November 10, 2021 Homewood Community Vaccination Clinic Join Pitt Community Engagement Center in Homewood and Homewood Children’s Village for a free vaccination clinic. No appointments are needed, and walk-ins are welcome. Booster shots and flu shots are also available. Location Pitt CEC in Homewood 622 N. Homewood Avenue Dates and Times November 15 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. November 16 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. November 18 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. November 19 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Additional Information Additional information is available on the Pitt CEC website, or by calling 412.383.4372
September 29, 2021 Who Is Eligible for a COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shot? According to the CDC, data from a small clinical trial show that a Pfizer-BioNTech booster shot increased the immune response in trial participants who finished their primary series 6 months earlier. With an increased immune response, people should have improved protection against COVID-19, including the Delta variant. Eligibility COVID-19 Vaccine booster shots are available for the following Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine recipients who completed their initial series at least 6 months ago: 65 years and older 18+ who have underlying medical conditions 18+ who work in high-risk settings 18+ who live in high-risk settings Schedule an Appointment Search vaccines.gov, text your ZIP code to 438829, or call 1-800-232-0233 to find locations near you. Additionally, you may: Check your local pharmacy’s website to see if vaccination walk-ins or appointments are available. Contact your state or local health department for more information. Additional Information For additional information related to COVID-19, visit the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website.
December 17, 2020 COVID-19 Interim Vaccination Plan for Pennsylvania On December 11, 2020, the Pennsylvania COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force and Pennsylvania Department of Health released a COVID-19 Interim Vaccination Plan for Pennsylvania (PDF). The goal of the interim COVID-19 vaccination plan is to provide a transparent strategy to vaccinate all Pennsylvanians who want to be vaccinated so that Pennsylvanians can return to everyday activities as quickly and safely as possible. At this time, early childhood education professionals including teachers, school staff working directly with students, child care employees, and early intervention staff fall under the 1B category (page 14), defined as essential business personnel who cannot work remotely or maintain social distancing. A variety of factors influence the distribution of vaccinations, including vaccine supply levels, number of critical personnel requiring the vaccine, and vaccine storage requirements. The vaccine supply is projected to increase quickly over the proceeding months, allowing vaccination efforts to be expanded to additional critical populations and the general public. It is important to note that recommendations on the various population groups to receive initial doses of the vaccine could change after the vaccine is available, depending on each vaccine’s characteristics, vaccine supply, disease epidemiology, and local community factors. The Pennsylvania Department of Health will follow the U.S. Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) ACIP recommendations in identifying populations of focus. More Resources for COVID-19 To best support these community members and the young children in their lives, Trying Together has created two resource lists, featuring helpful resources that families and educators can use to maneuver this difficult time. COVID-19 Resources for Families and Caregivers COVID-19 Resources for Early Care and Education Professionals For more information about COVID-19, visit the Allegheny County Health Department, World Health Organization (WHO), or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention websites.
December 9, 2020 COVID-19: Resources for Parents and Caregivers If you are a parent, caregiver, or family member living in Pennsylvania, it’s important to remain calm, prepare, and take precautionary measures to maintain the health and wellbeing of yourself, your family, and the community. Continue reading below for a brief overview of COVID-19 and a list of family and caregiver resources. PA 2.1.1 Southwest If you require assistance and would like to access an extensive list of family and caregiver resources, please call 2.1.1 or text your zip code to 898.211 to receive text alerts. For more information or to receive support, visit the 2.1.1 website. PA 2.1.1 Southwest seeks to provide an easy-to-remember phone number and web resource for finding health and human services for everyday needs and in crisis situations, serving the following counties: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Cambria, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Mercer, Somerset, Washington, and Westmoreland. An Overview of COVID-19 COVID-19 is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a new coronavirus not previously seen