Together, We Rise The COVID-19 pandemic has caused much uncertainty and change for the residents of Columbus. We have seen our normal quite literally disappear.
However, what is special about Columbus is its resilience. Our community has and continues to rise to the challenge and work to provide for our neighbors, loved ones, and those in need. Thank you!
Now, more than ever we must support services in our community that are essential to help improve the quality of life for our most vulnerable residents.
This is an unprecedented time. We are seeing the impact COVID-19 is having on women around the nation as racial & gender disparities are becoming more evident. In Ohio, more than 6 in 10 minimum wage workers are women. From an economic perspective, low-paid, young, working-class women are known to be hit the hardest from COVID. Women also make up 56.4% of service-sector workers, and industry that has been impacted greatly. Close to 950,000 children in Ohio live in single-parent or single-grandparent families, of those more than 2/3 are single female-headed: child care center closures are creating barriers for these mothers to continue work.
As we work together to maintain our safety and re-open our City, the Women’s Commission is committed to keeping our community equipped with the resources and assistance to navigate this new environment. We will be sharing timely and relevant resources as they come, continue to look out for our emails.
We thank you for helping us battle this virus, we know it has not been easy. We also want to applaud our health systems, frontline healthcare workers, Police, Fire and other essential employees helping us stay safe! Thank you for your tireless work. We could not do it without you!
With gratitude,
The Columbus Women’s Commission
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These are only some of the MANY ways our community has been coming together to bring joy, safety and love to one another.
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CelebrateOne Diaper Drive—during the COVID-19 crisis, there has been an increased need for diapers, wipes and formula for Columbus families. On April 7, CelebrateOne and NBC4 hosted a virtual phone bank to collect donations to purchase and distribute these items. There was an overwhelming response from the community and will be able to help hundreds of local families! Distribution is planned for May.
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Columbus Urban League Home Stabilization Program—Columbus Urban League announced on April 20 they have set up grant to help residents avoid eviction during the COVID-19 pandemic. Evictions disproportionately impact Black women with children, and the current pandemic has exasperated this issue. Read more HERE.
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Service! Relief for Hospitality Workers – a new nonprofit venture created to help feed unemployed workers in the industry and their families. Service! is a collaboration between restaurant veterans Sangeeta Lakhani, co-owner of The Table, and Muse Hospitality’s Matthew Heaggans, Letha Pugh, Catie Randazzo and Reed Woogerd. The project began serving meals mid-April and plans to distribute about 2,000 meals a week. Read more HERE.
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Curbside Concerts—created by local musicians who perform outside the homes of seniors. This initiative aims to bring music right to the curb of the seniors in our community who are quarantining at home but who might not have the ability to connect with others online through video chats or live events. Read more HERE.
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Community Response for Homeless COVID Residents—We have an incredible network of community and healthcare partners who are doing amazing things in short time. Community partners have opened two new shelters (in motels) for COVID positive homeless residents and three new social distancing sites for healthy men and women. Learn more HERE.
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Manufacturers switch to production of PPE—many local and state manufacturers have put their work on hold to switch to production of critically needed protective gear for medical workers battling the coronavirus pandemic. Read more HERE.
April was Minority Health Month. As the COVID-19 pandemic is disproportionately impacting African Americans and communities of color, health inequities are more prevalent than ever. While April may have ended, it is still important to focus on understanding the root causes of health inequities, how our community can help, and what resources are out there.
Data shows African Americans in central Ohio are being hospitalized at higher rates than other races who have COVID-19. In central Ohio, 13 percent of black Americans are uninsured, compared to 6 percent of white Americans. In Columbus, women represent 52% of all COVID-19 positive cases. Beyond COVID-19 we know that Black women are among those most at risk for experiencing health inequities. For instance, some of the issues we see that are of particular concern for Black women (and that CPH is working to address) include:
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Infant mortality: Franklin County has one of the highest infant mortality rates in the country. One hundred thirty-six babies die before their first birthday every year in our community, and African American babies are nearly 2.5 times as likely to die as white babies.
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Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): The rates of gonorrhea, HIV and primary and secondary syphilis are higher among African Americans compared to whites. In particular, Black women are disproportionately at risk of chlamydia compared to men or whites.
In response to knowing this data, Mayor Ginther and Columbus Public Health has opened a new Center for Public Health Innovation to address racism as a public health issue. The mission of the new Center is to reduce health inequities to increase life expectancy and improve quality of life. Read more HERE.
