COVID-19 Resources & Supports

Representative Andrea Salinas

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

The numbers continue to show that the state’s social distancing measures are working. In fact, a recent report said that Oregon has the fifth lowest rate of COVID-19 cases in the nation. Our testing capacity is continuing to increase, and the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) says we are now conducting approximately 9,200 tests per week. In other good news, despite the increased number of completed tests, the percentage of positive tests is still holding steady around 5%, which is better than the national average. While early intervention seems to have helped us mitigate many of the worst impacts of this disease, I don’t want us to lose sight of the fact that Oregonians have died from COVID-19, and our essential workers continue to pay an immense price as a result of serving on the frontlines. It is these incredible losses that we must keep in mind as we cautiously evaluate reopening.

As we begin to think about next steps, it is important to keep in mind Dr. Anthony Fauci’s reflection on reopening, “You don’t make the timeline. The virus makes the timeline.”  Due to the relatively good position the state finds itself in, Governor Brown is currently evaluating options on how to begin reopening the state based on advice from the public health and scientific communities. All decisions will be data and science driven, so that we do our best to avoid a rebound in cases. It is also important to note that various metrics, such as our capacity to conduct testing and contact tracing, need to be met before we can reopen. The graphic below helps explain some of the components necessary in order to reopen.

what it takes to reopen

I also want to make clear that reopening will not be a return to “normal” or our pre-coronavirus ways of living. Like other countries, we will make gradual changes, and the elderly and immunocompromised will likely still need to operate under strict social distancing guidelines.

As I mentioned, the Governor is evaluating possible options based on suggestions from the Oregon Health Authority, her Medical Advisory Panel, and sector specific workgroups. Much is still being discussed and nothing is final yet. As soon as I learn more about the finalized reopening plan, I will be sure to share it with you all.

In this newsletter, I have a few updates, but the majority of the information provided is dedicated to various resources. Social distancing is challenging all of us in different ways, whether it’s exacerbating existing problems or creating new ones. It’s more important than ever that people are connected to the resources they need in order to stay safe, to be healthy, and to get the help they need. I know the phrase, “We’re all in this together” can sound cliché, but I hope this list of local resources ranging from domestic violence survivor supports, to mental health hotlines, to addiction recovery groups, and more, shows that there is an entire community ready to help and support you.

In solidarity,

Signature

Andrea Salinas, State Representative


Emergency Board

Tomorrow, April 23rd, the Emergency Board will meet to approve funding for the coronavirus response. As I have mentioned previously, the state of Oregon must balance its budget, so unlike the federal government, our funds are limited. However, the proposals before the Emergency Board will help provide some relief and will complement federal action.

Various agencies have submitted budget requests, which you can read here on OLIS. Some of the proposals that the Emergency Board will be considering include the following:

  • Housing – safe shelter and rental assistance - $12 million
  • Small Business Assistance - $10 million
  • Domestic and Sexual Violence Resources - $2 million
  • Oregon Worker Relief Fund - $10 million
  • Long Term Care Worker Testing and Training - $3.35 million
  • Rural Hospital Stabilization Loans - $50 million federal funds authorization
  • Coronavirus Relief Fund - $300 million federal funds authorization
  • Release of funds for fire season, public defense and care workers.

You can watch the meeting at 10am on the Oregon Legislative Information System (OLIS).

Updated Testing Guidance

This week, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) revised its guidelines for COVID-19 testing “to prioritize populations disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 and all frontline workers. The guidelines continue to allow healthcare providers to make clinical decisions about their patients. In addition, if supplies allow, asymptomatic people within the congregate care or group living systems can be considered for testing.”

You can read the new clinical guidelines for testing here.

National Guard

Many of you have asked about the Oregon National Guard’s role in the state’s coronavirus response. The National Guard has been hard at work delivering personal protective equipment throughout the state. Starting last Saturday, they also began distributing approximately 395,000 pieces of personal protective equipment to all long-term care facilities in Oregon.

You can read the Governor’s press release about this news to learn more about the National Guard’s work.

Protection from Garnishment

Last week, the Governor issued an executive order preventing creditors or debt collectors from garnishing federal CARES Act recovery rebate payments. I couldn’t agree more with Governor Brown who said, “Many Oregonians, through no fault of their own, are struggling to pay their bills, their rent, or even buy essentials like groceries and prescription drugs. These recovery checks were meant to provide relief, not reward debt collection agencies for preying on Oregonians who have lost their livelihoods due to the COVID-19 pandemic.” You can read her full statement here.

Resources and Supports

In the face of this public heath crisis, we must not forget that this can be an incredibly vulnerable time for those who already live in unsafe situations. In Clackamas County and in local jurisdictions across the United States, sheriff offices have seen an increase in domestic violence related calls. A Safe Place and other Clackamas County partner agencies wrote in a recent report, “The increase in law enforcement involvement is due to a number of factors: neighbors may be more likely to observe the violence and report it; the lethality of domestic violence increases during times of crisis (as seen during 9/11, Katrina, etc.); abuser surveillance is increased and victims may be afraid to leave the home, and because victims may not know that there are still resources available in the community.”

