Faith Community Resources - COVID-19

Resources and information (below) have been complied to assist faith communities.

Stay calm and take time to care for yourself and others
Follow CDC guidelines and your local authorities' health and safety directions
Develop or update regularly your faith community's emergency and communication plan.
Start or continue building your faith community's health ministry, Wesley offers an online health minister certificate. Full and partial scholarships are available. Click on links to the right to find out more.
Information has been changing quickly so please double check links and resources
If you have a resource you would like us to list or a link which needs to be corrected, please contact Tom Pruski @ tpruski@wesleyseminary.edu.

DC Faith Community Coronavirus Resources

CDC, HHS, WHO, NACCHO

CDC Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) (webpage)

latest updates and Information and should be checked regularly.

CDC Preventing COVID-19 Spread in Communities (webpage)

recommendations for preventing the spread of coronavirus in homes, educational settings, workplaces, faith organizations, and at large gatherings.
COVID-19 & Animals

COVID-19: CDC Resources for Community- and Faith-Based Leaders (webpage)

interim guidance, a checklist for faith and community leaders, cleaning and disinfection recommendations, and more .

COVID-19: Recommended Preventative Practices and FAQs for Faith-based and Community Leaders (pdf) updated 3/27/2020

HHS - The Center for Faith and Opportunity Initiatives (Partnership Center) (webpage)

World Health Organization (webpage)

National Association of County and City Health Officials

Partnerships between Local Health Departments and Faith-Based Organizations - A Tip Sheet on Working Together

Johns Hopkins COVID-19 Map (webpage)

Face Coverings/Masks

Time to double or upgrade masks as coronavirus variants emerge, experts say – Washington Post article 1/27/2021 https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2021/01/27/double-mask-variants-guidance/
Guidance for Wearing Masks (2/11/2021)
Requirement for Face Masks on Public Transportation Conveyances and at Transportation Hubs
Use of Cloth Face Coverings to Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19 (CDC website)
No-Sew Pleated Face Mask with Handkerchief and Hair Tie (website with picture illustration)
Face Mask Sewing Pattern (website)

COVID-19 Vaccine Education, Distribution, and Resources

CDC Updates
- COVID-19 Vaccine Communication Toolkit for Community-Based Organizations: Getting Started
  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/toolkits/community-organization.html
- COVID-19 Vaccine Communication Toolkit for Essential Workers: Getting Started https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/toolkits/essential-workers.html
- NIH Spanish Resources on COVID-19
- Ventilation in Buildings
- COVID-19 Vaccine Webpage
  - Understanding How COVID-19 Vaccines Work (CDC information) Link
  - Vaccine Locator (by State): With states beginning to expand the groups eligible for the vaccine, please use this locator to find out how and where to get vaccinated in your community.
  - National Association of County and City Health Officials – Local Health Dept. COVID-19 Directory https://www.naccho.org/membership/lhd-directory
  - Understanding the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program for COVID-19 Vaccination
African American doctor explains how the COVID-19 vaccine works in simply and plain terms: Kimberly Dyan Manning, MD from Emory University (YouTube Video)
CBS This Morning - Meet the Black female scientist (34-year-old Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett) on the forefront of COVID-19 vaccine development (1/9/2021): (YouTube Video)
Faith, Science and Trust – University of MD Recorded Zoom – African American churches converse with “America’s Doctor,” Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). (1/22/2021) https://fb.watch/3eFWvOW5Gf/

