As we continue individual and community responses to COVID-19, most readers of this newsletter are staying home, worshipping virtually, and using various social media approaches to stay connected. An interesting perspective to the term social distancing is shared by Philip Metres, professor of English and director of the Peace, Justice, and Human Rights program at John Carroll University. In this excerpt from a Letter to His Students, “To Expand the Moral Imagination in the Confines of Quarantine”; he comments:
“For example, we need to understand how crucial social distancing can be as a public health strategy, even as we also need to find ways of reaching out to each other. My therapist rightly pointed out that the term is wrong: we need physical distance and social connection.”
Staying connected and maintaining support to parishioners and clergy staff is occurring in many innovative, intentional ways. It is also important for health and wellness ministers and faith community nurses to provide accurate information to communities.
This issue of the newsletter focuses on resources you can access related to Coronavirus COVID-19. A regular review of these Web-based Resources can provide you with ongoing updates.
Additional resources were included in the COVID-19 Supplement April 2, 2020 of Mind, Body, Spirit: Linking Lives for Health and Wholeness UCC Wellness Ministries Newsletter which you can access on the United Church of Christ website:
TRUSTED WEB SOURCES:
Center for Disease Control (CDC)
The latest situation summary updates are available on CDC’s coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) web page.
CDC also has these two sites:
National Institutes of Health - Coronavirus
United Church of Christ (UCC) - Coronavirus and the Church
Sections include Helping Churches Respond, Stewardship, Legislative Updates, From Church Leaders, Clergy Self-Care, UCC News and Daily Briefings by Barbara Baylor, and General Resources.
Nursing Center Blog: Guidance for your nursing specialty
Health Ministries Association (HMA)
Links to CDC sites, World Health Organization (WHO), SAMHSA Behavioral Health, Emotional/Spiritual Resources
Check with your state’s Department of Health and your state’s Nursing Association for updates pertaining to your state.
SAFETY:
Face Masks: CDC recommends face masks to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others. Topics on this page include how to wear a face mask, cleaning masks, how to safely remove a mask, and patterns for making masks.
Safety Tips:
CDC safety tips: Daily life, running errands, grocery shopping, getting gasoline, take-out orders, etc.
Cleaning, Sanitizing and Disinfecting Your Home:
Penn State Extension: Cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting in the home
ADVANCE DIRECTIVES:
National Institutes of Health (NIH): Advance Care Planning Healthcare Directives
National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHCPO): Caring Info provides free advance directives and instructions for each state that can be opened as a PDF (Portable Document Format) file.
Prepare For Your Care: Planning Guide COVID-19
MENTAL HEALTH:
General Resources:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline1-800-273-TALK (8255)
SAMSHA: behavioral health during an infectious disease outbreak
SAMHSA National Helpline 1-800-662 HELP (4357)
SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline 1-800-985-5990
Domestic Violence and Substance Abuse on UCC.org:
Domestic violence, mental health issues heighten in pandemic; pastors, churches can respond
Health and wholeness in the midst of COVID-19
Care of Persons with Dementia:People with dementia may not be able to remember to wash their hands or maintain social distance. They may not understand changes to the routine of the household, or facility where they live.
Alzheimer’s Association: Coronavirus (COVID-19): Tips for Dementia Caregivers
Alzheimer’s Foundation of America – tips on preventing infection and staying active during social isolation: Alzheimer’s Foundation of America
Self-Care:
CDC: Stress and Coping
Psychology Today: Self Care and COVID-19: Getting Ready for the Marathon
VeryWellMind (a partner of The Cleveland Clinic): Understanding grief in COVID-19 pandemic
CHILDREN’S HEALTH AND RESPONSES TO PANDEMIC:
Mass General Hospital Clay Center for Young Healthy Minds: Coronavirus and family mental health
Mayo Clinic: Kids coping with the COVID-19 pandemic
National Child Traumatic Stress Network: Public health resources
Child Mind Institute: Supporting Families During COVID-19
CHURCH DURING PANDEMIC:
Return to worship at facilityFor a comprehensive look at what should be fully considered before making that decision read the Wisconsin Council of Churches resource (also available as a pdf file)
Insurance Board: Issues and concerns and how to address them
VOLUNTEERISM:
Blood Donation: American Red Cross
National and Community Service: Ten Ways to Safely Help Your Community During COVID-19
Check your state’s website for volunteer opportunities near you. Check your area’s non-profit and volunteer center for needed volunteer activities.
CONFERENCES:
NOTE: The Health Ministries Association Annual Conference has been postponed until September 26, 27, 28, 2021.
KEEP CONNECTED:
Visit our FaceBook and Linked-In pages:Post comments or share information about your health ministries; join in conversations.
Previous issues of the newsletter:
Use previous year’s monthly newsletters to aid your search for links to resources on health ministries and wellness topics:
Contact us:
Have something you want to share with your colleagues?
Are you looking for something to assist you in your ministry?
Interested in joining the Leadership Team for the Wellness Ministries of the UCC?
Let us hear from you.
Contact:
Alyson Breisch and/or Deb Stankiewicz