U.S. and Colorado tax filing deadline delayed to July 15
Dear Friends and Neighbors,

With 86 new cases of COVID-19 on Friday, confirmed cases in Colorado have increased to 363 with 4 deaths.

It is critical that we use social distancing as much as possible, especially this weekend. Staying home to slow the spread of this deadly virus now and "flattening the curve" will ease the strain on our health care system later, and save lives.
 

Due to a worldwide shortage of certain equipment, hospitals are already running out of supplies like surg ical masks, eye protection, and gloves. We need to get more equipment to our health care providers ASAP.

This Sunday, Project C.U.R.E, Colorado Concern and the Denver Broncos will be hosting a personal protective equipment drive for Colorado. If you have any of the personal protective equipment listed, please donate it this Sunday, March 22nd, from 12 - 4 PM at the Broncos Stadium.

Besides donating, you can help our health care workers by maintaining social distancing and avoiding risky activitie s. Given the high number of people who will need treatment for COVID-19, the healthcare system will struggle to handle normal injuries like a sprained ankle or a deep cut.  So, if you do play outside in the weeks to come, consider walking, hiking, and easier biking over riskier activities.

If you are well and healthy, you can also donate blood. Blood supplies have dropped to critical levels and Colorado hospitals along with the CDC are encouraging individuals to donate. Find your nearest donation site here.

To our health care professionals, the nurses, doctors, medical assistants, home health care workers and pharmacists, thank you for working on the front lines to limit the consequences of COVID-19. General resources can be found here and if you need childcare, you may be eligible through the Emergency Childcare Collaborative.

Please take care of yourselves and those you love. Continue to extend patience and kindness to each other as we navigate this new territory.

We will get through these extraordinary times together.

Boldly Forward,

 
P.S. In an attempt to keep folks informed, I will be sending more frequent updates.  As always, follow me on facebook , twitter and instagram for updates on COVID-19. 
Stay Informed . Reliable, up-to-date information on COVID19. For general questions, call (303) 389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911. For written answers in English, Spanish (Español), Mandarin (普通话), and more, email COHELP@RMPDC.org.

For information on COVID19 en Español  click here (Provided by Denver Health). 
Economic Relief

Governor Polis took the following executive actions today:

Expediting payment of unemployment claims.

Asking companies to allow for up to 90 days in the determent for payment for mortgages, and  landlords not to charge late fees for rent until April 30. 
 
Ordering law enforcement to  not use resources to respond to foreclosures or evictions. Note: the  federal government has ordered a suspension of foreclosures and foreclosure-related evictions for at least two months for the 28 million mortgages backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
 
Asking utility companies not to shut off service for people who cannot pay. Denver Water, Xcel, and Comcast/Xfinity have already agreed not to shut off service.
 
Extending the state tax filing deadline to July 15, without caps or limits. (The federal tax filing deadline was also delayed until July 15th). 

Other economic relief measures: 

Denver artists whose incomes have been affected by the cancellation of events, classes, performances, and other creative works can apply for up to $1,000 grants and loans through the IMAGINE 2020 Artist Assistance Fund. Learn more.
Additional COVID-19 Updates from the Governor

Restaurants will be able to temporarily sell alcohol for take-out or delivery. This website will soon list Metro Denver and Boulder restaurants that are offering take-out, delivery, curbside pick-up and drive-through options.

The State is expanding COVID-19 testing to include a temporary drive-through site at the Chaffee County Fairgrounds at 10165 County Road 120, Salida, CO on Saturday, March 21.

Suspension of all elective and nonessential surgeries and medical procedures, to free up equipment, including ventilators and personal protection items for medical staff.

All hair salons, nail salons, spas, tattoo parlors and massage parlors, and extending the statewide restaurant and bar are CLOSED through April 30th.

Connect for Health CO Open!
 
You called for it and we answered! You can NOW sign up for health insurance through the Colorado Health Exchange, starting today, Friday, March 20th. This special enrollment window will close on April 3rd. Thank you for reaching out (you know who you are).
Resources for Seniors 

Senior shopping hours. Stores have begun dedicating certain hours for seniors, click here for the full list. 

Show our seniors some love and support. Read  7 ways to boost your loved one's morale here (provided by AARP).

Transportation  for seniors. The Denver Regional Mobility and Access Council is providing transportation options for older adults and individuals with disabilities.

Older Adult Resource Directory. An extensive directory of contact information, including benefits (social security, medicare), emergency services, nutrition & meals and healthcare. 

Food pantry schedule. A listing of over 30 Denver food pantries with hours and contact information.

Denver Regional Council of Governments Aging and Disability Resources. A collection of resources including guides to in-home healthcare, transportation, and legal assistance
Paying Rent & Utilities

Denver's Temporary Rental and Utility Assistance (TRUA) program can help you pay utility bills and up to 80% of your rent. (Denver residents only). 

Xcel Energy, Denver Water and Comcast / Xfinity Wifi have suspended utility shut-offs for non-payment.

T-Mobile has announced that they will not terminate service because of inability to pay, they will waive any late fees and they will open up Wi-Fi hotspots to any American who needs them. 
Small Businesses & Workers

Colorado small businesses impacted by COVID-19 can seek individual small business loans up to $2 million as part of the Small Business Administration's Economic Injury Disaster Loan program.