Examples of Faith Community Reopening Plans/Planning

COVID-19 State-by-State Reopening Guidance - PDF.*
Reopening considerations must include the most current recommendations and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (link), including their guidance for Faith and Community Organizations (link), and work in coordination with your state and local public health authorities (link).
- U.S. Catholic dioceses release plans for reopening churches - America Magazine (webpage)
- Archdioceses of Baltimore, Maryland (Catholic) released a 36-page document on May 12 outlining, in phases, safety protocols for the resumption of sacraments, including public Masses, plus private prayer, and other parish activities. They also released a video explaining the new policies.
- Baltimore Washington Conference (United Methodist)
- Virginia Conference (United Methodist)
- Checklist for Reopening Church - Smart Church Solutions
- A Sample Online Survey - Surveying Your Congregation about How Comfortable They Feel About Returning To Church - Timonium United Methodist
- Guidance to Shuls and Communities on Reopening (Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations (OU) and the Rabbinical Council of America) offers guidance including the recognition that every community is unique and that reopening will be a gradual rather than a one- time event.
- High Holiday Guidance for Communities Affected by COVID-19 (The Rabbinical Assembly) has a webpage regularly updated by the Committee on Jewish Laws and Standards (CJLS).
- Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) of Virginia has posted the reopening plans of several Virginia churches as a way of sharing ideas with other churches across the state as they develop their own reopening strategies.
- National Muslim Task Force on COVID-19 guidance on matters including prayer and gatherings, as well as resources and guidelines that help to protect communities and keep them safe.
- Unitarian Universalist Association Guidance on Gathering In-Person When COVID-19 Subsides includes a series of questions that congregations might ask as they think about online or in-person gatherings.
- RETURNING TO CHURCH - Ministry during the COVID-19 outbreak (PC USA) pdf
FAITH & COMMUNITY ROADMAP TO RECOVERY SUPPORT: GETTING BACK TO WORK (pdf) (HHS - Partnership Center)
Lessons from Fighting Ebola: Engaging Faith Leaders Creates Safer Communities (audio) Interfaith Voices
Doctor, Doctor #144 - COVID-19 Update: What Reopening Churches Should Look Like (audio) (Soundcloud)

Communication Plans for Congregations

Get Your Medical Record in Order

Faith communities can help members to organize their medical records and advance directives BEFORE the need arises to go to the hospital.

Get organized: In a busy Emergency Room, it is very helpful for individuals to have their medical information organized ahead of time.
Be concise: Write up a one-page Health Summary and keep it current.
Focus on essentials: Your Health Summary sheet should include demographic info (name, age, address, phone), chief complaint (reason for seeking care) recent health history, active medical issues, list of medications, allergies, and contact info for your care team.
Have copies ready: When you arrive at the ER, you can share your Health Summary sheet with the staff in Admissions and also with the triage nurse to speed the process along.
Important: During the COVID-19 crisis, your family may not be allowed to accompany you during the triage process, especially if the ER is overloaded.

Coronavirus: What heart and stroke patients need to know (American Heart Assoc.)

Advance Care Planning

The Conversation Project - Institute for Healthcare Improvement

Basic Financial Planning

Dave Ramsey and Rachel Cruze give advice on how to keep finances in order (ABC - Good Morning America) video

Sample Faith Community Coalition/Denomination/Approaches

Health Ministries Association (HMA) - Health Updates (web page)
HMA Denominational Resources (web page)
Interfaith Health Program – COVID-19 Resources for Faith Communities (webpage)
Lewis Center for Church Leadership (web page)
United Baptist Missionary Convention & Auxiliaries of the State of Maryland, Inc.
Episcopal Diocese of Washington, DC (web page)
Montgomery County, MD Faith Community Advisory Council- COVID-19 House of Worship Tip Sheet link (pdf)
United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (webpage related to Covid-19)

United Methodist Conferences & Ministries

Self-Care, Spiritual Resources/Apps, Prayers, & Support Groups

Physical Activity and Healthy Eating Resources

University of South Carolina Prevention Research Center (pdf)

Parks Use for Exercise and Physical Activity (varies by state, location and physical distancing measures in place)

Montgomery County, MD - Sample Posting (website)

Mental Health

Toolkits - May is Mental Health Awareness Month

ACES (Adverse Childhood Experiences) Connections

Several geographic and interest ACES sub-groups including Faith Communities.
We Are Doctors Who Study Trauma. Here's How To Cope With The COVID-19 Crisis [huffpost.com]
We are experiencing collective trauma unlike anything previously experienced in America in our lifetimes. It is devastating to our individual and shared well-being. The virus’ invisibility, asymptomatic spread and ubiquity are uniquely terrorizing.

NAMI - National Alliance on Mental Illness

Coronavirus: Mental Health Coping Strategies By Katherine Ponte, BA, JD, MBA, CPRP (NAMI) 3/20/2020 (web page)

Mental Health Ministries http://mentalhealthministries.net

Pathways to Promise www.pathways2promise.org

Mental Health Technology Transfer Center Network (funded by SAMSHA) webinars, various resources, etc.

