^{*  “I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; And because I cannot do everything I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.” —Helen Keller}

For the time being we’ll be using this newsletter to provide links to what we think are some of the most useful resources for weathering the COVID-19 pandemic. Please be sure follow the guidelines and social distancing practices provided by our public health authorities to get us through the crisis.

We know you might be missing the outdoors, so we thought we'd bring the outdoors inside. This photo was provided by ODFW. Have a photo you've taken and want to share with us? Send it to sen.jeffgolden@oregonlegislature.gov with the subject “Photo Reminder.” We’ll use some in future newsletters.

Keeping Current on COVID-19

As we keep hearing about the COVID-19 curve flattening the way we hoped it would, here’s an important picture:

It shows two alternative paths forward from today. Maintaining the strict separation habits of the last month would just about eliminate the curve altogether, as measured by the number of COVID-19 cases that will need hospitalization. But relaxing those safeguards, even if we still distanced ourselves more than usual, could very well launch us to something like the orange path, which would likely get even steeper as time went on. Though these projections aren’t exact, they’re the best we have from analyzing what’s happened in other cities and countries.

Let’s go blue. 

At the same time, the concerns that many have about a protracted shutdown are being heard. Yesterday the governors of California, Oregon and Washington State announced a pact  to lay out the timing and steps for “turning the economy back on.” This is good news. Deciding on a pace for easing restrictions while keeping the virus contained is a tricky business; harnessing our public health knowledge and resources with two larger states should give us more confidence going forward. Governor Brown has made it clear that this will not be a one-size fits all approach and each state will make decisions that work best for their residents, but by coordinating our efforts we will make it safer for us all much sooner.

We need to move forward and that needs to be something we do together. For now, our families and communities need your patience for a while longer. Here again are some resources that might help address a particular challenge you may have. 

Have a safe and healthy week.

Senator Jeff Golden
Senate District 3 (Rogue Valley)

Important Updates

• The number of unemployment claims is more than fifteen times the normal levels. The Oregon Employment Department (OED) is doing everything that they can to scale up capacity to process claims. OED also released this new website, which gives additional guidance on frequent issues that people are encountering. If the website is not able to answer your question, OED suggests emailing a summary of your issue to OED_COVID19_info@oregon.gov. This will probably work better than calling because of unprecedented call volume, and will reduce wait times for those who have situations that can only be resolved by phone.
  
  
• The Governor has closed public schools for the rest of the academic year to prevent the spread of coronavirus. She also issued new guidance for seniors to they are still able to graduate on time.
  
  
• I also want to ask everyone who owns firearms to be extra careful about safe storage at home during these times. We’re in a time when children are spending almost all their time at home and, people of all ages are spending more time isolated from friends and support people. These conditions can aggravate mental health conditions and, in the case of children, increase the odds of disastrous accidents.  Removing access to a firearm is a crucial step you can take to prevent tragedy. Please keep guns locked, and otherwise safely stored,  and encourage your loved ones to do the same. If you’d like to learn more, visit BeSMARTforKids.org.

• Social distancing is working. If we continue to follow the directions of medical experts and officials, we should avoid overwhelming our hospital system. Thank you all for staying home and saving lives; please continue to do so.
  
  
• The CDC now recommends that we wear non-medical grade cloth face masks when we're out in public, especially in situations where it might be difficult to maintain social distancing. To learn how to make your own mask, check out this page from Jackson County. 
  
  
• Donations of Personal Protective Equipment can be dropped off at a drive-through at the Expo.
  
  
• Most state and national parks are closed to help limit the spread of coronavirus.

Resources for Current Information

• This OHA page is dedicated to information on COVID-19 with links to the latest announcements, guidance etc. You can also subscribe to email or text updates.
  
  
• Governor Brown has a website that updates regularly with news and resources about coronavirus and the state's response to the pandemic.
• U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley have each put together pages with additional resources and information.
  
  
• The latest from Jackson County Public Health. You can call Jackson County Health and Human services with questions at 541-774-8200.
  
  
• This Employment Department Page has resources including a PDF siting what insurance benefits you may qualify for depending on how COVID-19 has impacted you, available in English and Spanish.
  
  
• The Bureau of Labor and Industries has a basic FAQ for Employers and Employees around COVID-19. There is also some specific information on Sick Time here.
  
  
• The Oregon Department of Education has a page dedicated to COVID-19 information with resources in a variety of languages.

Other Resources

How You Can Help:

• Governor Brown has put together a great list of 10 things you can do to help your community while maintaining social distancing.
  
  
• While we're stuck at home, please remember to fill out the U.S. Census. That information is critical to making sure people are accurately represented in government and get the resources they need. The self-response window opened on March 12 and can be accessed online at 2020census.gov, over the phone in 13 languages, and by mail. The 2020census.gov website is available in 59 languages; simply click the globe icon on the top right corner of the main page to open a drop-down menu of options. As of now, the response window will be open until October 31st.
  
  
• If you are a retired medical professional and would like to volunteer to help those in need of treatment, you can sign up here.
• Rogue Valley Recovers has a whole host of information and ways that you can help in our community.
  
  
• The Red Cross is asking people to still go out and make blood donations if they feel well enough to do so. The Surgeon General has stressed the importance of donating blood at this time, and the Red Cross has taken extra steps to make sure that donors and Red Cross employees stay safe. You can read more about them here, and you can make an appointment to donate blood at RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-733-2767.

