Windham County Action Network (WeCAN)

"In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends."
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 

     We are hurting along with our Black, Brown, Indigenous, Immigrant, and Minority members and the community. We extend our outrage and love. We must do all we can to educate ourselves and our neighbors to the realities of police, institutional, and systemic racism and eradicate our own complacency, as well as that of our fellow Vermonters, when we witness anti-black racism. Scroll down for local public events today and Tuesday. In the spirit of education (and due to the prevalence of Covid19), below is a list of 26 ways to contribute your voice to the health and safety of black communities beyond marching or protesting: 26 Ways to Be in the Struggle Beyond the Streets

Racial Justice Resources for Families

How to Talk to Kids About Racism: An Age-by-Age Guide
Have you talked to your kids about race and racism? Maybe you think they’re still too young or that a specific conversation isn’t really necessary? They’re never too young, and an ongoing dialogue about race and racism is a really good idea. Kids who may be targets of racism may need help negotiating their feelings and figuring out how to respond to what they are experiencing. How do you start the conversation? Each age group has different needs. Read on for ways to broach the subject with your child.

HAPPENING TODAY, SUNDAY, MAY 31st, 2020

No Justice! No Peace!: We Demand Justice for the families of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and Sean Reed, and All Those Targeted by Police Brutality
hosted by Brattleboro Solidarity, Indigo Radio, and the Tenants Union of Brattleboro
Sunday, May 31st, 2020 along Main Street in in Downtown Brattleboro, VT. 12pm. We will be standing masked and 6 feet apart. 
Our community must come together at this time!
We come together to stand up against violence in our communities!  
Bring your signs, pots and pans, noise makers and instruments! 
Brattleboro Solidarity will mark the street so we are all able to follow physical distancing protocol! Please wear your masks and let's all be mindful of one another's health as we stand up together for Black Lives! 
See you there!

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HAPPENING THIS WEEK, MONDAY, JUNE 1st, 2020-SUNDAY, JUNE 7th 2020

#ICan’tBreathe George Floyd Memorial Protest
organized by local Brattleboro youth
Tuesday, June 2nd, 2020 at the Brattleboro Common (Park Place, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 4pm. For everyone’s safety masks will be required at this event.
Come protest! We’re doing this. Negativity is not prohibited. This will be an act of peaceful advocacy. Come be an ally and voice your support. Bring signs! Bring your voice! Bring your support! 

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Panel and Organizing for Racial Justice in Vermont
hosted by the Peace and Justice Center
Tuesday, June 2nd, 2020. Online; please pre-register to get the Zoom information here: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/IwLd9O0Q5E2NFjdN_I9V8Q. 6pm-7:15pm.
Join us for a panel moderated by UVM student activist Harmony Edosomwan. Panelists include representatives from organizations and groups that are doing racial justice work in Vermont. Each panelist will give an overview of what their group does and how you can get involved. There will be time for discussion and Q&A at the end. 
Our hope is that people who are not already immersed in this critical work will find a way to get involved. There is so much good work happening and we need to keep building momentum. 

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Pride 2020 Car Caravan
hosted by Queer Connect
Saturday, June 6th, 2020. 12pm-2pm.
Saturday, June 6, 2020 was the day we had planned to host our second annual Bennington Pride parade and festival. Due to Covid-19 we will be celebrating in different ways than initially planned.  
Here’s one way we will be celebrating and we need you to join us:
Join us the afternoon of Saturday, June 6 for our once in a lifetime (we hope!) Covid-inspired Pride Car Caravan! 
-Adorn your car in Pride regalia and follow along as we drive around spreading our joyful Pride  throughout the area. 
-Cars will be convening in Bennington, Rutland, and Brattleboro at noon and meet up in Manchester around 1:00, Routes TBA. If you’d like a drive-by, let us know!  
We want to stress our desire to keep everyone safe. We won’t be leaving our cars, just driving and waving and playing good music and spreading cheer!

