COVID - 19 UPDATE
April 19, 2020
Greetings!
To our cancer survivors, caretakers, partners, supporters, families, and friends, we hope you and your families are safe and well under the current conditions. We are all in this crisis together and with God’s help we will make it through this season together. We ask you to stay focused, trust God and whatever you do, please do not give up!
In these challenging times, as we come together to face this COVID-19 pandemic, we want you to know that Sisters Working It Out (SWIO) is in this fight with you. With the spread of COVID-19, there has been much uncertainty and concerns around the world.
COVID-19 is impacting the entire world, but our low-income and cancer communities are hit the worst. Families struggling financially often struggle to stay healthy, putting them at higher risk during this pandemic. We are committed to our mission – to serve as a catalytic force in the elimination of breast cancer disparities in underserved and underinsured communities in the Chicagoland area.
In times like this we are joining forces with our faith-based organizations and our community partners to work together for our communities. We know that we are stronger together. Listen to and follow our federal and state officials as they ask us to please, stay home if you are sick. Wear a cloth face covering when going out for essential services or to work to protect yourself and others.
For more helpful information:
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call the CCDPH COVID-19 Hotline at 708-633- 3319
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follow CCDPH on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ccdph and Twitter at www.twitter.com/cookcohealth
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or State Data https://www.dph.illinois.gov/covid19/covid19-statistics
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or US and Global Data https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/us-map
To our families who have a thirst for adventure, we invite you to road trip from home! A special thanks to Girl Scout Skylar for sharing this list with us. From viewing famous landmarks and museum exhibits, to the pyramids of Egypt and rainforests around the world, there is something for everyone. Road Trip from Home Virtual Field Trips
Finally, I truly thank God, you, our survivors, and caretakers for allowing Sisters Working Out to be a part of your family. If you need to speak with someone at SWIO you can reach us at info@sisterworkingitout.org or 312574.3053.
Respectfully Yours,
Beulah Brent
CEO/President
Frequently Asked Questions
Updated as of 4/17/2020
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF
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There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The best way for all Chicagoans to protect themselves and others from COVID-19 is to stay home as much as possible and practice good hand hygiene and social distancing when going out in public.
Without social distancing to slow the spread of COVID-19, the number of cases can increase so quickly that hospitals will not have nearly enough beds and equipment to care for all patients. Together, we can flatten the curve and help keep our family, friends, neighbors, and those most vulnerable safe.
How can I protect myself and others from COVID-19?
Who needs to take extra precautions?
WHO SHOULD BE TESTED
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Not everyone needs to be tested for COVID-19. Most people have mild illness and are able to recover at home. There is no special treatment for COVID-19 and even if you get tested, you will receive the same medical advice. For more information, see What to do if you’re sick.
Testing is indicated for people with symptoms who are at higher risk. If you’re over 60 or with underlying medical conditions, call your health care provider to see whether you need to be tested. If you don’t have a health care provider or medical insurance, there are approximately 165 community health centers throughout Chicago, so find one that is close to you at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov. Call ahead and they will work with you to coordinate appropriate care.
Can the Public Health Department help me to get tested for COVID-19
Why isn’t testing recommended for everyone?
Christopher Howard, MA (an Advocates for Community Wellness' Board Member)
Greater New City COVID-19 Resources April 2020
Covid-19 test Stroger Hospital Chicago
Domestic Violence Hotline and Counseling
Metropolitan Family Services Free Domestic Violence Counseling Services, https://www.metrofamily.org Counseling, safety planning,
referrals to court advocacy and legal aid society.
Midway: (773) 884-3310, Calumet: (773) 371-3600, Northside: (773) 371-3700.
Southside Connections Domestic Violence Hotline 24 hours 708-335-3028
Education
Chicago Public Schools/CPS Remote Learning
https://cps.edu/coronavirus/Pages/remotelearning.aspx
CICS Basil School, https://www.chicagointl.org/campuses/basil,1816 W. Garfield Blvd, 773-778-9455
www.regenremote.org - free high quality learning materials for grades K-8
The Rise Foundation, www.therisefoundationchicago.org 773-368-2564
High school and college application information – sign up for live information session that will be on Wednesday, April 29.
Family Activities
Art Institute of Chicago
https://www.artic.edu/visit-us-virtually/get-creative-at-home/art-making-activities
https://www.artic.edu/visit-us-virtually
http://journeymaker.artic.edu
Food
Casa Catalina’s Food Pantry, 4537 S Ashland, 773-376-9425
Open Tuesday, 9:30-11:30 am, 1pm-2:30pm, Wednesday 1pm-5:30pm, Thursday, 9:30am-2:30pm
Children – Chicago Public Schools/CPS “grab-and-go” meals Monday-Friday 9am to 1pm
at Libby, Kipp-Bloom, Peace & Education Coalition Alternative High School (Sinclair Campus),
Back of the Yards College Prep, Chavez, Daley, Hamline, Hedges, Lara, Seward.
Children - CICS Basil School, https://www.chicagointl.org/campuses/basil
1816 W. Garfield Blvd, 773-778-9455
Free grab & go meals are available Monday-Friday from 11am-1pm
Food Pantry at New Eclipse Community Alliance 715 W 51st Street, 773-538-4957
Open Wednesdays, 4:30-6:30pm
Greater Chicago Food Depository – Find Food
https://www.chicagosfoodbank.org/find-food - enter zipcode to find Food Pantries – call before you go because some are closed due to COVID-19
Health/Medical
Access Community Health Network
Telehealth appointments https://www.achn.net
Toll Free Appointment Number 866-267-2353
Heartland Alliance Health www.heartlandalliance.org
Health Centers open in Englewood and Uptown. 773-275-2586
Oak Street Health https://www.oakstreethealth.com/
Telehealth appointments by phone and video for seniors Toll Free 888-535-7744
Port Ministries Free Clinic http://www.theportministries.org
5013 S Hermitage, 773-778-5955
Free Clinic on Tuesdays at 6pm. Adults only.
Library Services
Chicago Public Library, www.chipublib.org
Online resources, e-books and audio books for children, teens, and adults
Story Time for children Monday-Friday at 10am – Chicago Public Library Facebook Live
Mental Health
Crisis Text Hotline https://www.crisistextline.org/
Connect with a Crisis Counselor 24/7
Text HELLO to 741741
Call4Calm Emotional Support Line for Illinois Residents
Text TALK or HABLAR (Spanish) to 552020. You should get a call back within 24 hours
Hartgrove Behavioral Health System, www.hartgrovehospital.com
Emergency Services Department 773-413-1720
St. Anthony Hospital, https://sahchicago.org/, is offering services through phone/video conference.
773-523-5079. This includes mental health (individual therapy and intake/referral): and case management (legal, housing, food, health navigation, victim's rights and referral support.
Mortgage, Foreclosure and Rental Assistance
Spanish Coalition for Housing, http://sc4housing.org
Mortgage, Rental and Foreclosure assistance
Pilsen 312-850-2660, South 773-933-7575, North 773-342-7575
SNAP/Medicaid Benefits
Chicago Public Schools/CPS Hotline for CPS Families
773-553-KIDS (5437) for Medicaid/SNAP and TANF (cash)
Greater Chicago Food Depository, www.chicagosfoodbank.org
Call 773-843-5416 for assistance with SNAP (food stamps) or Medicaid benefits