Author: UCS

As you are well aware, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in many lifestyle changes for the people in our community. The stay-at home orders and distancing guidelines have made it even more difficult for some of our populations in need of additional support and connection. Many of our older adults and family caregivers have been isolated from loved ones and from services and necessary health care. These changes can result in other mental and physical health issues. In an effort to mitigate the impacts of social isolation and loneliness caused by COVID-19 and beyond, Extension worked with our ADRC to compile a list of local and statewide services into a resource guide to make it easier to find the resources that people need. I’ve attached the resource guide for you to refer to if you are working with a community member that may need assistance. Please feel free to share this with others in your community who might find it useful.

Knowing the Signs Can Help Prevent Overdose Today is International Overdose Awareness Day“Drug overdose is a significant public health issue in Wisconsin, with devastating impacts on individuals, families, and communities,” said DHS Secretary-designee Andrea Palm. “Hundreds of people from all walks of life die or experience a permanent injury each year from a drug overdose in our state. These deaths and injuries are preventable and help is available.”The #EndOverdose campaign has useful tips on how to recognize and respond to overdoses involving the following drugs:

• Depressants: includes benzodiazepines, barbiturates
• Opioids: includes oxycodone, morphine, codeine, heroin, fentanyl, methadone, and opium
• Stimulants: includes amphetamines, cocaine, and ecstasy
  

Where: American Legion Hall
Bloomington, WI
Located above Ma’s Bakery
122 Congress Street (Just off of Canal Street)

When: Thursdays at 7:00 p.m.
(Very first meeting is on Thursday, 8/27/20

Join us for Fellowship and Coffee

Any questions call Peggy at (317)690-9241 or (608)994-2809Or Teresa at (608)485-1669

• Build a solid foundation: Invest in your health with adequate sleep, good nutrition, regular physical activity, and active relaxation.

• Connect with colleagues: Celebrate successes and mourn sorrows with your co-workers as a group.

• Take breaks: Time away from work, whenever possible, can help you see beyond the immediate crisis.

• Stay connected: Communicate with friends and family as often as you can, even if you are practicing self-isolation.

• Talk it out: Consider talking about your experiences and emotions with a trusted peer or mental or behavioral health professional. It’s okay to reach out for support, and talking can help.

Explore Resilient Wisconsin

Free support is available to help you through difficult times.

National Disaster Distress Helpline. Speak to a trained crisis counselor.
• 800-985-5990
• 800-846-8517 (TTY)
• Text: TalkWithUs to 66746

National Domestic Violence Hotline. Support for people experiencing domestic violence.
• 800-799-7233
• Text: LOVEIS to 22522

National Sexual Assault Hotline. Connect to a sexual assault service provider in your area.
• 800-656-4673

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Support for people in emotional distress.
• 800-273-8255
• 800-799-4889 (TTY)

HOPELINE Text Service. Support for people in emotional distress.
• Text: HOPELINE to 741741

County Behavioral Health Crisis Hotlines. Support for people in emotional distress.
Find the hotline for your county
Veterans Crisis Line. Support for veterans struggling to cope with life’s challenges.
• 800-273-8255, press 1

Caregiver Help Desk. Connect to information needed to navigate caregiving challenges.
• 855-227-3640

LGBTQ Youth (Trevor Project). Speak to a counselor trained to offer support in a judgment-free zone.
• 866-488-7386
• Text: START to 678678

Wisconsin Addiction Recovery Helpline. Connect to services in your area.
• 833-944-4673
• Text: your ZIP code to 898211

The Well Badger Resource Center provides free, confidential health information and referrals to people throughout Wisconsin. Health care coverage and services, children and youth with special health care needs, pregnancy and parenting help, and more — if you have questions, Well Badger’s mission is to find you an answer. Connect with them through phone, text, chat — even Facebook messenger! Learn more: https://www.wellbadger.org

Throughout Wisconsin, frontline workers provide essential health and safety services that keep our communities functioning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Braving increased risks to help others is part of their jobs, but it can come with a cost. Routine stress, added to the rational concern many frontline workers have for their own health and the well-being of their loved ones, can leave these professionals—and their families—vulnerable to the negative effects of secondary trauma and other mental and behavioral health challenges, like suicidal thoughts and harmful substance use.

Try these five strategies

• Build a solid foundation: Invest in your health with adequate sleep, good nutrition, regular physical activity, and active relaxation.

• Connect with colleagues: Celebrate successes and mourn sorrows with your co-workers as a group.

• Take breaks: Time away from work, whenever possible, can help you see beyond the immediate crisis.

• Stay connected: Communicate with friends and family as often as you can, even if you are practicing self-isolation.

• Talk it out: Consider talking about your experiences and emotions with a trusted peer or mental or behavioral health professional. It’s okay to reach out for support, and talking can help.

https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/providers.htm?fbclid=IwAR3otVJ5-e6eVLuDbL768PgiOUVfIGx-vOfXRqnmP6WCEsn2xTKT54Af4-A

Income threshold raised for emergency food pantry program during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announced today more households will now be able to get food through the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP).
Households with incomes below 300% of the federal poverty level (FPL) are now eligible to receive a monthly share of locally grown, Grade-A foods that include meat, vegetables, fruit, juice, and more from a TEFAP food pantry. For a household of one, that income threshold is $38,280. The larger the household, the higher the income threshold. Previously TEFAP’s qualifying income threshold was 185% FPL, or $23,606 for a household of one. View the entire news release.

https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/news/releases/060820.htm