Denver small businesses impacted by COVID-19 closures and social distancing measures can seek cash grants of up to $7,500 from a $4 million relief fund created by Mayor Hancock and the City of Denver. Apply here.

If you have been laid off due to a business closure related to COVID-19, are experiencing wage reductions or are working fewer hours, you can file a claim here. 

Employee resources from the Colorado Department of Labor & Employment, including information on paid sick leave.

Business and employee resources from the Colorado Restaurant Association.

Denver has announced initial Economic Relief Package for Business and Employees. Read more about these packages here. 
Mental Health

Mental Health Colorado has updated its resource page with useful information for those who are struggling with mental health or substance use challenges.  

Colorado Crisis Services. If you are more seriously concerned about your own mental health or that of someone close to you, you can call the Colorado Crisis Services at 1-844-493-8255 or text "TALK" to 38255.

National Crisis Text Line. Text SHARE to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor. It's completely free, confidential and available 24/7.

Maria Droste Counseling Center. Providers are now able to connect virtually with their clients in their homes, using a secure video platform.

Denver Metro Counseling  is providing  online therapy . 

Denver Therapy Match. Search for Denver providers here.

Open Path. For additional reduced rate options . 

Psychology Today. Search for statewide providers here.
Food Assistance for Students  and Families

Denver Public School students and family members  can receive free meals at twelve sites in a "grab-and-go" system. Breakfast is available from 8-9 a.m., and lunch is available from 12-1 p.m.

The locations are: 
  • Abraham Lincoln High School, 2285 S Federal Blvd
  • Valverde Elementary School, 2030 W Alameda Ave
  • Joe Shoemaker School, 3333 S Havana St.
  • Place Bridge Academy, 7125 Cherry Creek N Dr.
  • Cowell Elementary School, 4540 W 10th Ave
  • North High School, 2960 Speer Blvd
  • STRIVE Prep - Sunnyside, 4735 N Pecos St
  • Bruce Randolph School, 3955 Steele St
  • Denver Center for International Studies - Baker, 574 W 6th Ave
  • Manual High School, 1700 E 28th Ave
  • The Evie Dennis Campus, 4800 Telluride St
  • The Montbello Campus, 5000 Crown Blvd
In addition, Food for Thought Denver  will be providing Powersacks at all twelve locations, every Friday starting March 20 until circumstances change. Each Powersack will contain enough food for a family of four for two days. They are available for anyone in need, not just DPS students.

Hunger Free Colorado has set up a Food Resource Hotline for anyone who needs help locating food. Call 855-855-4626, M - F (8 am - 4:30 pm) to find school meals, food pantries, and SNAP and WIC enrollment.

Students who do not live in Denver can find nearby locations to pick up breakfast and lunch  here.
Childcare and Resources for Parents

If you are a health care professional or work in public safety, and need childcare, you may be eligible to receive it through the  Emergency Childcare Collaborative . To apply, click here . If you are a provider, click here . 

How to talk to your child about COVID.
Help Colorado Now : If you would like to donate or volunteer in the fight against COVID-19, head to www.HelpColoradoNow.org . 

Blood donors needed. Donor eligibility here . Make an appointment here.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is urging self-isolation or self-quarantine for Coloradans and visitors to Colorado.

This illness can be severe and require hospitalization, but most individuals recover by resting, drinking plenty of liquids, and taking pain and fever-reducing medications.

Self-isolation applies to people who have: 

A) tested positive for COVID-19
B) have symptoms of COVID-19 including  coughing, shortness of breath and/or fever)
C) are getting ill and think they might have COVID-19. 

Self-quarantine applies to p eople who are close contacts of a person who either has a positive test or symptoms --  even early symptoms -- of illness. 


For more information visit the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment's website.

Reminders from Rose Medical Center
  • If you think you were exposed to COVID-19, but are not exhibiting symptoms, do NOT go to a hospital.
  • Do not call hospitals to ask where you can get tested: they cannot test most people as there are limited tests and hospitals must conserve testing capabilities for the sick patients who are already admitted.
  • Diagnosing COVID-19 does not change treatment of COVID-19: even if you get sick, stay home, quarantine, and take care of yourself.
    • If symptoms worsen, contact your primary care physician who will advise if it makes sense to go to the hospital for likely admission

Note: If you feel sick and do not have a primary care physician, you can also call the Denver Health Nurse Line at (303) 739-1211.
Paid for by Leslie Herod for Colorado. Contributions are limited to $400 every 2 year election cycle from individuals, sole proprietorships, LLPs, LLCs and state PACS and $5,350 from small donor committees. Contributions from corporations, labor unions, foreign governments and non-US citizens are prohibited. Contributions are not tax deductible. Donations from registered Colorado lobbyists or principals of lobbyists are prohibited during the legislative session running from January 8th to May 6th, 2020 and any email or donation page from this campaign is not soliciting a contribution from lobbyists or principals of lobbyists. 

Leslie Herod for Colorado
leslie@leslieherod.com
303-866-2959
200 E. Colfax Ave., Rm. 322
Denver, CO 80203