All posts by Linda Milardo

Valley Covid-19 Updates

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Many Valley nonprofit organizations are taking responsive measures to COVID-19. This can range from reduction of hours, outright office closures, new programs, canceled events, and so on. In an effort to share that information with you, please see below for a list of changes that the Valley Council has been made aware of. G

Office of Governor Ned Lamont is sharing a COVID-19 update.1

Members of the Reopen Connecticut Advisory Group’s community committee will hold a roundtable discussion on Tuesday May 19 at 2PM regarding the impact of COVID-19 on some of the state’s most vulnerable populations. It will stream live on the Connecticut Network (CT-N)

Have a question? Send it to reopen@ct.gov.

MORE INFO: https://bit.ly/2TkWnax


Valley Community Partners Launch Valley Community COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund

In response to COVID-19, the Valley Community Foundation (VCF), Valley United Way (VUW), Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce (GVCC), and the Valley Council for Health & Human Services (Council) have come together to establish the Valley Community COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund to rapidly deploy resources to organizations who support those in the area who are most significantly affected by the pandemic. 

This Fund will serve as the repository for donations from individuals, foundations, and corporations with VCF serving as the backbone and fiscal agent. To support the Valley Community COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund, visit www.valleyfoundation.org. Gifts via credit card are strongly preferred over checks to reduce processing time. Checks can however be made out to Valley Community Response and Recovery Fund and mailed to 253-A Elizabeth St., Derby, CT 06418.

Your support is essential. Click here to learn more about the fund and help the Valley’s collective capacity to respond in the wake of this global pandemic.

Valley COVID-19 Organizational Updates

Please email Linda Milardo (linda.milardo@valleyunitedway.org) and John Ready (jready@valleyfoundation.org) if your organization is making an pro/re-active steps related to the spread of COVID-19 so this site can be accurate updated.

General information about COVID-19

American Red Cross:

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We are going through a challenging time as we navigate the impacts of the #COVID19. It’s likely to be with us for a long time, and that is why we must prepare a little differently for other disasters that may affect our communities. It is difficult to think about, but other disasters, like hurricanes and wildfires, can still strike. Visit to learn how you can prepare your family and community. https://bddy.me/3e8znDJO


WOULD YOU HOST A BLOOD DRIVE? If you would be interested, please contact Lynn Fairfield-Sonn at either 860-384-9232 or lynn.fairfieldsonn@redcross.org.

From the sponsor we need:

1500+ square feet of clear space, ideally more to create social distancing now.  Access space without using stairs (handicapped ramps and elevators are fine) Electricity/bathrooms/heat, 10 tables and 30 chairs. A facility contact to open and close the space and who we can contact if there are issues.

Please Call For an Appointment 1-800-REDCROSS or visit: https://www.redcrossblood.org/

Please Call For an Appointment 1-800-REDCROSS or visit: https://www.redcrossblood.org/

SCG, CNG and UI Donate $210,000 to Organizations Providing Community and Economic Relief in Connecticut

ORANGE, Conn. — April 9, 2020 — Southern Connecticut Gas, Connecticut Natural Gas, and United Illuminating, subsidiaries of AVANGRID, Inc. (NYSE: AGR), today announced $210,000 in donations to community organizations that are working to ease the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Connecticut residents and businesses. For more information visit:

https://www.soconngas.com/wps/portal/scg/home/!ut/p/z1/lZFRb4IwFIV_jY94LxSk7o04N3WKS4wifTGAFVmgxYKw7ddbtyXbkulin27bc3O_cy4wWAMTUZOlUZ1JEeX6HrLehpiz4cgeoD8fWw56D0P_eTrro-07EPwnYPobLxwPYQUMWCLqst5DWCVplKqNPKpEFmUk3jr4sxa8rZSUxXd1bi6TbAshpWRrUU6NXWwSwzbRNeLY7Rlo88hKYkJjdGDyQXMFVtvNXg4H5mkmKWr-WsP6dqjgjKUHTbBvja1H9OkAbfRc4i2c_v3Tau5-Ca7kolHTXMafK_CENpACU3zHFVfdo9LP-7ouq7sOdrBt224qZZrzbnIG-atlLyvt5bcSQr0891Ie5pJA0GS8haWQqtAkixvjHiGUxbKgxMmbcvQ-5YERTpr2BBgnzNo!/?1dmy&current=true&urile=wcm%3Apath%3A%2FSCGAGR_OurCompany%2FOurCompany%2FNewsRoom%2F2020%2F2020-04-09%2BCT%2BContributions

Valley United Way

Concerns about COVID-19 in Connecticut are growing and we want to be a resource so you can care for yourself and others. For more information visit: https://valleyunitedway.org/coronavirus/

State of CT – Home visits and birth to three programs:

Memo available here – https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/cteca/mailings/593/attachments/original/OEC_Coronavirus_Memo_5_B23_HV_fiscal_and_visit_guidance_final_3_16_20.pdf?1584377878