STRESS - That Discomfort You’re Feeling Is Grief by Scott Berinato (Harvard Business Review) (web page)

Mental Health Resource List - books and reducing anxiety (provided by Faith Community Nurse Lanet Owens)

Domestic Violence and Child Abuse Will Rise During Quarantines. So Will Neglect of At-Risk People, Social Workers Say. Propublica 3/21/20

Hotlines for Help

National Domestic Violence Abuse Hotline (English, Spanish, TTY)

For any victims and survivors who need support, we are here for you, 24/7. Call 1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-787-3224 for TTY, or if you’re unable to speak safely, you can log onto thehotline.org or text LOVEIS to 22522.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (English, Spanish, TTY)

A national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

1-800-273-TALK (8255) and chat page for anyone wishing to connect to the Lifeline.

SAMSHA - Disaster Distress Helpline (English, Spanish, TTY)

This helpline is a 24/7, 365-day-a-year, national hotline dedicated to providing immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster. This toll-free, multilingual, and confidential crisis support service is available to all residents in the United States and its territories. Stress, anxiety, and other depression-like symptoms are common reactions after a disaster.

Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.

Pastoral Care/Chaplaincy

Conducting memorial services during COVID-19: tips for how to make meaningful connection (Greater NW Area United Methodist)

National Funeral Director Association (website)

Dealing with Families During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Ceremonies to Celebrate The Life of Loved One Together From Afar - A Resource for Challenging Times
FORMS PACKET FOR FUNERAL HOMES THAT LIVE-STREAM OR POST RECORDED FUNERAL SERVICES ON THE INTERNET(check you local state laws and how they apply to the use of these forms)
Tips On Offering Tele-Chaplaincy - (Chaplaincy Innovation Lab - website) (pdf)

Providing care for staff in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and highlights the use of rituals (Chaplaincy Innovation Lab - website)

The Men and Women Who Run Toward the Dying: Meet the New York City chaplains praying for coronavirus patients - NY Times

Nurses

Catholic Health Association - Faith Community Nurse

American Nurses Association

Protecting Yourself & Providing the Best Care Patients during COVID-19 Pandemic (Free Recorded Webinar)

Federal Government Resources

Guidelines for Opening Up America Again (website)

The Administration announced a three-phased approach, based on the advice of public health experts, as a guide to state and local officials as they make decisions to reopen their economies, get people back to work, and continue to protect American lives.

U.S. Demographic characteristics of COVID-19 cases in the United States (website)

State and local public health departments are now testing and publicly reporting their cases. The CDC’s Cases in U.S. webpage includes the most up to date information reported by states and includes what is known about the demographic characteristics of COVID-19 cases in the country.

HHS COVID-19 Guidance and Information for Human Services Programs (website)

This newly created landing page provides key COVID-19-related guidance and information from HHS for human services program providers and stakeholders, particularly state and local government agencies and faith and community-based organizations.

45 Minute COVID-19 Briefing on Testing (website)

During the Friday, April 17 press briefing, Members of the Coronavirus Task Force provided a 45 minute technical review on testing for COVID-19. View the briefing or read the full press briefing transcript here

FDA Calls for Blood Plasma Donations (website)

Convalescent plasma is an antibody-rich product made from blood donated by people who have recovered from COVID-19. People who have fully recovered from the disease for at least two weeks can contact their local blood or plasma collection center today to schedule an appointment. Visit the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) newly launched webpage and the American Red Cross to learn more.

FDA’s Perspective on Food Safety and Availability During and Beyond COVID-19 (website)

This Q & A with Frank Yiannas, FDA’s Deputy Commissioner for Food Policy and Response, answers questions about the state of the U.S. food supply, both now and beyond this public health crisis.

U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL’s) Benefits Website

The DOL has consolidated its resources to help workers and employers prepare for the COVID-19 virus on a new website dol.gov/coronavirus (on social channels #KeepWorkersSafe #COVID19). Also see their Careeronestop.org for those seeking to connect with state unemployment resources. Remember, each state is a bit different in how they handle unemployment, so that is why we need to direct folks here. Helpful resources include the Fact Sheet for Employees, a Fact Sheet for Employers and a Questions and Answers document addressing paid leave.