in humans. Because the virus impacts the respiratory system, common symptoms of infection include fever, dry cough, tiredness, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing. However, WHO states that some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, and diarrhea. After being infected with COVID-19, individuals generally display mild symptoms that begin gradually, but some people who become infected may not develop any symptoms at all and may feel healthy. To learn more about COVID-19 and the steps you can take to reduce your family’s risk of infection, read our recent news post. This post also includes information about what to do after infection, information on how it spreads, and links to several other organizations and entities that can provide more information. Guidance for Pennsylvanians As of May 31, COVID mitigation orders are lifted in Pennsylvania. The order requiring universal face coverings was lifted statewide on June 28, 2021. The Pennsylvania Department of Health still urges Pennsylvanians to follow CDC guidance on wearing masks where required by law, rules, and regulations, including healthcare, local businesses, and workplace guidance. Search for Child Care If your family is in need of child care, visit the Allegheny Child Care website to search for programs in Allegheny County or visit the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services website to search for programs throughout Pennsylvania. Meals for Children The Summer Food Service Program distributes free Grab ‘n Go Meals to children at 13 CitiPark and 34 partner locations in Pittsburgh. Meals are available to children up to the age of 18, and to individuals with disabilities up to 21 years old. This program runs from June 11 through August 13, 2021 (dates vary by location). To learn more, visit the program webpage or call 412.571.3291. Resources Information about COVID-19 Daily Updates from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, PAcast How COVID-19 Spreads, CDC Coronavirus, Social Distancing, and Self-Quarantine, Johns Hopkins Medicine Information for Pregnant Women and Children, CDC Coronavirus (COVID-19), Pregnancy, and Breastfeeding: A Message for Patients, ACOG Informational Videos about COVID-19, CDC Why are people wearing masks? Why are people covering their faces?, ZERO TO THREE CDC Report: Coronavirus Strikes All Ages, AARP How to Spot Fake News (and Teach Kids to Be Media-Savvy), Common Sense Media People who are at a higher risk of severe illness, CDC American Sign Language (ASL) COVID-19 Resources, CDC 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), AAP COVID-19 and Children: FAQ, CDC Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19): What Parents Should Know, Unicef Information on COVID-19 and Pregnant Woman and Children, CDC A Message on COVID-19 From the Children’s Bureau, Children’s Bureau For Parents: Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) associated with COVID-19, CDC Guide to Coronavirus for Cancer Patients, Asbestos.com Breastfeeding & COVID-19: FAQs, infantCPR Community Resources, PA Unites Against Covid COVID-19 Parent Information, CDC Talking with Children Early Learning Resources During COVID-19, ELRC Region 5 Talking with Children About Coronavirus, Fred Rogers Center Caring for Each Other, Sesame Street Responding to Children’s Emotional Needs During Times of Crisis, Healthy Children, AAP Tips for Families: Coronavirus, Zero to Three Parent/Caregiver Guide to Helping Families Cope with COVID-19, NCTSN Are your kids anxious about Coronavirus? Dr. G is here to help, Kidsburgh How to Talk to Your Kids About Coronavirus, PBS KIDS for Parents Talking with Your Children about COVID-19, CDC Online Interactive Game that Teaches Children about Germs and Handwashing, Luma One A guide to keeping your child safe and reassured as coronavirus spreads, CNN Health Washing Your Hands, CDC Hand Washing for Kids: 5 Easy Steps to Teach Hand Hygiene, Moms Against Cooties Kick Germs to The Curb While Singing This Daniel Tiger Song!, Fred Rogers Productions How to Wash Hands, Sesame Street A Guide to COVID-19 and Early Childhood Development, Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University Coronavirus (COVID-19): How to Talk to Your Child, KidsHealth “REMEMBER”: Surviving the Pandemic with your Children!, IACAPAP Talking to Kids About the Coronavirus, Child Mind Institute How to Talk to Your Kids About Coronavirus, PBS Are Your Kids Anxious About Coronavirus? Dr. G is Here to Help, Kidsburgh Helping Kids Who Are Worried About Coronavirus, Counselor Keri Supporting Individuals with Autism through Uncertain Times, UNC Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute Autism Team Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs in Emergencies, CDC How to Talk to Younger Kids About Changes at School During COVID-19, Connecticut Childen’s Vaccines for Children and Adolescents: Lessons and Activities, Baylor University Prevention COVID-19 Self-Checker, CDC Plan Ahead Checklist: Get Your Home Ready, CDC Preparing Your Home: FAQs for Individuals and Families, CDC Pennsylvania Emergency Preparedness Guide, Ready PA Parents: Get Your Children Ready for COVID-19, CDC Recommendations for Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Environment, CDC Tips for Keeping Children Healthy While School’s Out, CDC Three ways to protect yourself and others from COVID-19, MIT Medical Hand Washings for Kids: 5 Easy Steps to Teach Hand Hygiene, Moms Against Cooties When Vaccine is Limited, Who Gets Vaccinated First?, CDC 8 Things to Know about the U.S. COVID-19 Vaccination Program, CDC Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Vaccination, CDC Answers to Your Questions About Covid Vaccines and Kids, The New York Times After Infection What to do if you are sick or suspect that you’re sick with COVID-19, CDC Recommended precautions for household members, intimate partners, and caregivers, CDC What You Should Do If Caring for Someone with Coronavirus, American Red Cross Employee Rights, United States Department of Labor How to Protect Your Family After Being Discharged From the Hospital With COVID, Safety.com Impacts on Child Care, School, and Work How to Find, Choose, and Pay for High-Quality Child Care: A Guide for Families Family Checklist: Questions to Ask Your Early Learning Provider During COVID-19 Information for Pennsylvania Employees Impacted by COVID-19, Office of Unemployment Compensation Coronavirus & Paid Family Leave, Single Mom Defined Create a Backup Child Care Plan, Child Care Aware of North Dakota Coronavirus and School Closures, Education Week Coronavirus Information for Education: Pre-K, K-12 Schools, and Higher Education, PA Department of Health Ensuring Students with Disabilities Continue to Receive Services, U.S. Department of Education To Close or Not? How Superintendents Decide to Shut Down Schools, Education Week Updates from the Port Authority Unemployed and quarantined Pittsburghers can receive unemployment money faster, with fewer requirements, Public Source The Parents’ Guide to Google Classroom Map: Coronavirus and School Closures, Education Week Governor Wolf Extends School Closure for Remainder of Academic Year, Governor Wolf Considerations for Schools, CDC Checklist: Planning for Virtual or At-Home Learning, CDC Checklist: Planning for In-Person Classes, CDC How Is the Pandemic Changing Perinatal Health Care?, Georgetown University Impact of COVID-19 on Women in the Labor Force, Annuity.org At-Home Activities The Play at Home Playbook, Playworks Senator John Heinz History Center Online Exhibits, Senator John Heinz History Center 30 Days of Good Things for Young Children (English) (Spanish) Play With Me!, Zero to Three Reading is Fundamental (RIF) Pittsburgh Youtube Channel How to Keep Kids Learning When They’re Stuck at Home, Common Sense Media The Big List of Children’s Authors Doing Online Read-Alouds & Activities, We Are Teachers Free Online Events and Activities for Kids at Home, Common Sense Media The Ultimate Guide for Working from Home with Kids, School Closures Scholastic Learn at Home: Free Resources for School Closures, Scholastic Simple and fun non-screen activities that children can do at home, Medium Over 30 Virtual Field Trips with Links Storyline Online Free, Easy Science for Remote Learning, Mystery Science Audible Is Offering Free Audiobooks for Kids During School Closures, We Are Teachers Our Favorite Virtual P.E. Resources to Keep Kids Moving at Home, We Are Teachers Resources for Kids During Social Distancing Virtual Classes, Allysa Axelband Hassid 161 Science Documentaries You Can Watch Right Now (No Membership Required), PBS SOCAL 121 Tools for Distance Learning & Strategies for Student Engagement, Albert Bringing the Zoo to You, Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium Simple and fun non-screen activities that children can do at home, Medium Free Distance Learning Plans for K–2 Students and Their Families, Common Sense Media Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems!, The Kennedy Center Keeping Children Active during the Coronavirus Pandemic (English) (Spanish), American College of Sports Medicine Newest Play Ideas, Learning 4 Kids History at Home, Senator John Heinz History Center Healthy at Home (Toolkit), Ready Rosie, The Creative Curriculum, and Teaching Strategies Time to talk, play, and create: Supporting children’s learning at home, Brookings At Home Activity Guide, Zero to Three The Best Kids Yoga Videos, Preschool Inspirations How You and Your Kids Can De-stress During Coronavirus, PBS Learning 4 Kids – Play Ideas, Camille Catllet Tech Balance, Common Sense Media RIF Pittsburgh Youtube, Reading Is FundamentalnPittsburgh Coronavirus: A Book for Children, Nosy Crow Engaging Kids During Stay at Home, Tickets for Kids PNC Grow Up Great, PNC Creative Connections, Trust Arts Education Online Learning: Education During Isolation, Digital Trends Wonderschool Learn-at-Home Ideas, Wonderschool Discover The Fun Of Backyard Geology, Porch Home Learning Support, Twinkl How Coding Provides Skills That Can Help Children Cope With Distress, Columbia Engineering Fact Sheets and Guides What You Need to Know about COVID-19 (English) (Spanish) (Simplified Chinese), CDC Fact Sheet from the Allegheny County Health Department Fact Sheet from the Pennsylvania Department of Health Internet Safety Guide For Seniors, VPN Smash A Parent’s Guide to Discussing Financial Hardship With Your