State Opens Call Center to Help Offline Seniors Access Covid-19 Vaccinations
Know a senior who’s eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccination, but they don’t have access to the internet? Have them call the new COVID-19 Vaccination Support Center: 1-855-MDGOVAX (1-855-634-6829). The Maryland Department of Health and the Maryland Department of Aging are working together to promote access to vaccines for non-internet-connected seniors through this telephone-based support line and appointment system.Transportation for Seniors
If you need a ride to a vaccination appointment, call:More Senior Resources
For those suffering from mental health issues at this time please call Maryland's Crisis Helpline: Call 211 and press 1, text 898-211, or visit www.pressone.211md.org for information or to chat confidentially about local services and programs.
https://phpa.health.maryland.gov/Documents/FAQ_covid19_Maintaining_Mental_Health.pdf
If you have specific questions regarding COVID-19 and response plans, please contact your local health department. If you are unable to immediately reach your local health department, please contact 2-1-1 MD by phone or by email at info@211MD.org. For up-to-date information, please visit: coronavirus.maryland.gov
Parish Partners is providing emergency assistance to families suffering from domestic abuse, helping to pay emergency rent or utility bills, and connecting them to domestic violence agencies that do safety planning and counseling. See this recent Catholic Standard article: https://cathstan.org/news/local/as-stay-at-home-orders-may-increase-domestic-abuse-catholic-charities-provides-resources-for-aid
Visit the County’s COVID-19 website for more information on food assistance resources available.
The Capital Area Food Bank’s need for volunteers is limited because only a small number of volunteers can work in their warehouse while maintaining social distancing. But many local distribution sites need volunteers to package and hand out food. It does not have enough staff members to sort food donations at this time, and it can much more efficiently order food in bulk.
https://www.capitalareafoodbank.org/
Martha's Table - You can sign up online for a volunteer shift at Martha’s Table (marthastable.org/volunteer)
Montgomery County Volunteer Center
https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/volunteercenter/
See their website for volunteer opportunities
Gov. Hogan's Caregiver Services Corps: https://aging.maryland.gov/pages/CSC.aspx
The Caregiver Services Corps is a program to support Maryland seniors who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Caregiver Services Corps is able to quickly deploy volunteers and other resources to the homes of seniors who need urgent assistance with everyday tasks when their typical caregiver becomes unable to help them due to COVID-19 exposure, illness, or other challenges. Seniors or their loved ones may request assistance from the Caregiver Services Corps if a friend or family member who typically provides care becomes temporarily unavailable. Volunteers can be deployed to seniors’ homes to provide assistance, including maintaining daily hygiene routines, preparing meals, picking up groceries or medications, or connecting virtually with health care providers. Those in need of assistance should call 2-1-1 to be connected with the Caregiver Services Corps help center. The trained staff at the call center will triage the caller’s needs and help match them with a volunteer. The call center is available 7 days a week and is capable of taking calls in many languages.
Maryland Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster
https://mdvoad.communityos.org/cms/home
The Maryland chapter of the Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster, or VOAD, is working with the Maryland Department of Aging to connect volunteers with seniors who need help.
For General Information, a Request for Assistance, or an Inquiry about Maryland VOAD:
The Rev. Phillip C. Huber, Chair
Maryland VOAD
Chairperson@MarylandVOAD.org
410-375-5053