Aging & Independence Services (AIS) is excited to announce the launch of a new program that will help older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic to get meals delivered to their homes. Qualified older adults who are unable to obtain or prepare meals—and who meet age and other eligibility criteria—will be paired with a local restaurant that will prepare and deliver three healthy meals per day. Following federal guidelines, the program is intended to fill a gap and serve those seniors who are not currently receiving or eligible for any other federal nutrition benefits, such as Cal Fresh or the Senior Nutrition Program Visit  www.aging.sandiegocounty.gov/greatplates  Or Call (800) 339-4661 and select option 7

Scam Alert

State officials warn of a fake letter which references Merced County Human Services Agency and signature circulating around social media. The letter tells clients they must get tested for COVID-19 in order to continue their benefits. State departments and county human services departments will NEVER ask about your health status in connection to an application for benefits. If you receive this letter, please disregard it. Further information about this situation can be found here:  https://www.cdss.ca.gov/ .

Request Free Face Shields

 Use of non-transparent face coverings block visual cues that individuals with hearing loss or disabilities depend on for communication access. Protect the people in these communities by requesting transparent face shields for your employees who work directly with the public.

To request free face shields email:  COVID19-Donations@sdcounty.ca.gov . Please include:

• Name of primary contact
• Contact email and phone number
• Business address
• Quantity of face shields needed
• In what capacity the face shields will be used.

Friendship Line California

Friendship Line California is a 24-hour, toll-free “life-line” that is dedicated to serving Californians over 60 who may be feeling anxious, fearful or lonely. The Friendship Line is both a crisis intervention hotline and a warmline for non-emergency emotional support call. The phone line is staffed with specialists who provide emotional support, grief support, active suicide intervention, information and referrals.

 If you or someone you know that is need of connection, call Friendship Line California at (888) 670-1360 to speak with someone who can provide a friendly, listening ear today.

We continue to recommend that you visit  CORONAVIRUS-SD.COM  for all of the latest updates regarding COVID-19, including the most up-to-date  Public Health Officer order.