Children, Fiscal Tiger The Complete Guide to Financial Help for Single Moms, Coupon Chief Blog Informational Flyers Stop the Spread of Germs, Allegheny County Department of Health Keeping Your Home, School, and Workplace Safe, CDC Helping Children and Families Cope, NCPMI Recorded Webinars Caring for Each Other, Sesame Street in Communities and Brazelton Touchpoints Center Updates for Families – Learning at Home, PEAL Center Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) while Learning from Home, PEAL Center Helping Parents Manage Stress During COVID-19, National Center on Early Childhood Health and Wellness (NCECHW) Mental Health Toll-Free 24-Hour Emotional Support Help Line (866.342.6892), Optum National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1.800.273.8255) NAMI National HelpLine Warmline Directory, NAMI Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19, CDC Seven Ways to Cope With Anxiety During the Coronavirus Outbreak, AARP SEL and Mental Health Resources for COVID-19, SEL4US How to Support Children (and Yourself) During the COVID-19 Outbreak, Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University Are We There Yet?, Center for Parent Information & Resources Boxed In: COVID-19 and Your Mental Health, Everyday Health How Seniors Can Stay Virtually Connected with Loved Ones, Senior Lifestyle Holidays During the Pandemic, Child Mind Institute Stress and Coping, CDC Tips on Celebrating the Holidays While Social Distancing, My Move Receiving Support Food Assistance Programs Available in Pennsylvania, Trying Together CHIP Will Maintain Enrollment During COVID-19 Crisis, Trying Together How to get help during the coronavirus pandemic in Pittsburgh, The Incline Find a Food Pantry, Partner Agency, or Program Near You, Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank Apply for Unemployment, Office of Unemployment Compensation Apply for Medicaid, SNAP, LIHEAP, and More, COMPASS Request a Library Card to Access E-Books & More, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Comcast’s Internet Essentials (offering two free months to new customers) PWSA Extends, Expands Shut Off Moratorium in Response to COVID-19, Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority Neighbors Support – COVID-19 Resources, Representative Sara Innamorato Pittsburgh Mutual Aid: Resource Library Many Homeowners Eligible for Temporary Relief From Mortgage Payments, AARP Coronavirus: Response & Resources, The Autism Society of America COVID-19 & Family Resources, Family Centers Network Tech Balance, Common Sense Media Coronavirus & Paid Family Leave, Single Mom Defined Child Care Centers, DHS Allegheny County Family Centers – News, University of Pittsburgh The Social Care Network, Auntbertha Community Delivery Hotline for Allegheny County, Allegheny Delivery Crisis Planning and Counseling for Parents with Shared Custody, Online Counseling Programs Free Microsoft Courseware to Upskill During COVID-19, GreyCampus Guide to Financial Help for Single Parents Raising Kids in 2021, Possible Finance Multilingual Resources Guía de ayuda para padres y cuidadores para ayudar a las familias a enfrentar la enfermedad Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), Child Traumatic Stress Network Translated Materials and Resources (English, Spanish, French, Chinese, Arabic, Dari, Farsi, Russian, Swahili, Ukrainian, Vietnamese, Amharic, Nepali, Haitian Creole, Pashto, Somali, Tigryna), Pennsylvania Department of Health Helping Children Cope With Changes Resulting From COVID-19 (English, Spanish, Amharic, Chinese, Korean, French, Vietnamese, Bhasa, Urdu), National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) Parent/Caregiver Guide to Helping Families Cope with COVID-19 (English, Spanish, Chinese), NCTSN A Round-Up of Multilingual Resources on COVID-19, Switchboard AA and NHP In-Language Resources for COVID-19 (Google Sheet) COVID-19: Frequently Asked Questions, UPMC CDC Prevention Flyer, RCUSA Additional Resources in Spanish Curated Lists COVID-19 Resource List, Homewood Children’s Village COVID-19 Resource Page, PEAL Center COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Information and Resources, NAMI Coping with COVID-19, NAEYC Supporting Families During COVID-19, Child Mind Institute Resources for Families in Pennsylvania on COVID-19, Pennsylvania’s Promise for Children Coronavirus Resources, Center for Parent Information and Resources A support guide for parents raising babies and toddlers through the coronavirus crisis, Quartz COVID-19 Resources, Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University Resources for Early Childhood Policymakers on Preventing and Preparing for COVID-19, NIEER Rapid Response Resources: COVID-19, PIE Network Home Together Resources, PA Parent and Family Alliance COVID-19 Resources From Every Hour Counts, Every Hour Counts Online COVID-19 Resources for Kids, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Contacts and Information Commonwealth of Pennsylvania www.pa.gov Pennsylvania Department of Health www.health.pa.gov 1.877.72.432584 | 1.877.PA.HEALTH Allegheny County Health Department www.alleghenycouty.us/ 412.687.2243 Allegheny County Alerts (COVID-19 Alerts) www.alleghenycounty.us/alerts