Memo available here – https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/cteca/mailings/593/attachments/original/OEC_Coronavirus_Memo_5_B23_HV_fiscal_and_visit_guidance_final_3_16_20.pdf?1584377878

Libraries:

Below is information related to regional and statewide libraries. Details in the link explain more for each Valley library. While programming is likely closed and the buildings are closed to the public, some still have resources available and librarians who are able to assist via phone and email. Online home library services such as Hoopla and Overdrive should be unaffected and are still accessible by patrons. http://libguides.ctstatelibrary.org/dld/COVID-19

TEAM Grab N Go Meals:

While schools are closed, parents can stop by 30 Elizabeth St. to Grab N Go lunch and breakfast, from 11Am-2PM. Mon-Fri from March 16th through March 30th. Details are available here: https://www.facebook.com/TeamIncCt/photos/a.169457856422314/3066548246713246/?type=3&theater 

Covid19 emergency food needs detailed by @TEAM’s Food Hub

Make a difference by contributing requested food items: Shelf stable liquid mild, canned chicken, oatmeal, frozen and fresh vegetables, meats, pasta, rice, eggs, kid juices and snacks.

Drop off available Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm at 30 Elizabeth St. Derby.

TEAM will be opening its modified Early Childhood access effective Thursday, March 26th. Child care is a critical part of the public health emergency response – it is particularly important to ensure that public safety workers are able to work, healthcare workers are able to care for the sick, and other workers can continue vital services in society such as pharmacies, food stores, and transport. TEAM is taking the lead in caring for the children from Griffin’s Health Staff; ages 1-12.  It is run by volunteer staff and other tiers may open up.  They are following all safety precautions. For more information on TEAM Inc Services:
https://teaminc.org/

David Morgan, Valley Council Vice Chair and President/CEO of TEAM Inc., was featured on the Valley Independent Sentinel’s podcast to talk about what TEAM has been doing during the COVID-19 health crisis to help people in need. Click here to listen.


City of Shelton News:

Shelton City Hall Community Center and the Senior Center and libraries are open with reduced hours. The pool gymnasium and fitness rooms are closed. The parks and playgrounds and trails remain open. Members of the Senior Center can call the Information Center for daily updates. Public works will remain open. Trash and recycling pick up will continue. Residents are asked not to flush any wipes, including those marked flushable and should dispose of the in their trash receptacles. All emergency services and Police Dept. will continue to respond to calls for services. The animal shelter remains open. For more information visit http://www.city of Shelton.org

Ansonia:

Master’s Table Community Meals is postponing all meals until further notice. This is temporary, due to COVID-19. Please be safe.

BHcare:

In response to the Coronavirus pandemic and to best protect the health and safety of our clients and staff, BHcare/PCRC will be utilizing telehealth to care for new and established clients effective Monday, March 23.  We will not accept any walk-in clients in our Ansonia, Branford and Derby locations.

Established clients will be contacted to schedule telehealth appointments.

To make a telehealth appointment please call:    

BHcare Ansonia: 203-736-2601

BHcare Branford: 203-483-2630

PCRC Derby Clinic: 203-954-0543

Attached is a copy of a Resource Guide – PCRC put together for parents struggling with the changes brought about in their lives because of the COVID-19 virus.  It includes information about local resources, some parenting tips, and some great on-line activities for kids while they are out of school.  https://www.bhcare.org/page/29138

Alliance for Prevention and Wellness: A program of Bhcare, Ansonia Online Recovery Meetings link: https://www.thrivefamilysupport.org/support 
For more information on Substance Abuse Prevention Programs, Narcan Trainings; Hope Health and Recovery. Visit: https://apw-ct.org


Griffin Hospital:

Their COVID-19 drive -thru Testing Facility is open for testing. The collection site is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Persons will need to have a valid order for the test from a licensed independent healthcare practitioner. Patients with a valid order can schedule an appointment at 203-437-6815. More info can be found on their website.
https://www.griffinhealth.org/griffin-hospital

Naugatuck Valley Health Dept: For information and current updates and reports regarding coronavirus COVID-19, please visit: www.NVHD.org/coronaviruses/COVID-19 or call 2-1-1.
As a reminder, residents who have questions regarding COVID-19 can call 2-1-1, visit the following webpages:

Use of Cloth Face Coverings to Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19 https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html

Additionally, the www.nvhd.org/coping webpage has behavioral health resources dedicated to individuals and families who may be experiencing stress or anxiety related to COVID-19.

Christian Counseling & Family Life Center:

They have transitioned their services (psychotherapy & psychiatric care for individuals, couples and families) to telemedicine. They continue to provide high quality behavioral health care to those in need. They are serving their current patients as well as accepting new referrals. http://christiancounselingflc.org/Aboutus/aboutus.html

Rape Crisis Center of Milford – Serving the Valley 

The Rape Crisis Center of Milford continues to serve our community during this difficult time. Below are a link of their current available services.
https://www.rapecrisiscenterofmilford.org/