There are many resources that Columbus Public Health and other partners have that can help alleviate some of the barriers we face:
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Online Portals: While many doctor’s offices are reducing the number of patients they see in one day, or we often find it hard to make it to the office, getting medical help is still important. Using online portals, you are able to ask questions from a medical expert, access test results and request prescription fills, all from home. You can learn more HERE.
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Health Hotline: The COVID-19 outbreak is a rapidly evolving situation. If you have questions you can call Columbus Public Health at 614-645-1519, or the Ohio Department of Health at 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634).
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Pregnancy help: While this time may be scary for us all, it can be even harder when you are thinking about navigating the current world while pregnant. HERE and HERE are some resources that can help.
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Mental Health: Just as we care about our physical health, it is equally important to think about our mental health during this time. HERE is a fact sheet that can help navigate where to get help.
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Crisis Text Line—Ohio has created a text line to help any person who may need help in coping with a stressful situation. Reach out by text to communicate with someone trained to listen and respond in a method that is private, secure and confidential. The Crisis Text Line is a free, confidential service available 24/7 via text on mobile devices. Throughout Ohio you can text the keyword “4hope” to 741 741 to be connected to a trained Crisis Counselor.
The Columbus Division of Police reported a 23 percent increase in the number of domestic violence calls they received in March compared to the previous month. Tragically, there also has been a spike in domestic violence homicides with three in the last month.
Officials are concerned that this pattern of escalating violence could persist while people are quarantined—with forced isolation exacerbating increased anxiety about food, housing and employment. This could turn already unstable situations violent.
Last week, the Community Relations Commission (CRC) in partnership with the Columbus Women’s Commission and The Women’s Fund of Central Ohio hosted a webinar, Overcoming Violence Against Women. This webinar was the third session of the series focused on women in Columbus. Local experts shared about the rise of Domestic Violence and various resources available to residents during this time. Watch the session HERE.
There are resources available for victims and families seeking help:
- Services provided by the Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein’s Domestic Violence and Stalking Unit (DVSU)—the DVSU remains open to provide education, support, counseling, resources, crisis intervention and overall assistance to victims of domestic violence and stalking. The unit’s specially trained prosecutors and in-house advocates are there to help victims navigate the legal system by assisting them in obtaining protection orders, collecting statements and connecting them with legal counsel. Columbus residents can be connected to victim advocates by texting 614-653-8075
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LSS CHOICES for Victims of Domestic Violence 24-hour hotline—victims are encouraged to call this hotline at 614-224-HOME.
Individuals in immediate danger should call or text 911.
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services updated its weekly claim filing process to expedite unemployment benefits for those who have been approved. Starting Sunday, April 26, residents should complete their weekly claims on the day of the week that corresponds with the first letter of their last name:
- Sunday: A through H
- Monday: I through P
- Tuesday: Q through Z
On Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, anyone can file a weekly claim. Learn more HERE.
The City of Columbus and Mayor’s Office of Diversity & Inclusion and Citywide Training and Development have created various on-line training webinars. These Grow with Google webinars are free training and tools to help grow your skills and business. The next of the series is on Wednesday May 13th titled “Power Your Job Search with Google Tools”. Learn more & register HERE.
Additionally, The Central Ohio ReEmployment and Resource Virtual Hiring Event is designed to connect businesses with job seekers without leaving the comforts of home.
The Virtual Hiring Event is presented by the Workforce Development Board of Central Ohio (WDBCO), OhioMeansJobs Columbus-Franklin County, One Columbus, Columbus Chamber and WBNS 10TV. These events are happening weekly. The organizers are also looking for businesses who are virtually hiring! If you have available jobs, click the link below for more information.
Sign up for a Virtual Hiring Event or list a job HERE!
The economic impact of COVID-19 on our community has been especially difficult for our small businesses, many of which are women- owned. We encourage everyone to continue to support local! There are resources to help businesses that may be feeling the economic impact:
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The Ohio Women's Small Business Accelerator (OWSBA) Crisis Team— OWSBA has launched a crisis team to assist Women business owners. Mentors are hand-picked for anyone calling or emailing the crisis team. The Business Crisis Team provides help to women through supportive brainstorming, financial resources, and system reviews. Learn more HERE.