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Blood Drive at NECCA
hosted by NECCA: New England Center for Circus Arts
Friday, June 12th, 2020 at NECCA (10 Town Crier Drive, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 2pm-7:30pm.
For more information please visit www.redcrossblood.org.
Giving back to our community is important to us, and donating blood is an easy way to do that.  NECCA is excited to be partnering with the American Red Cross to host our second blood drive on Fri June 12.  Don't worry, the Red Cross has changed how you give blood so it's totally updated for this time of COVID-19.
Follow the link to www.redcrossblood.org and use our zip code 05301 to find our event and reserve your spot.  There will be no drop in options.  When you arrive there will be no lines and no gathering in the lobby.  Just you, giving blood, to help in a time of need. 

 

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COMMUNITY PETITION

Prison Should Not Be A Covid-19 Death Sentence: https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/prison-should-not-be-a-covid-19-death-sentence/
COVID19 is impacting families all across Vermont and the nation. We have known from the beginning that group living settings are particularly susceptible to rapid infection. We have seen in other countries and states that the outcome of not taking strong preventative measures in prisons is a spike in cases of infection. We have also seen effective examples of precautions being taken 
Join myself, Representatives Mari Cordes, Kevin Christie, Selene Colburn and Brian Cina. House rep candidate, Tanya Vyhovsky, Chittenden County Senate Candidate, Kesha Ram, Barre City Councilor; Teddy Waszazak, Burlington City Councilor; Zoraya Hightower, and other elected officials in demanding health justice for all Vermonters. Please add your name to ask Governor Phil Scott to take preventative and reactive measures to protect Vermont's Prison Population, Corrections Officers and Staff, along with the greater community. Elected officials and candidates will be added as we connect and they respond. Today I ask all of you to join us! https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/prison-should-not-be-a-covid-19-death-sentence/

 

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Southern Vermont Dance Festival

SVDF Digital Dance Festival
Join the Southern Vermont Dance Festival in our 2020 Digital Dance Festival group.  Dancers, dance schools and companies can share your classes here and can submit films, improv and choreography.  We can't be together, but, let's join together online.  SVDF will soon announce our summer plans to keep this art alive as we are distant. Join this group here:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/2934801179940081/?source_id=440570312689292

Statement from Founder and Director of the Southern Vermont Dance Festival:
SVDF started as a long term economic driver for our community.  We can not quite express the grief we feel as the economic impact of COVID-19 grows.  We are grateful to have a structure and platform to continue to support the long term economic growth of Downtown and the greater community.  We look forward to working with all of our businesses to brainstorm as we continue our mission to drive our local economy.  Please feel free to reach out to [email protected] with your ideas.  We remain fully committed to the economic vitality of our region.  Thank you all for what you are doing to support our community in this time.  

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COMMUNITY SUPPORT OPPORTUNITY

Are You Sewing Masks? We have patterns and more information here: https://www.wecantogether.net/masks

Urgent Need for Masks and Face Coverings for Our Medical First Responders and Professionals
If you sew or can source materials for those who sew, we need your help! 
Join thousands of volunteers across the country and create masks for health care providers, patients, and caregivers.
You can follow this basic pattern here: https://www.deaconess.com/How-to-make-a-Face-Mask?fbclid=IwAR0vI5CexA--uiCba5beFlL11TPY03t5TW2zJMrSIRix45AKSRqBfsRU-Mk
OR use this FANTASTIC beginner tutorial here, created by local Brattleboro business owner Alix Joyal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PT3TX572x2s&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR2IogSiQ8-0-gMvIiZcj1EHU8jRE0nB5w80DzvVWMXdKJdpq3pU5na4P84.
You can check out her eco-friendly business, JoyalTee, here: https://joyaltee.com.
If you would like help or support while creating, please consider joining an ongoing Facebook group like Stop the Bug: Nationwide PPE Drive.
If you have masks ready and need assistance in getting them where they need to go, please contact Joanna Phillips at [email protected] and they will be put to immediate use. Thank you! 
Brattleboro Memorial Hospital would prefer that you make these masks ONLY for their use.
You may drop off finished masks and gowns in the receptacle on the porch of 55 Belmont Ave, Brattleboro, VT, 05301. If you cannot make it out to the drop site, you can mail them here:
C/O Gina Pattison
BMH
17 Belmont Avenue
Brattleboro, VT 05301

