Courtesy of the Nassau Library System as well as Oceanside Library staff, here is a list of health-related resources that may help answer questions, provide clarity, or give you further information as you need it.

World Health Organization: COVID-19

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: COVID-19 - page with valuable information and links on how to prevent getting sick, what to do if you are sick, symptoms, links to health care services and facilities, and links to information of latest cases of COVID-19 throughout the United States.

CDC Cases in the U.S. - Site containing information on statistics of cases and deaths in the U.S. and is updated daily  Monday-Friday - added on Friday 8/21

CDC Information For High Risk Individuals - added on Friday 8/21

COVID-19 and You Factsheet - A CDC compiled concise list of currently known facts about COVID-19, including symptoms, treatment and how to curb its spread - added on Friday 8/21

New York State Department of Health: Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Nassau County Health Department (Main Site)

Nassau County Health Department: COVID-19

Find A Testing Site Near You (from the NYS Department of Health) - added on Friday 5/22

Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources (from the U.S. Small Business Administration) - added on Friday 5/22

NY Forward Information on Reopening New York - This site describes the different phases of reopening. - added on Tuesday 5/12

NY Forward Regional COVID-19 metrics - This site monitors COVID-19 stats regionally.  These metrics have been established based on guidance from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, the U.S. Department of State, and other public health experts. - added on Tuesday 5/12

New York State Coronavirus Hotline (1-888-364-3065) - added on Thursday 4/30

Nassau County Coronavirus Call Center (516-227-9570) - added on Thursday 4/30

Nassau County Crisis Helpline (516-227-8255) - added on Thursday 4/30

Nassau County Veterans Service Agency (516-572-6565) - added on Thursday 4/30

NY Connects (516-227-8900) - added on Thursday 4/30

To report Price Gouging (PriceGouging@NassauCountyNY.gov) - added on Thursday 4/30

To report Violations in New York's Public Assembly Guidelines (ShutDownEnforcement@NassauCountyNY.gov) - added on Thursday 4/30

TEXT Updates from Nassau County regarding COVID-19 (TEXT COIVD19NC to 888-777) - added on Thursday 4/30

How To Make A Homemade Mask (from the CDC) - added on Monday 4/6

How To Make A Homemade Mask (video from the Surgeon General) - added on Monday 4/6

MedlinePlus: Coronavirus Infections

National Institute of Health Guidelines & Information (a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) - added on Friday 8/21

National Institute of Health Clinical Trial Information - on treatments of COVID-19 - added on Friday 8/21

USA.gov - Informational site regarding various government agency responses to the outbreak,  including a link to  information published by the COVID-19 Task Force of the White House - added on Friday 8/21

Department of State - Details their response to the outbreak and especially useful for those seeking passport services or travel information - added on Friday 8/21

ProQuest Coronavirus Research Database (14-digit Oceanside Library card barcode needed for access to this subscription database) - added on Wednesday 4/15

ESI: Coronavirus Prevention and Precaution Tips

7 Ways To Avoid Misinformation (Politifact.com)

Avoiding Shams, Malware & Phishing Scams (ARS Technica)

COVID-19 Government Resources (linked PDF document, thanks to Nicole DiGirolamo, Government Documents Librarian, at Levittown Library) - added on Monday 4/6

New York State Office of Mental Health - Offering a free and confidential emotional support Helpline to help callers experiencing increased anxiety due to the Coronavirus emergency. The Helpline is staffed by volunteers, including mental health professionals, who have received training in crisis counseling.  This line is not a substitute for professional health care.  Please call 1-844-863-9314. - added Wednesday, April 29

Mental Health Resources - Compiled by Social Work Resource Map, this is a list of 60 digital resources for mental health. - added on Monday 6/8

New York Office For The Prevention Of Domestic Violence - If you feel unsafe at home, reach out to an advocate any time, day or night.  Chat, text, and calls are secure and private.  (TEXT 1-844-997-2121 or CALL 1-800-942-6906) - added Friday, May 1

New York Essential Worker Crisis Text Help - Through a partnership with New York State, Kate Spade New York Foundation, and Crisis Text Line, this is a 24/7 emotional support service for frontline health care workers.  (TEXT NYFRONTLINE to 741-741) - added Friday, May 1

Medicare Counseling Available Through Family and Children HIICAP Program (516-485-3754) - Speak with certified counselors from the Nassau County Health Insurance Information Counseling and Assistance Program (HIICAP) for information about Medicare application for seniors who lost their health insurance due to job loss, as well as: Medicare questions, Supplemental Insurance Medicare Advantage, Prescription Drug Plans, Medicare Savings Programs, and NYS EPIC Drug Coverage.  For assistance, leave a message and someone will get back to you shortly.  - added on Friday 5/8

 

Resources for families and children.

Dr. Michael Ronan of Baldwin Harbour Pediatrics PowerPoint presentation on COVID-19 And Your Children

Resources For Families During The Coronavirus Pandemic (Common Sense Media)

For Children: Sesame Street in Communities - Saying Healthy

For Children: Coronavirus: A Book For Children (from publisher Nosy Crow) (linked PDF book, thanks to Renee McGrath at Nassau Library System) - added on Tuesday 4/7

 

Additional resources covering food assistance, economic impact, and legal services.