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Emergency Paid Sick Time & Child Care Leave Fact Sheet— The Families First Coronavirus Response Act was passed on March 14, 2020 and went into effect on Wednesday, April 1, 2020. This legislation requires many employers to provide emergency sick time and paid leave to employees impacted by COVID-19 that will be refunded via advanceable tax credits. Learn more HERE.
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Office of Small Business Relief—Ohio has launched a new office focused on Covid-19 resources for small businesses. The department can help navigate applying for disaster loans or stimulus funds, understanding regulations and accessing Small Business Development Centers and other forms of assistance. Find more information & resources HERE.
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JobsOhio—created economic resources for Ohio businesses HERE.
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Disaster loan assistance— Information on federal disaster loans for businesses, private nonprofits, homeowners and renters. Learn more HERE.
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Buy Black Thursdays— As part of a city-wide effort to support minority owned businesses, Council President Shannon G. Hardin has launched "Buy Black Thursdays", inviting residents to participate in supporting black-owned businesses. Let's support Black women-owned businesses!! #BuyBlackThursdays. HEREis a great list to get you started.
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As the state begins to slowly re-open there can be a lot of uncertainty on what may be happening. While coronavirus response is an ever-changing situation; we plan to keep you updated.
Columbus Updates—
- Drive-Through COVID-19 testing—Kroger is opening its first drive-through Covid-19 testing site in Columbus this week. Testing will begin at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens starting Thursday and running through May 2. Learn more about who is eligible and how to register HERE.
- Columbus will follow Gov. DeWine’s re-opening timeline: Mayor Ginther has stated that the city will follow the guidelines outlined by Gov. Mike DeWine to reopen the state to business activities while battling the spread of the coronavirus However he strongly urges the use of masks in public.
State of Ohio Updates—
- On April 27, Ohio Mike DeWine announced his plans for how the state will gradually begin to reopenon May 1. Most notable of the update:
- On May 1, Procedures that do not require an overnight stay in a hospital will be allowed to continue. Dentists and veterinarians will also be allowed to operate at full capacity on May 1.
- On May 4, manufacturing, distribution and construction will be allowed to open back up. However, those who are opening, will have to follow strict guidelines on how to reopen.
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On May 12, Consumer, retail and services to reopen. Read the order HERE.
- April 28: DeWine announced that face coverings are recommended — rather than mandatory — as Ohio gradually reopens. Read more HERE.
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Score a Better Future FICO Virtual Event—Thursday, May 7. Score a Better Future is a free educational program where consumers learn first-hand from FICO experts about what comprises a credit score and have the opportunity to receive one-on-one counseling from local non-profit credit counselors who are members of FICO® Score Open Access for Credit and Financial Counseling program. Learn more and register HERE.
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CORRE Virtual Hiring Event—Thursday, May 7 – Saturday, May 9 (Registration opens on Tuesday, May 05). The Central Ohio ReEmployment & Resource Virtual Hiring Event was designed to provide residents an opportunity to connect with businesses that have available positions and are ready to hire all without leaving the comfort of your home. Sign up for a Virtual Hiring Event or list a job HERE!
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Power Your Job Search with Google Tools –Wednesday, May 13. Citywide Training and Development have created various on-line training webinars. These Grow with Google webinars are free training and tools to help grow your skills and business. Learn more & register HERE.
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Community Relations Commission Exploring Health Inequities—Thursday, May 21. An exploration of health inequities and the impact on women and families in Columbus. Join the Community Relations Commission and the Columbus Women’s Commission for this timely topic, the 3rd 2020 Lunch and Learn of the series, focused on a woman’s journey in Columbus. The sessions will focus on barriers facing women in the community and how everyone can contribute to reducing gender discrimination. Tune in May 21 on FB Live HERE.
WCBE: Columbus Attempting To Address Coronavirus Racial Disparities
WCBE: Ginther Says Five Criteria Must Be Met Before He Reopens Columbus
NBC4: When will daycares reopen in Ohio? State has yet to decide as May 1 economic reopening approaches
WBNS: Columbus now offers texting service for domestic violence victims
WOSU: Columbus Homeless Shelter Readies To House People With COVID-19
WBNS: Mayor, health commissioner discuss plan to reopen Columbus
Columbus Business First: Why OSU's 'learning' model predicts a smaller surge with reopening than prior worst-case scenarios
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