COVID-19 Resources to Help Yourself and Others

by Alankrit Shatadal

Image Credit: Nick Seluk

Right now, more than ever, we need to stay safe and pay attention to the CDC on social distancing and washing our hands during this COVID-19 pandemic. But we also need to take care of ourselves and others, mentally. Here are a few tips on how to do that!

Helping Yourself

• Get your news from reliable sources like the CDC.
• Work in some tidbits of happiness during your day. Follow something cute/encouraging on social media or engage in something creative!
• The scientific community is working on it. This is something that really calms me down. We are in good hands.
• Staying in lockdown is imperative. But you can still see the outside world (https://artsandculture.google.com/) and your favorite theater productions (https://observer.com/2020/03/theater-broadway-musicals-plays-online-streaming-platforms/) thanks to the Internet.
• Don’t forget to connect with friends! Netflix Party and Zoom are great for this.
• Please know that there are people here to listen and help if you need it. Just text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor via the Crisis Text Hotline.

Helping Your Community

• Never underestimate what you can do. Spread positivity! Thank the people working to keep us safe, and the people putting themselves at risk to do so, like medical workers, civil service workers, delivery and sanitation workers, nonprofit organization staff, and pharmacy as well as grocery employees.
• Share your creativity (through programs like #SongsofComfort!). Check in with friends and spread the word about important resources as they appear.
• If you feel inclined, let the healthcare workers in your life know Crocs is providing free shoes!
• If you are in one of the areas they serve, SweetGreens is providing food to healthcare workers.
• Elderly and immunocompromised people are at higher risk during this time. If you are going out for groceries/supplies, one way to help is offering to get theirs as well!
• You can also help the elderly by providing emotional support remotely through Alone (https://alone.ie/).
• The best way to help healthcare workers right now is to stay inside to prevent more cases.
• Parents working from home and taking care of their kids are another group under stress right now! Josh Gad and Dolly Parton are reading bedtime stories to help out!
• Students transitioning to virtual instruction: if your home does not have internet connection, Altice USA and Spectrum are offering free broadband for 60 days.
• Some communities are reopening YMCAs as childcare centers for healthcare workers’ kids.
• Audible has also extended their free trial period to help students.
• If you are co-quarantined with an abuser or worried about someone who is, the domestic abuse hotline can be contacted via thehotline.org or 1–800–799–7233.
• Substance abuse and mental health services administration can be reached at 1–800–985–5990 or by messaging TALKWITHUS to 66746
  For those who are in recovery: https://www.smartrecovery.org/community/calendar.php
• If you or someone you love develops symptoms of novel coronavirus, you should call your primary care physician first. Calling a state COVID-19 hotline can also help determine next steps. Nurses have recommended using a humidifier, your favorite cough syrup, Mucinex, and alternating Tylenol and Advil to manage fever.
• Trans friends: If you use chest bindings and develop novel coronavirus, please find a safe space in which you can spend time without wearing your binder or wearing a simple undershirt instead. Pneumonia is a complication of COVID-19 and unfortunately, chest binding can lead to fluid build-up in the lungs.

Helping Economically

• Online tip jars such as tipyourserver.org!
• Donations are especially needed by nonprofits. Consider making a small contribution to your local soup kitchen and/or homeless shelter.
• Donate to the CDC through Facebook, which is matching $2 for every $1 donated.
• Direct Relief is an organization bringing personal protective equipment to healthcare workers. https://www.directrelief.org/emergency/coronavirus-outbreak/
• Buy gift cards to support your local businesses!
• When buying supplies, keep in mind that you’re shopping for only ~2 weeks’ worth. Please avoid exhausting the supply of foods labeled as WIC-qualifying (Women, Infants, and Children) if you are not a WIC recipient.
• This link contains a listing of jobs currently hiring remote workers. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1M-8J7z605dcPhUjYfyiKVxuci0e4AWsDLo_tvs19C5M/edit?usp=drivesdk

About the Author:

Alankrit Shatadal is an undergraduate student at Washington and Lee University. Alankrit is majoring in biochemistry and sociology & anthropology with a minor in poverty studies. As part of W&L’s touring choir, this year she took part in performances of Considering Matthew Shepard, an oratorio which explores the pain of Matthew Shepard’s murder and the ideas behind accepting everyone for who they are. Alankrit loves helping people and hopes that sharing her experiences with CMS can help some of you!