Internal Revenue Service and DOL COVID Payroll Relief

Small and midsize employers will benefit from two new refundable payroll tax credits, designed to immediately and fully reimburse them for the cost of providing Coronavirus-related family and medical leave and sick leave to their employees. This relief was provided under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act signed into law on March 18, 2020.

Coronavirus Emergency Loans Guide and Checklist for Small Businesses and Nonprofits

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Coronavirus Emergency Loans Guide and Checklist for Small Businesses and Nonprofits — Starting April 3, small businesses and sole proprietorships can apply for loans through existing SBA lenders. Starting April 10, independent contractors and self-employed individuals can apply for loans through existing SBA lenders. Other regulated lenders will be available to make these loans as soon as they are approved and enrolled in the program.

Visit www.sba.gov for a list of SBA lenders. There is a funding cap, so the Treasury Department recommends applying as soon as possible.

F.A.Q. on Coronavirus Relief for Small Businesses, Freelancers and More (NY Times)

Paycheck Protection Program Loans - Updated FAQ (website)

The Small Business Administration (SBA), in consultation with the Department of the Treasury, has issued this updated document as an interpretation of the H.R.748: (CARES) Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act and of the Paycheck Protection Program Interim Final Rule to address borrower and lender questions. Find Eligible Lenders: Use this tool to find a nearby lender eligible to issue a loan under the Paycheck Protection Program.

The COVID-19 Federal Rural Resource Guide (website)

A one-stop-shop of federal programs that can be used by rural communities, organizations and individuals impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information on these actions, visit www.usda.gov/coronavirus

FEMA’s Coronavirus Response: How to Help

Everyone has a role to play in the fight against COVID-19 and care of our fellow Americans. Learn how to help if you are a company with medical supplies to donate or sell, a volunteer who is medically trained, or a member of the general public.

Local Emergency Management Response Effort (Link for each State) (website)

Guidance for Schools and Child Care Programs (website)

The CDC’s Guidance for Schools and Childcare Programs page is based on what is currently known about the transmission and severity of coronavirus disease and is updated as needed and as additional information becomes available. You can also find information on:

Best Practices for Retail Food Stores, Restaurants, and Food Pick-Up/Delivery Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic (website)

Funds and Resources for Serving Older Adults

Administration for Community Living (ACL) awarded an additional $250 million to grantees in states, territories, and tribes to help communities provide meals for older adults -- particularly home-delivered and packaged meals. Also see ACL’s COVID-19 webpage which includes resources for older adults, people with disabilities, and the community organizations which help support them including videos now available in American Sign Language.

For Health Care Providers

Guidance to Assist with Grief Management

HHS has posted resources to assist with the management of grief including Tips for Healthcare Workers Managing Grief and Recommendations for How to Handle the Death of a Colleague during COVID-19.

CMS Hospital Payment and Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility Waivers

CMS issued guidance implementing the CARES Act that impacts inpatient prospective payment system hospital payments and provides new flexibilities for inpatient rehabilitation facilities and long-term care hospitals. CMS also updated their summary of emergency declaration blanket waivers for healthcare providers.

Intellectual Engagement

When you need to take an intellectual snack break (TED Talks - webpage): A selection of fascinating TED Talks for when you need to feed your intellectual curiosity (in 10 minutes or less).

Policy & Advocacy

CONSULTATION ON COVID-19: EXPLORING FAITH DIMENSIONS (Georgetown University – Berkeley Center) (pdf)

ONE World Campaign (website)

ONE is a global movement campaigning to end extreme poverty and preventable disease by 2030, so that everyone, everywhere can lead a life of dignity and opportunity. ONE believes the fight against poverty isn’t about charity, but about justice and equality.

