News from the
Greater Lowell Health Alliance
of the Community Health Network Area 10
Working together to improve the health of our communities
April 2020
Dear Community Partners and Friends,

The GLHA has spent the last six months, disseminating the data gathered from the 2019 Greater Lowell Community Health Needs Assessment , having conversations with front line experts in the areas of chronic disease, mental health, substance use and prevention, early childhood, sexual assault and violence, just to name a few, as well as with groups that focus on specific populations identified as greatest need, such as elders, the youth, and those who identify as LGTB. All of this work seems somewhat futile today, as we all have had to shift focus over the past two weeks to confronting the coronavirus epidemic. 
 
As we try and stay focused, we feel this work of identifying our communities’ greatest needs, coordinating community resources, is more important than ever. At this point in the process, we are meeting virtually with our individual Task Force Chairs/GLHA Steering Committee members, throughout out the month of March to further develop the 2020 Community Health Improvement Plan. We plan on convening our community partners to finalize the plan in the months of April and May. We look forward to releasing a request for proposal in May to support our communities in addressing these critical needs. A Grant Information Session will be held in early May as well, virtually if needed. 
 
We realize this is a very difficult time for everyone, and yet we have been so impressed by the amazing community response. We are so proud to be part of a community that comes together to support each other, in times of need! 
 
For those of you working on the front lines of this pandemic, we cannot stress enough how much we appreciate your service and your sacrifices. For those of you experiencing economic hardship, we hope some of the resources below can assist you in your time of need and we will continue to advocate for you! 
 
Sincerely,
Kerrie D'Entremont
Executive Director, GLHA
Important Updates and Announcements
UPDATE FROM THE CITY OF LOWELL
As of March 28th, 2020, the number of confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) among Lowell residents has increased to 54. This increase in confirmed cases reflects the expansion of local testing capacity in recent days.

The City of Lowell has activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC). The EOC will serve to assist Lowell residents in situations related to coronavirus and to provide immediate responses to inquiries related to the situation. The center will provide Lowell residents with pertinent local information, resources, and updates regarding the status of coronavirus.  The EOC is open from 8:30am-4:30pm, Monday – Friday, at this time and can be contacted at 978-674-4052. Residents can also visit  www.lowellma.gov/coronavirus .
 
Residents may also call the Massachusetts 2-1-1.  Language interpretation is available through Mass 2-1-1.  

Greater Lowell Regional Resources offered by Community Partners
Stay Informed :
Up to date information on COVID-19 - Mass.gov

AlertsMA:
For text message updates from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and public health officials please text COVIDMA to 888-777.

Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MCDHH) Coronavirus Visual Tool:
Download pdf to print
Download pdf to a phone or tablet to be used on screen

City of Lowell Alert System: City's alert system

Behavioral Health Resources:

Online Alcoholics Anonymous & Narcotics Anonymous Meetings:

Lowell House Virtual Substance Treatment Services:
Lowell House will be continuing services as best as possible while complying with guidelines to slow the spread of COVID-19. Individual and group treatment, recovery coaching, case management support: (978) 459 8656

Recovery Cafe Hours : 8:30AM-12:30PM

The Sheehan House, Men's Recovery Home, Zack's House and their sober houses, will all be open. Call 978-941-4579 with questions.
Daily Call-In Line for individuals in distress or for information on community resources: (978) 866-9145 9AM-5PM
For more information:  www.lowellhouseinc.org

UPDATE from South Bay Community Services:
South Bay Community Services has implemented preventative measures out of concern and care for the safety and well-being of our community, collaborators, and staff. South Bay Early Childhood will continue to support families in need through  Telehealth Services.  To make a referral visit our website-  www.southbaycommunityservices.com
If you have questions or would like more information about our currently available services, please email: Heather Biedrzycki, Program Director

Access To Food Resources:
8:30-5PM Weekday WIC Assistance: (978)454-6397 WICCovidResponseCTI@commteam.org

Mill City Grows is now taking online orders, with those in the greatest need taking priority. Contact: info@millcitygrows.org

Information & tools addressing: Unemployment, Immigration, MassHealth, Housing, and civil legal issues:
www.masslegalhelp.org/health-mental-health/covid-19

COVID-19 Loan Fund for small businesses:

Information on specific types of law, related to COVID-19:

The New England Consortium, a worker health and safety training program based at UMass Lowell, offers 2-6-hour awareness training in protecting yourself from COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. For more information please contact David Coffey, Training Manager at The New England Consortium at: David_Coffey@uml.edu or 978-934-3296
Ways You Can Support!
  • Massachusetts launches website for volunteers; personal protective equipment to support COVID-19 response: mass.gov/covid-nmbp
  • Are you a healthcare or public health professional who wants to volunteer to help MA respond to COVID-19? Apply at mass.gov/covid-hhek
  • Interested in creating and donating hand-made face masks to Lowell General Hospital? Visit HERE to learn how
  • Lowell General Hospital is accepting a wide variety of donation from the public during the COVID-19 pandemic. Click HERE to see how you can help!
How Can the GLHA Assist Your Agency?
The Greater Lowell Health Alliance is working hard to share local resources via social media as well as through our Task Force distribution lists. Please follow us on Facebook to receive the most UP-TO-DATE information regarding COVID-19 and it's impact on Greater Lowell. We are happy to assist our community partners in distributing information through our networks. If your agency is seeking to get info out to the public pertaining to new programs, changes to services and other responses to COVID-19 please contact us. We are here to support you and your work during this difficult time.

If you are interested in being added to our Task Force distribution lists please email Amanda Clermont
Greater Lowell Health Alliance Upcoming Meetings
April 7 Tues 9-11:00am
GLHA Substance Use and
Prevention Task Force
VIRTUAL MEETING

April 13 Mon 8:30-10:00am
GLHA Social Determinants of Health Task Force
VIRTUAL MEETING

April 17 Fri 8:30-10:00am
GLHA Health Eating and Active Living Task Force
VIRTUAL MEETING

April 22 Wed 9:00-10:30am
GLHA Mental Health Task Force
VIRTUAL MEETING

April 23 Thurs 10-11:30am
GLHA Cultural Competency Task Force
VIRTUAL MEETING
 Healthy Lowell Week-CANCELLED
Due to Social Distancing and recommendations of eliminating groups of people coming together from the Governor of Massachusetts. The Lowell Health Department has cancelled Healthy Lowell Week.

The GLHA will NO LONGER be hosting the kickoff breakfast event on April 6th.
CENSUS 2020
As we all work together to follow all precautions to protect the health of the public, we want to share with you the safest and most effective ways in which to ensure a complete and accurate count of our communities. Please find attached the Virtual Media Toolkit. 
Greater Lowell Health Alliance
55 Technology Dr., Lowell, MA 01851
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