United Way www.pa211sw.org Dial 2.1.1 | Text Your Zip Code to 898-211 (Text Alerts) United States Department of Education www.ed.gov/coronavirus Email: covid-19@ed.gov Optum (Free Emotional Support Helpline) 866.342.6892 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline suicidepreventionlifeline.org 1.800.273.8255 (English) | 1.888.628.9454 (Spanish) | 1.800.799.4889 (Deaf or Hard of Hearing) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Disaster Distress Helpline www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline 1.800.985.5990 | Text (English): TalkWithUs to 66746 | Text (Spanish): Hablanos to 66746 More Information For more information about COVID-19, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), or World Health Organization (WHO) websites.
December 3, 2020 COVID-19 Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, children, families, and early learning professionals have had to transition to new methods of work, play, interaction, and learning. To offer support, Trying Together is providing updates on the status of COVID-19, available resources, and more. If you are interested in learning more about COVID-19, including information on symptoms, testing, and infection rates, please visit the Pennsylvania Department of Health website. To view additional resources for families and early childhood professionals, please continue reading below. COVID-19 Resources To best support these community members and the young children in their lives, Trying Together has created two resource lists, featuring helpful resources that families and educators can use to maneuver this difficult time. COVID-19 Resources for Families and Caregivers COVID-19 Resources for Early Care and Education Professionals Guidance for Pennsylvanians As of May 31, COVID mitigation orders are lifted in Pennsylvania. The order requiring universal face coverings was lifted statewide on June 28, 2021. The Pennsylvania Department of Health still urges Pennsylvanians to follow CDC guidance on wearing masks where required by law, rules, and regulations, including healthcare, local businesses, and workplace guidance. Meals for Children The Summer Food Service Program distributes free Grab ‘n Go Meals to children at 13 CitiPark and 34 partner locations in Pittsburgh. Meals are available to children up to the age of 18, and to individuals with disabilities up to 21 years old. This program runs from June 11 through August 13, 2021 (dates vary by location). To learn more, visit the program webpage or call 412.571.3291. What is COVID-19? According to the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD), “COVID-19 is a disease caused by a new coronavirus not previously seen in humans.” While this strain of coronavirus is new, coronaviruses are actually a large family of viruses, some causing illness in people and others circulating among animals, including camels, cats, and bats. While it is rare for animal coronaviruses to infect people who are exposed to infected animals, it has happened in the past as seen with Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). COVID-19 Vaccines Currently, all Pennsylvanians age 12 and older are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. For more information on where you can get vaccinated, vaccine safety, and more, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Health website. For questions about COVID-19 vaccines, call the PA Health Hotline at 1.877.724.3258. Symptoms As COVID-19 is a respiratory disease, common symptoms of infection include fever, dry cough, tiredness, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing. However, WHO states that some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, and diarrhea. After being infected with COVID-19, individuals generally display mild symptoms that begin gradually, but some people who become infected may not develop any symptoms at all and may feel healthy. 80 percent of the individuals who become infected recover from the disease without needing special treatment. However, one out of every six people who get COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty breathing. Elderly individuals, immunocompromised individuals, and individuals with underlying medical conditions such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney diseases, hepatitis B, and cancer are particularly at risk of developing serious illness if infected with COVID-19. Because of this, it’s important to limit possible contamination and reduce the spread of the virus. How It Spreads COVID-19 spreads through person-to-person contact (within about six feet) or by touching your mouth, nose, or eyes after coming into contact with surfaces that have been contaminated with respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. WHO states that “studies suggest that coronaviruses (including preliminary information on the COVID-19 virus) may persist on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days.” The risk of getting infected by COVID-19 depends on where you are and if there is an outbreak currently happening in that area. Individuals living in or visiting cities or areas that are experiencing an outbreak have a higher risk of becoming infected. There is a