Racial Disparities and Social Inequities

Now is the Time for Collective Action to Address the Root Causes of Health Inequities in the U.S.
Blog by Michelle Hinton, Undraye Howard, and Jennifer Jones
Thinking About Racial Disparities in COVID-19 Impacts Through a Science-Informed, Early Childhood Lens
by Jack P. Shonkoff, M.D. and David R. Williams, Ph.D. Harvard University Center on the Developing Child (April 27, 2020)
Stress and the Mental Health of Populations of Color: Advancing Our Understanding of Race-related Stressors (pdf)
David R. Williams Journal of Health and Social Behavior 2018, Vol. 59(4) 466–485 © American Sociological Assn. 2018

Abstract: This article provides an overview of research on race-related stressors that can affect the mental health of socially disadvantaged racial and ethnic populations.

Miles to Go before We Sleep: Racial Inequities in Health
David R. Williams J Health Soc Behav. 2012 Sep; 53(3): 279–295. © American Sociological Association 2012 doi: 10.1177/0022146512455804

Social Media

Take a break from social media so you do not become overwhelmed by the 24/7 news cycle.
Get you news from trusted sources (CDC).
CDC's COVID Social Media Toolkit provides messages and graphics to help communicate the most current and correct messages and share resources. All social media content is public domain and free to use by anyone for any purpose without restriction under copyright law.

Local Community Digital Platforms & Local Safety Net Organizations

Aunt Bertha, the Be a Neighbor Campaign through VOMO, CarePortal, and the Nextdoor platforms

Local safety net organizations serving your community – contact them to learn how your community/congregation may be of assistance.

The Salvation Army (website)
Catholic Charities USA (website)
United Way (website)

CarePortal

CarePortal is a technology platform that connects vulnerable children and families to people who have something to give. Social workers uncover the needs. CarePortal makes local congregations aware, giving them a real-time opportunity to respond. Watch CarePortal Disaster Relief Platform Video to learn more.

Mobile Apps - Nurture & Sustain Virtual Recovery Communities

Sober Grid, rTribe, Connections, WEconnect, and Nomo apps for those supporting persons in recovery.
- Many of the apps are free and offer peer coaching support (usually with a fee).
VIRTUAL RECOVERY RESOURCES - SAMSHA (pdf)

Using Technology & Internet Access

What You Should Know About Online Tools During the COVID-19 Crisis by LINDSAY OLIVER 3/19/2020 (web page)
How to Use Zoom - Free Video Conferencing & Virtual Meetings
How to Host a Meeting with GoToMeeting
Google Duo
Facetime
Comcast (Free Wifi & Other Supports)

Telehealth

Virtual Case Management Considerations and Resources for Human Services Programs

As programs eliminate or minimize face-to-face interactions to promote social distancing, this new HHS fact sheet, with its link to resources, walks through key aspects and strategies of virtual service delivery (e.g., via phone, videoconferencing, internet), drawing in part on lessons from telehealth – including technology choice, training, and privacy concerns.

Telehealth Basics: Telehealth Learning and Consultation (TLC) Tuesdays

Presented by the Mental Health Technology Transfer Center (MHTTC) network this hour-long online series will support behavioral health providers who are new to using telehealth. Every session will run from 9:00 – 10:00 am (MT)/ 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (ET) Register here. Recordings of past sessions are available.

A Guide to Providing Telehealth During the COVID-19 Crisis (ACEs Connection website blog)

Parenting & Family Life

Home Resources & Home Stuck Resources (Spreadsheet with Web Links)

Are You Burned Out By Virtual Staff Meetings, Facetime Playdates, Online Workouts And Endless Push Notifications? (NPR)

5 Fun Things Your Family Can Do Together While You’re Social Distancing By Amy DiLuna (web page)

Children's Book About Coronavirus - Free book (pdf)

Educating Children @ Home When Schools are Online and/or Closed

Consistency
Daily Schedule
Connecting with Friends – Online
Daily Exercise

Food, Meals, Cooking

10 Kid-Friendly Recipes - The Real Food Dietitians (web page)

Pharmacy & Food Delivery

Amazon PillPack
CVS Pharmacy
Check you local grocery store websites for pharmacy and food delivery and/or special shopping hours for older adults/healthcare professionals/etc.

If you would like more information about the information posted here, please contact Tom Pruski at the Heal the Sick program by emailing us at tpruski@wesleyseminary.edu or calling 202-706-6843.