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The Ohio Department of Health wants to urge the community to familiarize yourself with the symptoms of a Cold, Flu, and COVID-19

If you’re feeling sick, call your doctor first before going in.
Learn the different symptoms at http://www.Coronavirus.Ohio.gov

 

From The Erie County Health Department:
You can help slow the spread of COVID-19. Stay at home and wash your hands often with soap and water. If you begin to experience any flu-like symptoms such as fever, shortness of breath, or cough, you must self-quarantine for 14 days. This is critically important for anyone working in health care settings. We all must do our part to slow the spread and protect the most vulnerable members of our community. For more information, call the Erie County COVID-19 information center at 567-867-3243.

 

Ohio Dept. of Job & Family Services (ODJFS), which is responsible for unemployment compensation benefits, has been struggling to deal with the volume of Ohioans trying to apply for unemployment comp benefits.

If you need to file an unemployment claim, go to http://www.unemployment.ohio.gov.  A step-by-step guide to file your unemployment claim is available in the upper right-hand corner of the page.  Your benefits are retroactive to when you became eligible.  If possible, file claims during non-core business hours.

 

Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio needs your help now more than ever.  With the Covid-19 pandemic, there will be an increasing need to provide food for those in our community.  You can help by donating or volunteering.  Your donations will help get food into the hands of those who need it.  And volunteers are needed to sort and re-pack food, help on-site distribution, work in the office, and more.  Please go to https://www.secondharvestfoodbank.org/  to donate online and learn more information.

ERIE COUNTY PARTNER CHARITY FOOD DISTRIBUTIONS

• FATHER’S HEART 1814 Milan Rd., Sandusky 419.609.0110 Weds and Sun | 3–4pm
• LIGHTHOUSE ASSEMBLY OF GOD 820 Cleveland Rd. E., Huron 419.616.0088 Wednesdays | 9am -3pm Thursdays | 10am – 2pm
• MILAN SALVATION ARMY 4 W.Church St., Milan Wednesdays | 9am-4pm Fridays | 9am – 4pm
• OHgo at STROBEL FIELD 2118 Camp St., Sandusky 419.602.0856 Thursdays | 4-6pm
• SANDUSKY SALVATION ARMY 3333 Columbus Ave., Sandusky 419.626.3862 Monday-Friday | 9am – 3pm
• SANDUSKY CHURCH OF GOD 1018 W. Bogart Rd., Sandusky 419.625.9166 Call for emergency appointment. Delivery may be possible 2nd Saturday | 10am – 11am

HURON COUNTY PARTNER CHARITY FOOD DISTRIBUTIONS

• FISH & LOAVES FOOD PANTRY 203 Maple St., Bellevue 419.484.2814 Wednesdays | 1-5pm
• FITCHVILLE UMC FOOD PANTRY 1593 US Rt. 250 S., New London 419.929.8916 3rd Sat | 10am-12pm
• NEW LONDON SALVATION ARMY 12 Akron St., New London 419.929.3320 Monday | 6pm-8pm Tuesday | 11:30am-2pm
• NORWALK AREA FOOD BANK 99 Whittlesey Ave., Ste. D, Norwalk 419.660.1144 Last names A-M: Tuesdays | 10am-12pm, 1-3PM Last names N-Z: Thursdays | 10am-12pm, 1-3pm
• NORWALK BAPTIST CHURCH 2084 US Hwy 20 W, Norwalk 419.668.4629 Satrdays 10am – 12pm
• NORWALK SALVATION ARMY 55 Whittlesey Ave. Norwalk Hot Meal: Tues & Thurs | 11am-12pm Pantry: Tues-Fri (by appt only) 9am-12pm and 1pm-2pm Call (419) 668-4090 to set appt.
• PLYMOUTH SHILOH CO-OP FOOD PANTRY 26 Mechanic St. 419.564.9863 Tuesdays | 10am – 12pm Thursdays | 4-6pm
• WILLARD AREA FOOD BANK 8 Myrtle Ave., Willard 419.935-1236 Monday, Wednesday, Thursday | 1-4pm
• WILLARD CHURCH OF GOD 4551 West Willard Rd., Willard 419.357.4642 Every other Saturday beginning 4/25/20 | 12pm – 2pm

Find programs that help families at risk for hunger in every community. Search the Second Harvest Partner Charity Directory. www.secondharvestfoodbank.org/find-help/partner-directory  This Institution is an Equal Opportunity Provider.

 

Family Life Counseling and Psychiatric Services now offering Telemental Health and Telerecovery Services. Call: (567) 560-3584   
The Center for Disease Control has warned: “The outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) may be stressful for people. Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Coping with stress will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger.”
Family Life Counseling and Psychiatric Services has good news! The agency  is now offering Telemental Health and Telerecovery Services Option to the community. Telemental Health and Telerecovery Services are the use of technology in order to provide real-time counseling and support services from a distance.  Getting the support you and your family need while sheltering at home just got easier.
Help is just a call away – (567) 560-3584

 

The Huron County Support Line is a free, non-judgmental, non-emergency support line available to every person in the county. Individuals can call to get support and learn about available mental health and recovery resources.  The Support Line is staffed by behavioral health professionals who are trained to help.
Why call the Support Line?
Call (567) 743-7155  when you need a safe place to:

• Discuss problems, fears, and anxiety related to the COVID-19 situation.
• Ask questions about recovery and coping with a mental health concerns.