higher risk of infection and serious complications for elderly individuals, immunocompromised individuals, and individuals with underlying medical conditions. With this, WHO states that it’s important to “comply with any local restrictions on travel, movement, or large gatherings” and to cooperate with disease control efforts to reduce your risk and potential spread. How to Protect Yourself and Others Currently, the most effective ways to reduce the spread of COVID-19 to protect both yourself and others against infection are to: receive a COVID-19 vaccine if you are able to do so; avoid touching your face, nose, and mouth; frequently wash your hands, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds, especially if you come into contact with commonly used items and frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, handles, faucets, desks, sinks, and tables); if water and soap are not available, sanitize your hands regularly with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol; clean and disinfect commonly used items and frequently touched surfaces such as the items listed above with household cleaners and EPA-registered disinfectants that are appropriate for the surface, following the label directions appropriately; practice social distancing from others, especially avoiding individuals who are exhibiting symptoms, coughing, or sneezing; wear a face mask when shopping at essential businesses, visiting your health care provider, on public transportation, interacting with others at essential business, and when feeling sick, coughing, or sneezing; and comply with any local restrictions and recommendations on travel, movement, or large gatherings. Visit the CDC website for more information on how to properly clean and disinfect the areas around you. While this resource is primarily intended for individuals and households with suspected or confirmed cases hygienic practices can help reduce the spread of the virus. Watch this video for proper handwashing techniques. RESOURCE FOR AT-RISK INDIVIDUALS The CDC also has a resource highlighting precautions and preparation tips for individuals at risk of developing serious complications from COVID-19, such as elderly individuals, immunosuppressed individuals, and individuals with underlying medical conditions. Visit the CDC website to learn more. What to Do After Infection If symptoms are mild: Most people with mild COVID-19 symptoms can recover at home. To get tested for COVID-19, find a testing location near you or contact your health care provider. If you do not get tested, stay home, isolate yourself, and avoid contact with others. People who test positive for COVID-19 should self-isolate in their home for 14 days, or 10 days if they are not experiencing symptoms. People living with you will also need to quarantine unless they are fully vaccinated. Wear a tight-fitting mask if you must be around others and make a list of people you have come into close contact with (within six feet) from two days before testing positive. Close contacts should monitor for any symptoms for 14 days after exposure. If symptoms become worse, contact a healthcare provider. For information about isolating, quarantine periods, and more, read this document from the Pennsylvania Department of Health. If symptoms are severe: If you are experiencing severe symptoms (including a fever above 100 degrees Fahrenheit), call your healthcare provider or the nearest hospital/urgent care to schedule an appointment. If it is an emergency, call 9.1.1. Signs of an emergency include trouble breathing, new confusion, persistent pain/pressure in the chest, inability to wake or stay awake, and/or bluish lips/face. For more information, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Health website or CDC website. More Information For more information about COVID-19, visit the Allegheny County Health Department, World Health Organization (WHO), or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention websites.
November 17, 2020 Child Care Programs: Submit Your Experience The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is conducting a survey to gather information from the early childhood field to inform federal and state actions on child care. This survey is intended for early learning professionals. About Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, NAEYC has been collecting survey responses from early learning professionals to convey the challenges child care programs are facing across states and settings. Data collected through this survey will be shared with policymakers to build a deeper understanding of the ongoing urgency of the challenges programs are facing. Early childhood educators can answer the questions regardless of whether their child care program is open, closed, or somewhere in between, and regardless of what kind of child care program they work in, or what role they have there. Take The Survey To submit your experience, complete the online survey by November 22, 2020. NAEYC will select 10 respondents at random to receive a $50 gift card. Winners will be notified on December 18, 2020. Child Care Survey (English) Child Care Survey (Spanish) More Information For more information, contact advocacy@naeyc.org.
