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How You Can Help During the Coronavirus Outbreak

As Southwest Alabama continues to navigate the challenges and disruptions caused by the COVID-19 public health crisis, there are several things you can do to help.

DONATE

To help provide additional resources for the agencies and clients they serve; you may do so through the channels listed below:

Choctaw County

• Text “HealthyChoctaw” to 41444
• Visit http://app.mobilecause.com/f/2pn2/n?vid=5xs9q

 

VOLUNTEER

Several of UWSWA partner agencies need volunteers to help them meet the needs of the clients they serve. You can find volunteer opportunities through our volunteer database, Volunteer Connect.

There are some agencies that have immediate and critical needs:

• American Red Cross
  • The American Red Cross now faces a severe blood shortage due to an unprecedented number of blood drive cancellations in response to the coronavirus outbreak.
  • Healthy individuals are needed now to donate to help patients counting on lifesaving blood. Individuals can schedule an appointment to give blood with the American Red Cross Alabama South Alabama Chapter by visiting https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results…

• Feeding the Gulf Coast
  • Feeding the Gulf Coast Needs Food Sorters Now. Due to the Coronavirus, there are significantly more individuals and families that are food insecure. If you are able, you can help them get the food to the community pantries for those families as fast as possible. Details at the link below.

 

CALL YOUR CONGRESSMAN

United Way Worldwide is sending an emergency appropriation request of $110 million to Congress to help build 211’s capacity to answer the tens of millions of calls and inquiries from the American people needing community resources and serves available in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Based on the current call volume to the 211 centers in the 22 states officially promoting 211 as the number to call for information, United Way anticipates a surge of 27 million calls over the next 6 months. That represents a 300% increase over their annual call volume and well beyond the current capacity of the 211 system.

COMPLY WITH SOCIAL DISTANCING RECOMMENDATIONS

It is important to curb the spread and potential impact of the COVID-19 by following the recommendations of the CDC, local governmental and health agencies.

• Stay home where you can. Avoid unnecessary travel. 
• Keep a 6 feet distance between yourself and others.
• Visit loved ones by electronic devices instead of in person, especially if they are 60 or older.
• Use standard hygiene and wash hands frequently.
• Do not share things like towel and utensils. If you need to go to the doctor or other business that may be open, call first so they can prepare for visitors. People who may have been exposed to the coronavirus and are at risk for coming down with COVID-19 practice self-quarantine. Health experts recommend that self-quarantine lasts 14 days. 

While practicing social distancing you can help your favorite local businesses especially those in the service industry. They are facing an extremely difficult times while their indoor service areas are closed. These issues also affect the supply chain of every local business. To help you can order to go or curbside meals and goods. This will enable their employees to continue working drawing paychecks while providing the owners with income.

CHECK ON VULNERABLE PEOPLE YOU MAY KNOW

SOURCE: https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/pkevwm/how-to-help-neighbors-during-coronavirus-social-distancing 

• • Introduce yourself to your neighbors and/or exchange phone numbers.
    • A very easy, low-fi way to make yourself available to neighbors is simply putting a handwritten note on your door (or on the inside of the front door of your building). Include your name, phone number and/or email address, and, if applicable, your apartment number, plus a message that people can call/text you if they want to connect or need help. If there are specific tasks you’re willing and able to do, it might make sense to add those. (“I’m able to baby-sit, walk your dog, chat via FaceTime, make pharmacy runs, and share my huge supply of cat food with anyone who has run out.”)
    • You could also knock on other people’s doors, but if you’re worried about getting too close—or worried they’ll be worried—opening communication by posting a note is a good place to start.
  • Ask your neighbors what they, personally, are most worried about, and tailor your help accordingly.
  • Ask people who live alone if they would like you to check in on them daily and if they want to give you their emergency contacts’ info.
  • Start a community “in need of” list.
  • Set up a NextDoor App, WhatsApp, Slack, or Facebook group for your community.