What should I expect when I call?
The behavioral health professional will:

• Listen to you with compassion and without judgment
• Offer you support and kindness
• Help you identify your own coping skills and connect with resources
• Provide ongoing supports as needed

The Support Line is staffed 7 days a week from 8:00am – 10:00pm daily.
This is not a crisis hotline.  If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call 800-826-1306.

 

Mental Health & Recovery Board of Erie & Ottawa County
Need someone to talk to? Is the stress of the disrupted routines, social distancing, and overall uncertainty of the future weighing on you?
Call the COVID CareLine at 1-800-720-9616.  It’a a new toll-free number staffed by professionals who offer confidential emotional support.

Family Health Services
Seniors, feeling sick or concerned about your health?  Sandusky’s Family Health Services is here for your primary care or behavioral health needs and is also committed to continuing care for Veterans during this time of need.

See a clinician through your phone or computer by calling 419-502-2800 for an appointment OR see a provider in person OR if a Clinician determines you have symptoms, be treated in your vehicle.

Family Health Services has two locations:
1912 Hayes Avenue  Open M W F 8-5 p.m. and T TH open 8-7 p.m. Call 419-502-2800 and
620 East Water Street, in walking distance of downtown housing.  Open M W F 8-5 p.m. and T TH 8-6 p.m.  Call 419-502-2839 for assistance.

Veteran Services is located inside Firelands South Campus Building, 1912 Hayes Avenue, if you need an in-person visit for primary care or behavioral health.
Hours of Operation:  M W F 8-5 p.m.      T & TH 8-7 p.m.
Appointments are available in person, through a telehealth visit or if a Clinician determines someone has the symptoms of COVID-19, Drive Up service is available with someone remaining in their car.
Call our designated Veteran Hotline for more information: 419-219-4735

 

April 6, 2020 Erie County Veterans Service Commission Press Release COVID-19; 2020 ECVSC Updated Coronavirus Protocol
On Monday, April 6, 2020 The Erie County Veterans Service Commission held a regular meeting. Out of the upmost caution for the Veteran Community and staff of the Erie County Veterans Service Office, will be seeing no walk-ins at this time. Claim work will be scheduled on a case by case basis.  Please call the office for financial assistance requests.  See guidance from Erie County.
Out of the genuine concern for the Veteran Community and under the advice give by our Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, please stay home to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Please take this very seriously and do as ordered. The office is open and staff available to help, just please call with any needs or concerns at this time.

 

The Port Clinton Chamber is committed to their mission of improving the economic and business climate of the greater Port Clinton Area. During this crisis, they have added a COVID-19 News blog to the website, www.portclintonchamber.com. This page is updated daily with important information regarding help for your business as well other important information such as ways to support local safely. You can also follow on Facebook @PCChamber for info on local events and more. As always, your Port Clinton Chamber is here for YOU!

 

Huron County Veterans Service Commission Temporary Changes
The Offices will be open from 8:30am – 4:00pm Monday through Friday, except holidays, to answer phone calls for information.

• All face-to-face meeting have been suspended except where deemed necessary. The claims filing process will still be completed by the Veteran Service Officers for new, open or pending claims.
  Applications for indigent burial will be accepted and investigation completed.
• Transportation has been suspended in most cases, exceptions will be made for the delivery of groceries and supplies, homelessness, situation that are deemed necessary, and vehicle maintenance.
• Financial assistance is available by going to http://www.HuronCountyVets.com and downloading the application, completing it, attaching current bills and information, and placing the completed application in the drop box at the A entrance to the Huron County Job and Family Services building.  A phone interview will be conducted following a receipt of a completed application.
• Meeting of the Huron County Veteran Service Commission will be held by teleconference on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month at 2pm.
  Please call the Huron Veteran Service Office with any questions. 419-668-4150

 

The Vermilion Chamber has created a new page on our website dedicated to COVID19 news, merchant info, restaurant info, churches, food pantry, senior citizens services, Vermilion School kids on lunch program etc.
https://vermilionohio.com/covid-19-latest-news/
After you click on the link…click on the picture Vermilion, OH COVID-19 Community Guide Resource Guide and that will get you to all the information.

 

Victory Kitchen “We Walk In Faith, Not Fear”
At this crucial time of the COVID 19 Panademic, Victory Kitchen is still standing strong to be the helping hands to those in need in the community.  They are providing Hot Meals for Breakfast and Lunch, prepared fresh daily for patrons to take home. Along with the hot food, they are providing  food bags (1 per Adult & 1 per Child).
If you would like to make a donation, monetarily or product please call 419-627-8732 and speak with a staff member.
Thank you for your continued support and God Bless!