November 16, 2020 DHS Warns of Potential Pandemic EBT Benefit Scam The Department of Human Services (DHS) is warning of a possible scam concerning Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) benefits and reminding Pennsylvanians to be skeptical of unsolicited or random calls or text messages about public-assistance programs – especially when the calls or text messages solicit personal information, such as Social Security numbers. About DHS is investigating a report of individuals receiving calls with pre-recorded messages advising them to expedite their P-EBT benefits issuance by providing their Social Security number and case record number. In the message, the speaker claims to be from a County Assistance Office (CAO). DHS and other government agencies do not ask for information about P-EBT, SNAP, or any other public-assistance programs via unsolicited or random calls or texts, and Pennsylvanians should not reply to such a call or text or share any personal information if they are contacted in this way. If you or anyone you work with receive unsolicited or random calls or text messages telling you that you qualify for assistance and then asking for personal information, it is most likely a scam. Do not respond. Delete the message so you do not get caught in an identity theft scam. Pennsylvanians who have questions about whether a call, text, letter, or other communication is legitimate should contact DHS’ Office of Income Maintenance. Clients in Philadelphia should call the Philadelphia Customer Service Center at 215.560.7226. Clients in all other counties can call the Statewide Customer Service Center at 1.877.395.8930. Apply for Benefits Applications for the SNAP and other public assistance programs can be submitted online at www.compass.state.pa.us. All Pennsylvanians experiencing financial hardships due to the pandemic, a lost job, or a change in income are strongly encouraged to apply and see if they qualify for assistance with food, health care, and other essential needs. More Information For more information, read the full press release. To learn about food assistance resources for people around Pennsylvania impacted by COVID-19 and the accompanying economic insecurity, visit the Department of Agriculture’s food security guide. *Information provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
November 13, 2020 Fifth Annual Healthy Schools Summit Are you interested in translating research into action to create green and healthy schools? Join Women for a Healthy Environment (WHE) on Thursday, December 3 for the Fifth Annual Healthy Schools Summit. About During this virtual conference, national, state, and local experts will tackle the following questions: How are school stakeholders coming together to realize their shared goal for green, safe, and healthy schools for students and staff to return to? How are school leaders translating public health research into action to prevent the spread of COVID-19? What resources are available for educators, nurses, parents, and students to respond to existing and emerging school health needs? For information on the Summit sessions, please see the list below or view the full Summit Agenda. Morning Sessions “From Research to Action and Knowledge to Practice”: Keynote Address by Tracy Enger, Program Manager, U.S Environmental Protection Agency “Public Health Decision Making for School Leaders: A Panel Discussion” with panelists Dr. Farhad Ahmed (PA Dept of Health), Aimee Eckmann (Perkins + Will), Dr. Megan Freeman (Children’s Hospital), and Dr. Robert Scherrer (Allegheny Intermediate Unit “Clearing the Air: Indoor Air Quality in the Time of COVID-19”: Expert Panel with panelists Nina Hwang (Green Seal), Al Pater (Riverview School District), Lynn Rose (Environmental Health Consultant), and Raj Setty (Setty & Associates) Afternoon Sessions “The Future of Green and Healthy Schools” Afternoon Address by Anisa Heming, Director, Center for Green Schools, US Green Building Council Celebrating Five Years of Success through Our Healthy Schools Recognition Program: Virtual Awards Ceremony Option A – Learning Through Pandemics Past: Bringing Public Health and Civics into the Classroom Option B – “It’s Just a Cold” Navigating Student Health During COVID-19: Panel Discussion Option C – Civic Engagement Through Climate Literacy Registration To register for the Summit, visit the Eventbrite page. For questions, please email Kara Rubio, Healthy Schools Manager at kara@womenforahealthyenvironment.org.