 

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Online Religious Services

All Souls Church U.U. holds on-line services at 1o a.m. on Sundays and Virtual Vespers at 7 p.m. on Thursdays.
To get the current information on an upcoming service or vespers check the All Souls web page www.ascvt.org.

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LGTBQIA+ Resources via Out in the Open

Out in the Open is offering a lot of resources & virtual spaces for rural LGBTQ folks in this time, friends. The full list and calendar is on our website here. We have a Community Care Offers & Asks list, and a list of Rural New England Mutual Aid opportunities, with specific resource links for LGBTQ and QTPOC folks. Out in the Open also has a Slack channel for rural LGBTQ folks to share resources and connect outside of social media. Email [email protected] for more information.

 

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COVID 19 RESOURCES: VERMONT

Statewide Mutual Aid
organized by Brenda for Vermont
Localized Mutual Aid has been organized in Brattleboro and Putney and hyper local neighborhoods in Marlboro.  If your community does not have mutual aid or you can't find it, please sign up to volunteer or if you are in need of help.  All of us will likely be on the side of being able to help and needing help at times.  Please don't hesitate to ask for help.
Sign up here if you would like to help your neighbors or are in need of help:https://www.brendaforvermont.com/cms/help-your-neighbor/
The links below will take you directly to the mutual aid forms. 
To Volunteer: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfkRnbDKtNX_SacVaHWPyIAnsSXDGLsDMZE8vys25nzTgUo5A/viewform
If You Need Help: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfw7gg12KNq6n4s7SDUxf1ghMx-0MD3S0RCWQtxqmPTJQI8QA/viewform

 

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A Message to Vermonters from Senator Bernie Sanders

As a member of the United States Senate, I want to make sure that the citizens of Vermont receive all of the federal benefits and help to which they are entitled. Although I cannot guarantee a particular outcome, I want you to know that my staff and I will do our best to respond to your concerns.
To contact Senator Sanders with a question, concern or comment please use this link: https://www.sanders.senate.gov/services/casework/.
If you want to contact me about your views and concerns regarding legislation and other issues important to you please use the COMMENTS FORM
If this is an emergency, please call: 802-862-0697 (Out-of-State 800-339-9834).
Note: We are currently experiencing a high volume of inquiries. As we do our utmost to assist vulnerable Vermonters, please only complete the form above if you are requesting assistance. Go to General Comments to leave comments and opinions.

 

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Social Justice Resources

ROOT SOCIAL JUSTICE CENTER MUTUAL AID & SUPPORTIVE NETWORK
The Root Social Justice Center is collecting a list of contacts and resources to help support and assist with the needs of their Root community members. Join if you are in need or are able to help.

 

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COVID 19 INFORMATION SPECIFIC TO WINDHAM COUNTY, VT

 

Brattleboro Memorial Hospital Information
https://www.bmhvt.org 802-257-0341
BMH maintains a COVID-19 information page at https://www.bmhvt.org/coronavirus and reminds all who have primary care physicians to check with those providers if they have questions or concerns about their health.

 

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FREE HEALTHY AND NUTRITIOUS FOOD IN WINDHAM COUNTY

The Retreat Farm (Route 30, Brattleboro, VT, 05301; Please call (802) 490-2270) is giving away one bag of food per family. This includes bread, eggs, and milk. What started as a spontaneous response to the crisis has grown into Retreat Farm’s Emergency Food Pantry. If you are in immediate need of assistance, please visit: https://www.retreatfarm.org/community-aid

Brigid’s Kitchen, St. Michael’s Church, 47 Walnut Street, Brattleboro 802-254-6800 or 802-558-6072 
Grab-and-go lunches and fruit/nuts on Mon, Weds, Thus, and Sat, 11:30am-12:20pm.

