Friday, April 17, 2020
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Volume 1, Issue 6
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Newsletter Sign Up
The COVID-19 Weekly Update will provide current information and resources for DuPage County. We encourage you to share this widely through our community. To subscribe and receive weekly local updates on COVID-19, please fill out
this form
.
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IDPH has launched a COVID-19 texting platform
- To opt-in, text the word COVID to 312-500-3836 for English; or COVID ESP for Spanish.
- You will receive a welcome message from IDPH and a second text letting you know you will receive updates about COVID-19 in Illinois
- You will also receive a link to the IDPH Frequently Asked Questions page.
- You will receive COVID-19 texting twice a day, once in the morning, and once in the evening.
- You can opt-out of receiving messages at any time by texting STOP to reply.
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Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois launches $1.5M grant program to support Illinoisans impacted by COVID-19
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) has launched a multi-pronged community response effort to help first responders, nonprofit organizations and residents across Illinois impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including a new rapid response funding program.
BCBSIL opened a $1.5M funding program to support community-based organizations with missions focused on access to health care, hunger and shelter. The
BCBSIL COVID-19 Community Collaboration Fund
will release $20,000 grants to organizations around the state. The program is designed to distribute the funds quickly to respond to the current health crisis.
- April 15, 2020 – Application opens
- April 24, 2020 – Application closes
- Week of May 4, 2020 – Applicants notified of funding decisions
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Giving DuPage Days
is a 30-day online fundraiser event to support local nonprofit organizations serving DuPage County. Now, more than ever, we want to help these local charities who provide critical services to those in need, improve lives and make our community stronger.
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Did you receive a COVID-19 Federal Stimulus check in the last few days even though you're working. Perhaps, you want to help those that are suffering during this pandemic.
DuPage Health Matters
,
a 501(C)(3) organization developed by the DuPage County Health Department, is one of the not for profit organizations that benefits DuPage residents.
Click Here
to visit the DuPage Health Matters page. As
we celebrate our 75th anniversary, a $75 donation celebrates every year of our Department's existence.
Take the $75 challenge today and support the foundation of public health in DuPage.
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Resources for Those in Need
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Call4Calm
The Illinois Department of Human Services’ Mental Health Division has launched Call4Calm, a free emotional support text line for Illinois residents experiencing stress and mental health issues related to COVID-19.
Individuals who would like to speak with a mental health professional can
text “TALK” to 5-5-2-0-2-0, or for Spanish, “HABLAR”
to the same number: 5-5-2-0-2-0. Individuals can also text with key words such as “unemployment” or “food” or “shelter” and will receive information on how navigate and access supports and services.
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Did you lose your health insurance coverage through your job and need to enroll in a health plan?
- You have up to 60 days to enroll in a health plan after your job loss.
- You can enroll before your current coverage ends to avoid a gap in coverage.
- Coverage can begin as soon as the 1st of the month, after your previous coverage ends.
- If you had a change in income, you may qualify for plans through the ACA Health Insurance Marketplace that may be more affordable than other options.
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Struggling to provide healthy food for your young children during the COVID-19 crisis?
Women, Infant, Children (WIC)
is here to help. The WIC Program provides nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and community referrals and vouchers for nutritious supplemental foods at no-cost to eligible pregnant, postpartum, or breastfeeding women, infants and children living in DuPage County.
Currently, you can enroll in WIC without going to a clinic. WIC families have an option to do phone-based WIC appointments, and complete online nutrition education.
Call DuPage County Health Department
for enrollment information at (630) 682-7400.
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Food Resources
Northern Illinois Food Bank partners with 900 feeding programs across 13 counties to serve our neighbors needing food. If you or someone you know is in need of food please use the
locator map
to find a food pantry or soup kitchen near you. Use the contact information provided to confirm hours of distribution and residency requirements.
The Food Bank’s SNAP Outreach Team is also fielding calls and online requests 7 days per week related to SNAP (food stamps) applications and locating a pantry. Some of the SNAP eligibility requirements have been temporarily lifted due to COVID-19. For assistance call
844-600-7627 or use the online contact form.
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DuPage County Health Department has recently added new information to their website:
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Illinois COVID-19 Hotline and Email Address
If you have questions about Coronavirus - Call the Illinois Coronavirus Disease
(COVID-19) Hotline:
Both are available anytime, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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