoy.
- Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
- Call your healthcare provider if stress gets in the way of your daily activities for several days in a row.
Guided Meditations from the UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center: www.uclahealth.org/marc
Additional mental health resources from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): www.nami.org/getattachment/About-NAMI/NAMI-News/2020/NAMI-Updates-on-the-Coronavirus/COVID-19-Updated-Guide-1.pdf
Spanish Language Resources
From Providence Health and Services Promotores de Salud and the School of Graduate Psychology, Sabiduría Program.
- Mensaje a los Promotores
www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0qsiH4rYkk&feature=youtu.be
Este video tiene el propósito de conectar con los promotores de salud, de enviar un mensaje de solidaridad y ante todo este video habla sobre algunas herramientas que todos podemos utilizar para el cuidado de la salud mental durante COVID-19. Esperemos que les sea de utilidad.
- Ejercicio de Respiracion Plena
www.youtube.com/watch?v=QiKziLewgRg
Este es un video en donde les guió en un ejercicio de atención plena, el que puede ayudar a la relajación. Si quieren evitar la introducción e ir directo al ejercicio mueva el cursos hasta los 2:30 minutos. Espero que les sirva! - Cuidando la salud emocional de los niños durante un brote de enfermedad contagiosa (Dr. Ruth Zuniga)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8-3RI0q6YU
Este video tiene el propósito de compartir algunos consejos y herramientas para padres y cuidadores de niños sobre como ayudarles a lidiar con la salud emocional durante el brote de una enfermedad contagiosa.
Health Insurance Enrollment – Significant Life Change
Another significant source of stress being experienced by many is the loss of a job, income, and associated health insurance coverage. Many Oregonians who did not previously qualify for the Oregon Health Plan (OHP) or coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace, may now qualify. The Project Access NOW Outreach Enrollment and Access (OEA) Team can help you determine what kind of coverage you might qualify for and provide help with enrollment.
To get help from the PANOW OEA Team (English, Español, русский):
- Online: www.projectaccessnow.org/outreach-enrollment-and-access
- Call or Fax: 503-345-7031
- Email: oea@projectaccessnow.org
We are here for you
In the midst of our own personal response, we invite you to consider those who are most negatively impacted in any time of crisis – low-income and marginalized individuals in our community. Project Access NOW, in partnership with many other service agencies, is responding to those in need.
For those who are able, donations are accepted online at: www.projectaccessnow.org/donate
From all of us at Project Access NOW, be well.
Sincerely,
Tim Hatfield, Chair
Project Access Now Board of Directors