Loaves and Fishes, Centre Congregational Church 193 Main Street, Brattleboro (802) 254-4730
Grab-and-go lunches on Tuesdays and Fridays at 12pm.

VT Foodbank and Veggie Van Go will be at Brattleboro Union High School (Fairground Ave, Brattleboro, VT, 05301), in the parking lot, on the 1st and 3rd Monday of the month, from 10am-2pm. Drive up, touchless pickup. Walkers welcome, too. Call VT 211 for more information. 

Foodworks, the food shelf program of the Groundworks Collaborative https://groundworksvt.org (802) 490-2412, [email protected] 
Households in need of food are asked to call or email to coordinate delivery. There is an urgent need for volunteers, and Foodworks has set up protocols to keep staff, volunteers, and clients as safe as possible. Please email us at [email protected] if you are able to help.

Guilford Food Pantry 
Every Thursday at the BBCC (3940 Guilford Center Road, Guilford, VT, 05301). 5pm-6pm.
We know that supplemental food can make such a big difference in one's budget. That is why we are stocking our shelves for our neighbors. All are welcome to come and take home fresh produce, staples, meat, dairy. Guilford Cares welcomes anyone in need of supplemental food for themselves or their families.

 

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WSESD Student Meal Information
General Information
To ensure that the nutritional needs of all of our students are met during this extended school closure, we are developing a system for distributing breakfast and lunch on a daily basis. This program will run for the duration of the school closure.
Please see below for important details:
Meal Distribution

• Distribution will begin on March 18th, 2020
• Meals should be picked up Monday-Friday at your distribution spot
• Food distribution will occur after 10:30am , schedule coming soon 
• Meals will include lunch and breakfast for the following day
• We will utilize our current bus route as well as specific distribution locations
• You only need to register once 
  

How To Apply

• In order to receive meals, you will need to complete the Student Information Survey
• If you can't access the survey please use the phone #'s listed below to leave a message for Ali West or Justin McArdle
• Please arrange to pick-up meals at one site ONLY, even if you have multiple children in different schools

Contact Information
If you have special dietary requests or delivery plans, please contact: 
Ali West: 802-257-3322 
Justin McArdle: 802-451-3558
Brattleboro Families - [email protected]
Dummerston Familes - [email protected]
Guilford Familes - [email protected]
Vernon Familes - [email protected]

 

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Vermont WIC is Responding to Covid 19
We are moving to phone appointments to align with social distancing efforts. If you have opted in to email and text notifications, you will receive important program updates, including information about local office hours and changes in operations. Our website will be kept up-to-date as well. Contact your local office with any questions about breastfeeding, nutrition or shopping. Call 1-800-649-4357 or email [email protected] with any questions about WIC nutrition services and enrollment.

 

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COVID 19 GENERAL VERMONT INFORMATION

Weekly Summery of Vermont Covid19 Data

NEW: Weekly Summary of Vermont COVID-19 Data is a new feature, where you can see a deeper level of demographic and other detail. You can find out more about testing trends, outbreaks, pre-existing conditions and prevalence of symptoms.

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The Path to Restart Vermont

NEW THIS WEEK:

Montpelier, Vt. - Governor Phil Scott today announced the resumption of additional close contact businesses, dental procedures, businesses that require work in the home, and of limited overnight youth summer camp programming. As state modeling continues to indicate a low number of COVID-19 cases, he also increased the size of social gatherings.

“We’re able to take these steps because Vermonters have been smart and safe. We continue to see very low case numbers because Vermonters are using common sense and making good choices,” said Governor Scott. “This must continue if we want to open things further and, so far, Vermonters are doing just that.”

The Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) has issued health and safety requirements and procedures for the resumption of close contact businesses such as gyms, fitness centers, nail salons, spas and tattoo parlors, as well as cleaning services and other businesses that require home visits, beginning on June 1. Additionally, overnight youth summer camp programming can resume in a limited capacity and with strict safety and travel procedures, beginning June 7. Reopening of these businesses is dependent on established occupancy limits and physical distancing requirements, as well as health, sanitation and training measures, which can be found at accd.vermont.gov.

Addendum 16, signed by Governor Scott today, also allows social gatherings of 25 people or less, effective June 1, though existing occupancy limits for operations including retail, recreation, dining, worship and event spaces remain in place.

And the Vermont Department of Health has issued guidance allowing for some additional dental procedures, allowing for aerosol-generating procedures in compliance with CDC and Health Department safety standards and precautions.

To view the ACCD’s specific safety guidelines and protocols for businesses, as well as additional resources, visit accd.vermont.gov.

To view the Health Department’s latest dental procedure guidance, visit https://www.healthvermont.gov/response/infectious-disease/novel-coronavi....

To view the Addendum 16 to Executive Order 01-20, visit https://governor.vermont.gov/content/addendum-16-executive-order-01-20. 

For more information on:

• COVID-19 health information, guidance and case data, visit www.healthvermont.gov/covid19.
• The Governor’s actions, visit governor.vermont.gov/covid19response.
• The state’s modeling, visit dfr.vermont.gov/about-us/covid-19/modeling.

Protect Yourself and Others Near You

We still need to physically distance ourselves from one another and follow other health guidance. Keep 6 feet between you and others, and give each other a wide berth when walking or biking. It is also more important than ever to make wearing cloth face coverings a habit whenever we leave home.

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Testing

Testing at Popup Locations information can be found HERE. 

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New on Healthvermont.gov: Race and Ethnicity Data

The Health Department is now including data about race and ethnicity on its data dashboard at healthvermont.gov/covid19. We recognized the need to include this information to help us understand how Vermonters were being affected by COVID-19, but in our earlier efforts to respond to the pandemic, race and ethnicity data was not always collected for each patient. Health equity exists when all people have a fair and just opportunity to be healthy – especially those who have experienced socioeconomic disadvantage, historical injustice, and other systemic inequalities. Therefore, our epidemiology team collaborated with Vermont Information Technology Leaders (VITL) to cross-reference medical records to gain more robust race information about COVID-19 cases in Vermont. At the end of March, race was unknown in 73% of cases, but through our joint work, we have brought that number down to just 8%. We have been able to partner with VITL through a state directive issued in response to the State of Emergency. We can use this data to help to prevent the spread of illness, improve care for patients, and present a more complete picture of how COVID-19 may be affecting everyone in Vermont. The Vermont State Health Assessment reports on what we know about the health status of Vermonters. Updated every five years, most recently in 2018, the assessment provides vital data for examining health inequities by race and ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic status, and geography. See the report and learn more at healthvermont.gov/sha.

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Cloth Face Coverings

The department recommends that all Vermonters wear cloth face coverings when outside of the home, since COVID-19 can spread before a person has any symptoms. Facial coverings are encouraged for essential workers in stores and their customers.

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Volunteering

We still need your help! Please sign up to support the state’s COVID-19 response: https://vermont.gov/volunteer. 

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Guidance for Vermonters

Who to contact:

• If you have questions: Use the Ask A Question tool on healthvermont.gov and review the FAQs.

• For non-health related questions, dial 2-1-1. If you have trouble reaching 2-1-1, dial 1-866-652-4636.

• If you are sick: Stay home and contact your health care provider online or by phone. Do not go to the hospital, except in a life-threatening situation.

Call the Health Department at 802-863-7240. We’re ready to respond to COVID-19 health-related questions. Calls are answered 8am - 6pm, seven days a week. Outside those hours, leave a message and your call will be returned.

