Get Help During the PandemicPennsylvania 211--If you need to connect with resources in your community, but don’t know where to look, Pennsylvania 211 is a great place to start. From help with a utilities bill, to housing assistance, after-school programs for kids, and more, you can dial 211 or text your zip code to #898-211 to talk with a resource specialist for free. Specialists will listen to your needs, and give you information on programs in your community that might be able to help. Text PACOVID to 898-211 to sign up to receive texts from PA 211, to include: Access to resources that can help you meet your basic needs (bills, food, housing), breaking news, and guidance on federal and state relief legislation. COVID VaccinesFind a COVID Vaccine near you.
Health Care Resources Street Medicine--This program is designed to deliver primary and urgent care to homeless people in the Lehigh Valley wherever they are – in shelters, soup kitchens, under bridges or in the woods. All care provided by VHP Street Medicine, including medications, laboratory tests and diagnostic studies, is free. Keeping Kids HealthyCDC InformationWhat is Contract Tracing? Stop the Spread of Germs What to do if you are sick with COVID-19?
Shelter Resources and Information If you are in need of emergency housing assistance, please call 211 Operation Address the Homeless is open at 221 N 7th St Allentown as a drop-in center Monday, Wednesday, Friday 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. Also open other times when donations available. This will be posted on their Facebook page.
Benefits Apply for Department of Human Services Benefits on-line, including TANF, SNAP, Medical Assistance and more. Human Services launches emergency assistance program to help low-income families amidst COVID-19. Find out more here. Unemployment Rights and Responsibilities The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General is working to protect the health, safety, and financial security of all Pennsylvanians during this public health emergency. Find out your rights and responsibilities.
Lehigh County Crisis Intervention. Licensed telephone and mobile crisis services that provide mental health assessments regardless of income or insurance. Crisis Intervention operates 24-hour/7 days a week. Lehigh County Crisis Intervention can be contacted at 610-782-3127.
Staff from the Office of Mental Health are available to answer questions about the programs and services available. If you are actively receiving mental health services in the County system, they can assist you.If you are not currently registered in the County Mental Health system and wish to access County funded/supportive services, please call Information and referral at 610-782-3200. Starting Monday, April 6th, Lehigh County’s Office of Aging and Adult Services will be offering a new option for elderly individuals struggling with isolation and loneliness during COVID-19 crisis. On a weekly basis, those looking to have a case worker contact them for check-ins and guidance can sign up to do so. It should be noted this is not a hotline service, but instead a weekly phone call made from a case worker. Learn more here.
Taking Care of Your Mental Health in the Face of Uncertainty Doing What is Important in Times of Stress: An Illustrated Guide from the World Health Organization (WHO) Self-Care Tips from the Attorney General Coping With Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks Emotional Pain During a Pandemic Managing Anger and Frustration Tips For Stressed Parents How to Support a Loved One Going Through a Tough Time During COVID-19 American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's Mental Health and COVID-19 Digital Toolkit offers advice and guidance, public messages, programs and resources and opportunities for social sharing. Information from Lehigh Valley NAMI and Online Support Groups for general support and for family members and peers. PA Department of Mental Health Support Line--toll-free, 24/7 1-855-284-2494 Gov. Wolf Administration Reminds Pennsylvanians Struggling with Mental Health, Substance Use Disorder that Help is Available. National Mental Health Hotline for First Responders and Healthcare Workers: 1-800-327-7451 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) Crisis Text Line: Text "PA" to 741-741 Veteran Crisis Line: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990
Helping Children Understand and Deal with COVID-19 **if someone is having a mental health crisis, they can call Lehigh County Crisis at (610) 782-3127 Just For Kids: A Comic Exploring The New Coronavirus Georgie and the Giant Germ printable coloring book Zero to Three Resources and Guidance for Families and Professionals to Help Get Through the Challenging Time Tips for Talking with Children Mental Health Tip Sheet For Children During COVID-19 Tips for Parents from the Attorney General Helping Children Cope With Changes Resulting From COVID-19 How Teenagers Can Protect their Mental Health During Coronavirus Use Technology to Boost Mental Health for Kids Sesame Street is Teaching Kids "Belly Breathing" and Calming Techniques Mindfulness Practices for Families Overcoming the Challenges of Autism During the COVID-19 Pandemic Supporting Friends During COVID-19 and additional information and resources for teens on mental health first aid, self-care and more.
Helping People with Disabilities Understand COVID-19 Information COVID-19 Information By and For People with Disabilities CDC Guidance for Individuals with Disabilities Other Useful Information NAMI Resource Guide offers resources for mental health, parents, domestic violence, veterans, LGBTQ communities, substance abuse, financial issues and more. PA's Response to COVID-19 Lehigh County Resource Hub COVID-19 Related Phone Scams and Phishing Attacks and Protect Yourself from Fraud Emergency Preparedness Guide in English Emergency Preparedness Guide in other languages Handling Returning to Work Anxiety and Office SafetySuspect Child Abuse? Report it. 24/7 Childline Number: 1-800-932-0313 Child Abuse Prevention Information for Parents, Information for the Community. Get Help Now Hotline (for substance use disorders): 1-800-662-4357 Pennsylvania Sexual Assault Helpline - 1-888-772-7227 National Domestic Violence Helpline - 1-800-799-7233
***Visit Lehigh County's Main Page for additional information.