Business Resources:

• Senator Merkley's office has put together an excellent summary of the resources made available through the federal coronavirus relief packages with tips and advice about how access that aid.
  
  
• The Rogue Workforce Partnership has grant funds available to help local businesses avoid layoffs. These funds are available immediately, do not have to be repaid, and can be mixed with state and federal funds. These funds can be used for purchases of supplies, small equipment, or services that will help businesses avoid some or all layoffs being considered due to the COVID-19 crisis.  These fund can also pay for some limited wage replacement, but only if it’s tied to a longer-term layoff aversion strategy. To apply, click here.  The application is under the "Layoff Aversion" tab.
  
  

• USDA  has a Rural Development COVID-19 resource page with information about Rural Development loan payment assistance, application deadline extensions, and more, including in Spanish.

• Business Oregon has compiled both resources for businesses and business survival tips to get through the crisis.
  
  
• On Thursday, April 16th at 1:00PM there will be a free webinar to provide an overview of supports for small businesses in the Latinx community. The webinar will be in Spanish.
  
  

• The Ashland Chamber of Commerce has put together a page with resources in the Rogue Valley for both employers and employees.

• The Medford Chamber of Commerce has launched their Southern Oregon Strong (S.O.S.) Campaign to give access to a whole host of resources for businesses and consumers.

• Oregon Community Foundation is opening a COVID-19 Pooled Fund to organize local foundations to provide financial assistance to community organizations in response to COVID-19.
  
  
• Unemployment Insurance: The Employment Department issued new provisions to Unemployment Insurance to improve access. They have also updated their website to improve access to claims. If you are unsure of how to apply, have questions about your claim, or have any other questions, please visit the OED website, email OED_COVID19_info@oregon.gov, or check out the chart below:

Social Services:

• The National Alliance on Mental Illness has a helpline if you are struggling with mental illness in this stressful time, as well as many support groups of all kinds. The helpline is available from 9 AM to 5 PM at 503-230-8009, or toll-free at 800-343-6264. Visit their website here to find out more.
  
  
• DHS also has a specific service for seniors who are feeling isolated. It's important to maintain social connections, and this service can help with that as we all practice social isolation. Call 503-200-1633 to speak with a counselor today.
  
  
• SEIU has put together a really valuable page with resources for unemployment insurance, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food stamps), the Oregon Health Plan or other health care coverage, child care, and housing services. Check it out.
  
  
• The Governor has created a Coronavirus FAQ for immigrants and refugees in a variety of languages. You can find it by clicking here.
  
  
• Oregon Recovers has put together a list of resources for those struggling with addiction.

Meals for Students: 

Many school districts will continue to provide free meals for students.

For the Medford School District: Free “grab and go” meals for kids 18 and under will be served at six locations throughout the district (on weekdays) from Monday, March 16 through Tuesday, March 31. That includes the week of spring break. Breakfast will be served from 9:00AM - 10:00AM and lunch will be served from 11:30AM - 12:30PM.

Locations are as follows:

• North Medford High School  1900 N Keene Way Dr, Medford, OR 97504
• Howard Elementary School 286 Mace Rd, Medford, OR 97501
• Jefferson Elementary School 333 Holmes Ave, Medford, OR 97501
• Roosevelt Elementary School 1212 Queen Anne Ave, Medford, OR 97504
• Jackson Elementary School 713 Summit Avenue, Medford, OR 97501
• Oak Grove Elementary School  2838 W Main Street, Medford, OR 97501

Visitors are asked to enter through designated doors, pick up a meal from the cafeteria and then take the meal to go. Gathering inside the school will be discouraged. We are grateful to our MSD staff who are volunteering to staff the sites!

For all other school districts offering this valuable service and more information on how our schools are responding to COVID-19, please refer to the links below:

• Ashland
• Central Point
• Eagle Point
• Medford
• Phoenix and Talent
• Prospect

Meals for All: 

• Oregon Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education’s Food Hero website with resources about meal budgeting, planning, and recipes. Its searchable database has plenty of quick, tasty, healthy and low-cost recipes.
  
  
• The Oregon Food Bank has put together a "Food Finder" page to help locate local pantries and food assistance sites. They want to make sure that food is available to all who need it. If you enter your address, the Food Finder will tell you what services are in your area and is available in multiple languages. Find the Oregon Food Bank's Food Finder by clicking here.
  
  
• Access has put together a lengthy list of local food pantries.

Shopping:

• Oregonians can now use SNAP benefits to purchase groceries online from Walmart and Amazon.
  
  
• Many grocery stores are setting aside specific hours for vulnerable populations. You can find more information here. 
  
  
• The Northwest Grocery Association has put together some guidelines to help make sure we all stay safe when we need to go grocery shopping. Check it out here.

For Parents:

• Food Hero, an Oregon SNAP Education initiative, is offering free online gardening lessons to parents and kids alike.
  
  
• OPB has put together a virtual road trip through Southern Oregon and Northern California using a series of videos. Check it out!
  
  
• OPB created a list of at-home learning resources to help keep kids engaged while they're stuck at home.
  
  
• Kid Time has put together some online activities for kids stuck in the house. Check them out here.
  
  
• PBS is putting together daily activities for kids who have to stay home due to school closures. You can sign up to get those activities sent too your email if you sign up here.

Please remember to watch the news and follow the advice from experts at the CDC, OHA, and Jackson County Public Health, and directives from the Governor's office. We'll get through this and we'll do it by working together.