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Enjoy the Outdoors Safely

Spring in Vermont is great – so take the proper precautions and go outside. Just be sure to stay close to home, practice social distancing, choose low-risk activities and respect all signs for closed areas  and Covid-19. For more info visit: https://fpr.vermont.gov/COVID-19.

Ticks are Terrible at Social Distancing

As you go safely outdoors, remember that the ticks are starting to come back and are hungry for their spring meal. It’s up to us to stay away from them. Use insect repellent, avoid wooded and brushy areas, and always do a tick check when you get home. Get more tick tips at healthvermont.gov/BeTickSmart.

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VT Health Dashboards

VT Health: https://vcgi.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/6128a0bc9ae14e98a686b635001ef7a7

VT Open Geodata Portal: https://geodata.vermont.gov/search?q=covid

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Are You an Uninsured Vermonter?

To enroll in a qualified health plan, you must sign up during an enrollment period. Due to the COVID-19 emergency, Vermont Health Connect has opened a Special Enrollment Period until June 15, 2020. During this time, any uninsured Vermonter can sign up for a Qualified Health Plan through Vermont Health Connect. Qualified families can also get financial help paying for coverage.. Please call us at 1-855-899-9600 to learn more.

Getting Started

1. Learn about health insurance basics.
2. Try our Plan Comparison Tool to find out if you qualify for financial help, and to see estimates of the total cost of each plan choice. Most Vermonters can either get free or low cost coverage through Medicaid or Dr. Dynasaur, or get help to lower their monthly premium and out-of-pocket costs. 
3. Ready to apply? Set up an online account with Vermont Health Connect and fill out your application there, or call us at 1-855-899-9600 and speak to a customer support representative. If you'd like to talk through health insurance terms or the application process in person, you can meet with a trained, certified in-person Assister near you

 

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RESOURCES FROM THE VT DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

For daily Department of Health updates please use this link: https://www.healthvermont.gov/response/infectious-disease/2019-novel-coronavirus

 

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VERMONT ESSENTIAL PERSONS INFORMATION 

Vermont Emergency Management Has Issued This Essential Persons List for Covid-19 Response
It includes staff and providers of childcare and education services, healthcare providers, public health employees, firefighters, first responders, pharmacy staff, grocery workers, and many more. The full list is here: https://vem.vermont.gov/sites/demhs/files/Essential%20Persons_03182020.pdf

 

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WSESU Essential Worker Request for Childcare
According to the state, "Essential Workers" will now be able to get childcare from the public school system. If you are classified as an Essential Worker and have no other adult available to provide childcare while you are at your job, you should complete this form. Once your form is submitted, you will be contacted by school personnel with more information.  
If you have questions, please contact the school counselor where your student is enrolled.

 

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NEIGHBORLY ASSISTANCE PRECAUTION RECOMMENDATIONS

While Vermonters are staying home or choosing activities that maintain social distancing as much as possible to slow the spread of COVID-19, some are stepping up to ensure their neighbors have what they need. This type of community support is crucial, but we need to make sure our helpers and volunteers are still using social distancing practices to protect our most vulnerable Vermonters.
Any volunteers bringing items to those who need to stay home should:

• Keep a distance of six feet away.
• Avoid entering the recipient’s home.
• Wash your hands regularly, avoid touching your face and cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• If you feel sick or learn that you have had contact with someone who is sick, stop doing community support work immediately.
• Keep a list of anyone you come into close contact with in case contact tracing is required.
• Wear clean gloves when handling items that may be given to people with a weaker immune system, and when you are close to someone who may be sick.