 

The Mercy Flu clinic is now open to serve patients experiencing any flu-like symptoms
Hours there are Monday – Friday, 8:00 am to 8pm, Saturday – Sunday, 11:00 am to 5 pm.
Before heading to the Flu Clinic to be triaged, please call the Mercy Health Hotline phone number at 888-700-9011.
Symptoms Treated:
*Fever       *Muscle/Body Aches     *Headaches     *Fatigue/Tiredness        *Sometimes Vomiting & Diarrhea
If you have flu like symptoms or think you have the flu PLEASE DO NOT go to any Mercy Health Physician Practice.
Virtual visits are also available with a primary care physician.  Please call 440-988-3705 to schedule your visit.

 

The Ohio Department of Health has opened a call center to answer questions about Coronavirus.
The center is staffed by licensed nurses and infectious disease experts.
The call center is open 7 days a week from 9am-8pm at 1-833- 4-ASK-ODH
That number again is 1-833-4-ASK-ODH

 

SUPPORT FOR SMALL BUSINESSES & NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

The Ohio Development Services Agency is preparing to submit an application in the coming week to qualify Ohio for the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program. This program provides low-interest loans up to $2 million in order to help businesses overcome the temporary loss of revenue during the state of emergency.

Non profit organizations in Ohio will also be eligible for low-interest loans through the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program.

In order to complete the state’s application, businesses impacted by the current public health crisis should immediately send their contact information to BusinessHelp@Development.Ohio.gov. Additional information on the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program is available at https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance

 

Firelands Regional Medical Center has implemented visitor restrictions.

If you have a cough, chills, fever, headache, muscle aches, sore throat, or believe you have the flu and do not need emergency care, do not come in. Visitation is restricted to healthy immediate family or immediate support person 18 and over.

 

To protect patients and staff, Fisher Titus Medical Center has implemented visitor restrictions  For more information visit FisherTitus.org   

 

The Red Cross has announced an urgent need for blood donations  Eligible and healthy donors are strongly urged to make an appointment to give soon. 

They do ask to postpone your donation for 28 days if you’ve traveled to China, Iran, Italy and South Korea or If you’ve been diagnosed or in contact with anyone with a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19  Schedule your appointment at RedCrossBlood.org

 

Norwalk First United Methodist Church    Free Kids Lunches   11:00 a.m.-Noon
Norwalk  First United Methodist Church 60 W. Main in Norwalk, OH
First come, first served.
Come in the Main Street entrance and stay in your car for pickup!

 

Be Strong Uniforms & Learning Center is offering FREE meals.
Stop by at 55 Benedict Avenue in Norwalk during store hours to pick up a meal for your family.
While supplies last. Go to Be Strong Uniform‘s Facebook page or website for more details.

 

Stuff the Bus Erie County is a committee comprised of the Sandusky Mall, United Way Erie County and VacationLand Federal Credit Union. Each year we partner with local businesses, organizations, and community members to provide new backpacks and school supplies to students entering grades K-5 at a school within Erie County. We expect to see an increased need in 2020 as families emerge from the COVID-19 crisis. Although the picture is not yet clear on how educators will conduct classes, we are certain that students will still need school supplies. The success of this program relies on the participation of community partners like you!

There are three ways you can help! 1. Encourage your employees to collect and donate school supplies. You can collect various items or you can agree to fill non-gender backpacks with requested supplies. 2. Conduct a school supply drive at your business and encourage your customers and employees to get involved! 3. Make a monetary donation.

Every dollar helps buy supplies! Thank you for supporting the future of our county’s kids! Sincerely, Stuff the Bus Committee of Erie County

Once your information has been received, you will be contacted by the Stuff the Bus Committee. For questions, please call Heather Gilchrist (VacationLand FCU) at 419.625.9025, ext.1342 or email: hgilchrist@vlfcu.org

 

			Imagination LibraryHuron County is launching the Huron County Imagination Library with the help of Dolly Parton and the Ohio Governor’s Imagination Library.  Parents of children from birth through age 5 can register to receive a free book each month.Visit ohioimaginationlibrary.org to follow the easy instructions to enroll your child to receive a free book in the mail each month at no cost to you.Each book is tailored for the child’s age group.
			May
			June
	19th		Golf Outing to Support Erie County Crime Victims benefiting the Erie County Prosecutor’s Office Victim Assistance Program Woussickett Golf Course – 6311 Mason Road Sandusky, Ohio 44870.  Registration for this event will begin at 12:00 p.m. Shotgun start at 1:00 p.m. Cost is $320 per 4-person team ($80 per person). This is an 18-hole golf scramble which includes the use of a cart. Players will receive 3 drink tickets, lunch and steak dinner. Please register for this event by contacting the Victim Assistance Program 419-627-7699 or sreynolds@eriecounty.oh.gov. Hole sponsors and businesses willing to donate prizes are also needed. Proceeds benefit the Erie County Prosecutor’s, Victim Assistance Program.