COVID-19

Community Resources

The following is a list of resources, organizations and websites that we find are trustworthy, reliable and help to address the specific concerns of our community. 

COVID VACCINE INFORMATION

After rigorous testing and FDA approval, three COVID-19 vaccines are authorized and available in West Michigan and throughout the U.S. All Michigan residents age 5 and up are now eligible for the vaccine, so please schedule your appointment now! The vaccine is the way to beat this virus, save lives and restore our community.  Click on the link to schedule your COVID vaccine, learn more about vaccine options and get signed up for a free ride to/from your shot.

Why wear a mask or face covering?

  • You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick.
  • Everyone should wear a face mask when they have to go out in public, for example to the grocery store or to pick up other necessities.
  • Face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
  • The face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.
  • Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. The cloth face cover is not a substitute for social distancing.
  • You do not need to wear a face covering when you are on a walk outside.
  • For instructions on how to make a face mask, go the CDC site. Click here>>

Health Resources

cherry Health

Cherry Health provides a healthcare home for those who may not otherwise have access, serving nearly 76,000 patients at more than 20 locations throughout Michigan.  Recently GRAAHI had a live video discussion with Tasha Blackmon, President about their services.

Become a new patient today by calling 616.965.8308 or emailing newpatient@cherryhealth.com.

  • COVID-19 Testing, Screening and Tele-Health Assessment
  • Primary Care
  • Pediatrics
  • Mental Health Services
  • Dental Services
  • Vision
  • Pharmacy
  • Legal and Case Management Support

Community Resources

Trusted Health and COVID-19 Statistical Information:

Michigan Statistics:  Michigan.gov Stats

The World Health Organization (WHO) provides a reliable review of disease indicators, symptoms, treatments and worldwide statistics.    WHO Coronavirus Resources

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) provide helpful information about symptoms, high-risk indicators and treatment options:      CDC

GRAAHI’s COVID-19 – What You Need to Know     graahi.com/resources

Fact Check is a non-profit that helps identify false or misleading information. They have a page on COVID-19:

https://www.factcheck.org/2020/03/qa-on-the-coronavirus-pandemic/

SNOPES is an independent fact-checking organization that can help you decipher things you  might have read or seen on social media or from hearsay:

https://www.snopes.com/collections/coronavirus-collection-prevention-treatments/

General Support

General Support (Food, Water, Toiletries, Health, Transportation, Childcare, Financial Support, etc.)

Grand Rapids Area Mutual Aid Network

Request or offer support on this easy to fill in form:

GRAMAN GOOGLE DOC

Trauma, Food and Other Resources for Families and Children:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/19nWQo6XuS4PGBtnjJSQpKdVb1T1rxPEIVVvi_Obg_lI/edit?usp=sharing

Housing/Shelter

Mel Trotter Ministries In-kind and Financial Donations:

https://www.meltrotter.org/covid19

Dégagé Ministries:

https://www.degageministries.org/

Parents of Small Children

Strong Beginnings, a program for pregnant mothers and those with children up to 18 months:

https://www.strongbeginningskent.org/

Strong Fathers, a program to support dads of children under two:

https://graahi.com/join-a-program/strong-fathers/

Food

Comprehensive List of Meal Pickup Times for Kent County Schools: 

https://www.fox17online.com/news/coronavirus/comprehensive-list-of-meal-pickup-times-for-kent-county-schools

 

GRPS Grab & Go Meal Sites:

MEAL SITE LISTING

 

Boys and Girls Club of Grand Rapids – Help with Meals During the Coronavirus Shutdown:

https://bgcgrandrapids.org/donations/meals/

 

Kids Food Basket:

https://www.kidsfoodbasket.org/emergencyresponse/

 

Supporting Grand Rapids Area Black Businesses (GRABB) – Offering Takeout and/or Delivery:

https://www.facebook.com/grabblocal/posts/3598638463544886

Mental/Health Care

Free Resources from Talkspace:

 

https://www.talkspace.com/blog/coronavirus-talkspace-resources/

 

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline:

Monday-Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., EST (800) 950-6264 

 

Virtual Screenings and Additional Information: 

 

Spectrum Health: https://www.spectrumhealth.org/covid19

Mercy Health: https://www.mercyhealth.com/health-and-wellness/coronavirus

Metro Health: https://metrohealth.net/about-metro-health/coronavirus-covid-19-information/

 

YMCA Virtual Classes: https://www.grymca.org/coronavirus-update

The AltText

Education

Grand Rapids Public Schools

“For those without online access, GRPS will have the Grand Rapids Academic Summer Program (GRASP) print materials available for pick up at the Sibley Elementary and Ottawa Hills High School Nutrition Sites (11:30 AM – 12:30 PM Monday – Friday).  GRASP includes math and reading resources and activities for students in grades K-8.”

  

Online Enrichment GRPS:

https://mailchi.mp/grps.org/coronavirus-covid-19-update-58365?fbclid=IwAR0o2nxMXv0DC6x1tLFEjdvo4l6SuBnYO6_AjPwh6kd8T0nGgHcvkfWsELo

 

Kent District Library

Use Library Resources from Home:

 

https://www.kdl.org/virtual

 

Kentwood Public Schools

Voluntary Learning Activities grades K-12: 

 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XF6PIbRb07139_hHVr_PHJGf5FW4vem_QwKHMnY91lo/edit?usp=sharing

Technology Resources

Zoom

Free 40-minute live video chats to connect with Friends and Family

https://zoom.us/

Slack

Free team chat tool.

https://slack.com/

Internet services – Free or Low Cost

 

AT&T will offer free internet access to new customers for two months and low-income households can continue to subscribe for $10/month. All public WiFi hotspots are open to anyone. AT&T will not terminate service of any customer due to an inability to pay and all late payment fees will be waived. Click here to learn more.

Essential workers ( police officers, firefighters, health care workers, postal workers, sanititation workers, etc.,) in need of child care can get assistance finding help .

Comcast and Charter Communications will offer free internet access to low-income families. Internet and cable will not be suspended. Click here for guidelines.

 

Fun Activities

Netflix Movie Night While Social Distancing: 

USA Today Listing – Netflix

13 Fun Things to do While Social Distancing: 

https://onmilwaukee.com/living/articles/things-to-do-while-social-distancing.html

Job Opportunities

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