Common sense practices can go a long way while Vermonters take care of each other.
Want to help? Consider signing up for the Medical Reserve Corps. Volunteers can be deployed locally in the event of an emergency, support first aid stations at community events, educate the public on preparedness, and assist in promoting various health and wellness activities. You can also reach out to local community groups/organizers like rotary and lion clubs, soup kitchens and check out your neighborhood Front Porch Forum group.
Resources

Fact Sheets: Coronavirus and Emerging Infectious Disease Outbreaks from The Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress (Vermont Department of Mental Health)
Managing Anxiety and Stress (CDC)
Slide Presentation on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Useful Posters

Social Distancing (smaller version)
Social Distancing (larger version)
Keep Germs from Spreading
Proper Handwashing

 

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RESOURCES FOR EMPLOYEES AND EMPLOYERS

Department of Labor FAQs for Employers and Employees
https://labor.vermont.gov/covid19/covid-19-frequently-asked-questions
Specific Guidance for Employees:
https://labor.vermont.gov/covid19/employees
Employee Assistance (Unemployment Claims):  1-877-214-3332.
Specific guidance for Employers:
https://labor.vermont.gov/covid19/employers
Employer Assistance (Unemployment Claims):  1-877-214-3331.
Vermont’s unemployment rules have been relaxed to be able to help folks. Their phone lines are swamped, so here is a link where you can start the process of applying for Vermont Unemployment Insurance. https://appengine.egov.com/apps/vt/dol/unemploymentinsuranceclaim

 

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MENTAL HEALTH ASSISTANCE

Vermont Support Line from Pathways Vermont (833) 888-2557
The Vermont Support line is a free, anonymous resource for all Vermonters who are looking for someone to talk to. The Support Line is staffed by individuals who acknowledge that they have experienced a broad range of struggles of their own and are willing to be open about them.

 

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National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Covid 19 Information and Resources can be found here:
COVID-19-and-Mental-Illness-NAMI-Releases-Importan/COVID-19-Updated-Guide-1.pdf?lang=en-US.

 

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CDC Tips for Managing Anxiety in the COVID-19 Outbreak
Things you can do to support yourself

• 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 meditateexternal icon. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugsexternal icon.
• Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
• Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.

 

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IF YOU OR A FAMILY MEMBER IS ILL

• Stay home. Many people who are mildly ill can manage their symptoms at home with rest, drinking fluids and taking fever-reducing medicine (Tylenol), when needed. Not everyone needs to be tested for COVID-19.
• Call your doctor and ask to be seen for an evaluation. Do not go to the doctor's office unless instructed to do so. Anyone who does not have a health care provider can call 2-1-1 to be connected to a clinic in their area.
• Do not go to or visit any hospitals or long-term care facilities unless absolutely necessary. This is to protect everyone’s health, including patients and staff.
• Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home. As much as possible, you should stay in a specific room and away from other people and animals in your home. Also, you should use a separate bathroom, if available. Avoid sharing personal household items.
• Wear a facemask if you are sick around other people and pets.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with your sleeve or a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean all “high-touch” surfaces every day. These include counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and bedside tables.

Resources

• Caring for Someone at Home(link is external) (CDC)
• Caring for Yourself at Home (link is external)(CDC)
• Steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 if you are sick(link is external) (CDC)

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RESOURCE FOR WeCAN

Rapid Response Text Alert System

When WeCAN began, Song & Solidarity set up a Rapid Response Text Alert System for WeCAN Groups. Directions for signing up are on WeCAN's website, here: https://www.wecantogether.net/rapid_response. We are grateful to Song and Solidarity for providing this service.

  

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ONGOING EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING 

Indigo Radio
Sundays at 12pm on Brattleboro Community Radio 107.7FM. To stream live, visit: www.wvew.org 
Indigo Radio, deepening understanding and making connections! IndigoRadio is a group of area educators seeking to learn through engaging with others in our community and throughout the world. We will be talking about educational and social issues both globally and locally and connecting them to our lives and Brattleboro community. Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/indigoradiowvew/. For archive recordings of past shows: https://soundcloud.com/user-654648353. 

 

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     Until next time, WeCAN readers. Be safe and healthy. We look forward to connecting with you soon. 

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Joanna and Leslie
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