Island Harvest Long Island Food Bank's letter regarding individuals needing SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) during the COVID-19 crisis (linked PDF document, thanks to Island Harvest for offering free assistance to SNAP beneficiaries at this time) - added on Thursday 4/9

Island Harvest Long Island Food Bank flyer for additional information (Linked PDF document, visit islandharvest.org or call 631-873-4775 if you need assistance, know someone who does, or if you can contribute in any way) - added on Thursday 4/23

Island Harvest Long Island Food Bank Commodity Supplemental Food Program (linked PDF document regarding Free Monthly Nutritious Food Packages For Seniors, call 631-873-4775 to see if you qualify) - added on Thursday 6/4

If you are a senior or know a senior in URGENT need of limited essential deliveries or groceries, here are three resources that can provide assistance:
Ask Umbrella (1-844-402-2480) has a credit card number required and a suggested $10 donation.

Operation Infinity - does shopping for seniors and people with immune compromised health.  Call or email Jayne Guarino (516-320-0715, jayne.guarino128@gmail.com) or John Fallon (516-592-9245, john.christopher.fallon@gmail.com) for information.
A brief summary: Once you speak with them, they will send a volunteer in your area to your residence. The volunteers will collect your shopping list and payment (either a credit card/debit card or cash) and then proceed to pick up your groceries. Once they have finished shopping they will return with the groceries, a receipt and any change or your cards. While providing this service they take safety extremely seriously and make sure their volunteers are wearing protective equipment. They urge those who use their services to wipe down all grocery items with disinfecting wipes as another precaution. They also try to limit any contact between volunteers and those requiring the service by asking them to leave the list and payment in an envelope outside their door for the volunteers to pick up. Volunteers will leave the groceries at the doorstep of the residence or another safe agreed upon location.
A brief disclaimer: Most of their volunteers are college students or recent graduates with limited grocery shopping experience. Due to this runs can take sometimes between 2-3 hours. They also urge our volunteers to call those they are helping with any questions while shopping so a phone number is suggested to be supplied for this open communication. Due to an increase in requests they will be limiting runs to one per family per 2 weeks. They ask that you be understanding with regards to quantity and specificity of groceries, because of the pandemic many items are extremely difficult to find and certain brands may be unattainable. - added on Wednesday, May 6

The Oceanside Senior Center (516-764-9792) will have volunteers delivering items beginning next week.  Seniors must be able to pay by cash or check upon delivery.  Limitations and specific details can be obtained by calling them directly. - added on Friday 4/24



The federal CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act) was passed into law on March 27, 2020. The act provides unemployment insurance as well as pandemic unemployment insurance for Americans affected by the Corona Virus (COVID-19). The New York State Department of Labor has compiled a fact sheet on this act including information regarding how to file a claim for New Yorkers. You can also consult the NYS Department of Labor page What You Need to Know and Do about the Cares Act for additional information. The US Treasury Department and the IRS announced on March 30, 2020 the distribution of economic impact payments to Americans, for additional information on this consult the IRS. - added on Friday 8/21

FRASER (Federal Reserve Archival System for Economic Research) has put together a timeline of events in the COVID-19 pandemic as well as a link to historical research resources regarding past pandemics. The Central Bank of the United States has put together research resources regarding the pandemic’s economic and financial impact. - added on Friday 8/21

Nassau County Bar Association launches COVID-19 Task Force to assist residents in need (email covidhelp@nassaubar.org or call 516-747-4070 with any legal questions or issues and a staff member will reach out within two business days for further assistance) - added on Thursday 4/23

FINIMPACT Small Business Survival Guide to Combat COVID-19 - Resources and relief programs for small businesses affected by COVID-19 - added on Monday 6/22

Reviews.com Homeowners Insurance and COVID-19: Relief Options and Considerations for Our New Reality - added on Monday 7/27


A few organizations who normally meet at the library monthly would like residents to know that they are offering remote assistance at this time - updated on Monday 9/21

National Alliance On Mental Illness (NAMI)
The NAMI mental health support group meetings will continue as a virtual support group on Tuesdays beginning October 6 from 6:30 - 8:30pm every other week.  Register with David Sills at: dsills@namiqn.org.  Please submit your name(s), phone number, and Email address. - updated on Monday 9/21

Alzheimer's Association Support Group (Usually meets on the 4th Tuesday of each month from 11am-12:30pm)
In light of our heightened concern for the health and well being of our community, the Alzheimer's Association will be changing the format of our monthly caregiver support groups for the time being. We will be now be substituting our in person meetings by offering caregiver support groups via telephone and online while the library is closed. We will continue to offer care consultations, via telephone, through our 24/7 Helpline (800-272-3900) and through our Long Island Chapter. We will continue to offer caregiver support groups remotely. The organization will be contacting everybody who has attended the groups, updating them and offering them the opportunity to participate from the comfort and safety of their home.

Medicaid Assistance (Usually meets on the 3rd Tuesday each month from 10am-12:30pm)
Nassau-Suffolk Hospital Council continues to provide Medicaid enrollment assistance.  They can be reached at 631-656-9783.  As messages come in, staff working remotely will be assigned to callers to provide assistance.  They are also there to answer any questions people may have regarding utilizing insurance, understanding their benefits, finding specialists, etc. More information can also be found on their website at www.coverage4healthcare.org.
Just as a reminder, below are the Medicaid programs that they can assist people apply to:
·Community Medicaid (including those with excess income and/or resources)
·Medicaid for home care services
·Medicaid for nursing home care or other services in an in-patient setting
·Medicaid for adults and children in need of waiver services (OPWDD, Traumatic Brain Injury, Bridges to Health and other HCBS programs, etc.)
·Medicaid for working people with disabilities who want to buy into the program
·Medicare Savings Program for those with Medicare that need help paying Part A, Part B, and/or prescription drugs
·Medicare enrollment assistance for those also eligible for Medicaid