November 10, 2020 Free COVID-19 Testing Available in McKeesport If you or someone you know needs to get tested for COVID-19, free testing is available in McKeesport for people ages three years old or older. This is a drive-through testing site that utilizes self-administered tests. Insurance is not required, however, you must have an appointment. About Allegheny County is offering free COVID-19 testing, for ages three and up, at 455 Industry Road in McKeesport. Testing is available by appointment only and will be completed as a self-administered test in each individual’s car. Masks are required. Those who are unable to drive to the site can contact the COVID-19 Hotline at 1.888.856.2774 or 2.1.1 for additional testing options and resources. For a demonstration of what to expect with self-administered testing, watch this video. If you know in advance that you will be unable to self-administer the test, contact the COVID-19 Hotline or 2.1.1 for other options to be tested. Make An Appointment Appointments can be scheduled online and by phone. To make a next-day appointment, please use the online registration site. Online appointments are accepted Sunday through Thursday for testing Monday through Friday. To make an appointment by phone, call 412.209.2262. This line is available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday appointments can be scheduled on Friday over the phone. Same-day appointments may be made, when available, by phone. Location Closures This testing location will be closed on the following dates: Veterans Day (November 11, 2020) Thanksgiving Day (November 26, 2020) Day After Thanksgiving Day (November 27, 2020) More Information To view additional testing locations and for answers to frequently asked questions, visit the Allegheny County website. Share this flyer with your network.
November 6, 2020 GivingTuesday 2020 Join Trying Together, your neighbors, and the global community on Tuesday, December 1, 2020, in celebrating kindness, collaboration, and generosity. Join us in #GivingTogether this #GivingTuesday. What Is GivingTuesday? First established in 2012, GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement that unleashes the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world. It’s also an opportunity for people to stand together in unity—to use their individual power of generosity to support and champion the organizations and causes they care about. Why Should You Participate? 2020 has been a difficult year, and it has been especially difficult for our nation’s families. Due to job loss, financial strain, education challenges, and limited access to child care, families have been working tirelessly to make ends meet and support the learning and development of their children. However, they cannot do it alone. That’s why Trying Together’s mission to reinforce the work of early childhood is more important than ever before. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Trying Together has: mobilized our advocates to ensure child care businesses receive the emergency funds they need to stay in business and provide services to families; distributed critical health and safety supplies to early learning programs that serve essential workers and their families; developed an online search tool to assist essential workers and families with quickly finding and choosing early learning programs that meet their needs; created an online community for families to connect, discuss, and support one another in their care and education planning for the 2020-21 school year; and curated comprehensive COVID-19 resource lists online, one of which is for families and caregivers and the other for early care and education professionals. During the COVID-19 pandemic and after, Trying Together will continue to develop our programs, resources, and services to meet the needs of our communities. Will you join us in this work by showing your support on GivingTuesday? What You Can Do We all have gifts to give, and thanks to social media, online giving, mail, and phones, there are limitless ways to use your generosity to reinforce the early childhood field. For examples of how you can give this giving season, see the list below! Submit A Donation If you would like to support Trying Together’s work directly, consider submitting a financial donation! We appreciate donations of any size. However, for those looking for recommended amounts, Trying Together has identified the following tiers: Early Childhood Supporter ($60) Early Childhood Sustainer ($120) Early Childhood Champion ($1,000) Thanks to the generosity of Trying Together’s Board of Directors, all donations will be matched dollar for dollar up to $2,000. Help us secure these matched dollars by donating! Share Your Story When you think of a good teacher, who do you think of? Take time this GivingTuesday to thank that person via social media, phone, or email and let them know how their work has positively impacted your life or the life of your child. SOCIAL MEDIA 1. Join the larger community in celebrating gratitude by posting your thank you message, picture, or video on social media using #GiveThanks or #GivingTogether. Example: I’d like to say thank you to @amymiller for the wonderful work she’s been doing to support my child’s learning and healthy development! Ashton still can’t stop talking about the caterpillar craft he did last month! 🐛🦋 #GiveThanks #GivingTuesday 2. Set a goal for how many educators you’d like to thank this giving season and share it out on social media using #GiveThanks or #GivingTogether! Example: This #GivingTuesday, I’m celebrating gratitude by thanking three early learning professionals who have had a positive impact on my life and child. Will you join me? #GiveThanks 📞💌 #GivingTuesday is on December 1 this year and to celebrate, I’d like to #GiveThanks to the early learning professionals who work tirelessly to make sure my child is safe, supported, and cared for. Your hard work does not go unnoticed. Thank you!CLICK TO TWEET PHONE OR EMAIL If you have their phone number or email, contact your early learning professional and let them know how much you appreciate the work they do to support your family. Share Our Fundraising Page Another great way to support Trying Together is by sharing our fundraising page with your network. To help get you started, we have created a GivingTuesday Social Media Toolkit that features sample social media posts and more! More Information For questions, please contact Trying Together at info@tryingtogether.org.
