Weekly COVID-19 Update
Hello COA community! Welcome to the fourth installment of our weekly update. This week should bring with it some highly anticipated details about Governor DeWine's plan to gradually reopen the state's economy. The governor has already acknowledged that one of the areas that will continue to require extra vigilance is the health and well-being of susceptible populations such as seniors. This means here at COA, our work assisting older adults affected by the pandemic will continue for the foreseeable future.
COA and LaRosa's partner during senior building power outage
As if the social and emotional effects of the COVID-19 pandemic weren’t enough, on April 8, a large portion of COA's service area experienced a line of severe weather. Two senior apartment buildings lost power during the storm. Read the story
COA and LaRosa's feed isolated seniors
On April 16 and 17, more than 350 meals were delivered to six area low-income buildings in Hamilton and Butler counties. COA and LaRosa’s Pizzerias partnered to warm the hearts and bellies of vulnerable seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more
SSA urges those with dependent children who did not file taxes to act quickly
Social Security retirement, survivors and disability insurance beneficiaries with dependent children who did not file 2018 or 2019 taxes should go to this page on the IRS website by noon on Wednesday, April 22, to provide their payment information. This is so they can receive their additional $500 stimulus payment per eligible child quickly, rather than waiting until the 2020 tax year return period.
Coronavirus antibody testing
You may be hearing a lot about these tests recently, and their potential to determine if you have had COVID-19, and potentially immunity, to Coronavirus. However, there are limitations, and quality concerns to be aware of . The Ohio Department of Health has guidance , as well.
Federal stimulus checks: Where is my check? Will it affect my benefits?
There are many questions surrounding the distribution of federal stimulus checks. Here are a few resources for those who need information:

Managing stress and anxiety during the public health crisis
We are all dealing with an overload of bad news - or direct effects of the pandemic - right now. Check out these articles if you are struggling with stress and anxiety.

Fund helping area nonprofits, including COA
United Way of Greater Cincinnati and the Greater Cincinnati Foundation recently activated the COVID-19 Regional Response Fund , which has since distributed $2.5 million directly to dozens of nonprofit organizations in our region that serve vulnerable individuals and families affected by COVID-19. COA was fortunate to receive a generous donation from the fund to help us ensure access to food for seniors during this difficult time .
How you can help
  • We've partnered with Frame USA's charity initiative, FilltheTruck.org, to accept donations for essential personal care items for seniors through the end of April. Donors may purchase items on the FilltheTruck.org website, or drop off items at designated locations/times. Details are here.
  • We are soliciting donations of medical gloves and masks to give to our home care providers who are running low or are out of these supplies. Email covid19volunteers@help4seniors.org if you have supplies to donate.
National and state COVID-19 updates
Coronavirus-related and other scams and hoaxes
Scams and hoaxes related to Coronavirus are abundant right now. Since the beginning of the year , the FTC has received 18,235 reports related to COVID-19, and people reported losing $13.44 million dollars to fraud! Additional information is below:

COA in the news
The media - print and electronic alike - has been buzzing about the hard work that's being done by the community and COA staff. Here are some links to coverage that highlights COA.

And now for some good news...
COVID-19 resources from COA
Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio (COA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing quality of life for older adults, people with disabilities, their families and caregivers. We promote choice, independence, dignity and well-being through a range of services that help people remain in their homes for as long as possible.
Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio | Visit us today!