Whether this information will be of use to you or someone you know, I want to make sure that you are aware that the coronavirus outbreak has not prevented our incredible local organizations from providing critical supports during this time. Below, please find a list of different services and hotlines, because help is out there. Please also be aware that abusers can track your internet activity, and it is impossible to completely clear the “footprints” showing each site you have visited. Many of the websites below have “EXIT SITE NOW” or other quick escape buttons, which will immediately transfer you to another site. You can learn more about internet and computer safety here.

If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.

The Oregon Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence has created a directory of all statewide programs that indicates which services have been impacted by COVID-19. You can find the directory here.

National Domestic Violence Hotline 

  • 24/7 Hotline: Call 1.800.799.7233. If you are unable to speak safely, you can also log onto thehotline.org or text LOVEIS to 22522.
  • Staying Safe During COVID-19: The hotline created a list of “suggestions for survivors that may make this uncertain time feel a little bit safer.” You can read it here.
  • Additional Information: There is a plethora of additional information and resources for survivors and their loved ones on the National Domestic Violence Hotline website. They also have specific resources for immigrants and the LGBTQIA+ community available here.

Call to Safety

  • Call to Safety supports all survivors, and friends, family and community members who care. When you call the crisis line, an advocate will answer your call as quickly as possible.
  • 24/7 Crisis Line: Call 503.235.5333 or 1.888.235.5333 for free and confidential support.
  • Text: To text with an advocate, send your message to 503-235-5333.
  • Email: Send your message to support@calltosafety.org or fill out this form on their website. 
  • Additional Information: From support groups to quick facts to resources in the Portland metro area, you can learn more at calltosafety.org.

Proyecto UNICA

  • Si corre peligro de muerte, llame al 911. Si está sufriendo de abuso y violencia doméstica y necesita ayuda urgente, comuníquese con nuestra línea de ayuda 24/7 al 503.232.4448. Gratuita y confidencial.
  • Servicios: Los servicios que se ofrecen a las sobrevivientes de violencia doméstica y/o asalto sexual incluyen:
    • Línea de crisis en español disponible 24 horas al día
    • Manejo de casos y abogacía
    • Grupos de Apoyo en español
    • Apoyo a los padres/madres
    • Educación a la comunidad
    • Asistencia en la petición de órdenes de restricción y de acecho

Clackamas Women’s Services (CWS)

CWS

  • Confidential Support Line: Fully available 24/7 and available for all new referrals. 503-654-2288 or toll free at 1-888-654-2288.
  • Confidential Chat Support: Send a message here. Please note that due to safety concerns, CWS is unable to call anyone who is not reaching out for services or support directly for themselves. If you are reaching out for services or support for yourself, please let CWS know if it is safe to call you back and whether or not it is safe to leave a message.
  • Services: CWS has services ranging from emergency shelter and housing, to counseling and youth education. You can learn more about the programs available on their website.

The Clackamas County District Attorney’s Office: Victim Assistance Program

  • Office Hours: The CCDA Victim Assistance office continues to be open regular hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday) with reduced staff in the office and other staff continuing their work remotely.
  • Assistance: To speak with an advocate, call their 24/7 phone number 503-655-8616. You can also email victimsassistance@clackamas.us for assistance.
  • Court Hearings: The CCDA continues to accompany victims to court hearings or update them on the results of hearings if they do not choose to attend. Due to court restrictions, the total number of hearings is greatly reduced.
  • Protective Orders: The office is still assisting petitioners in filling out protective order paperwork. If you feel that you are in a situation that may qualify for a protective order, please call Victim Assistance for more information at 503-655-8616.
  • CCDA is not responding in person to hospitals for sexual assault exams or DV victims who present at the hospital, but they are providing advocacy via the phone for those victims.
  • Additional Information: You can find other resources on their website.

Domestic Violence Enhanced Response Team (DVERT)

  • Run out of the Clackamas County Sheriff's office, the Domestic Violence Enhanced Response Team (DVERT) enhances the safety of domestic-violence victims and their children. Through a coordinated response with its Clackamas County partners, DVERT improves domestic-violence investigations, prosecution and offender accountability.
  • DVERT Main Line: 503-785-5000
  • Victim Assistance Line: 503-557-5846
  • DVERT can provide:
    • Information regarding the status of pending investigations
    • Follow-up investigation
    • Domestic violence-related training
    • Connections to appropriate agencies and community resources
    • Assistance in petitioning for a protective order and court accompaniment
    • Safety planning and support
    • Learn more at Clackamas.us/sheriff/dvert

Gateway Center

  • Due to COVID-19, The Gateway Center is not accepting walk-ins at this time. Instead, please call 503-988-6400 during regular business hours for one-on-one support with experienced advocates who will help you develop a personal plan and connect you with other services. 
  • At this time, the Multnomah County Circuit Court is accepting applications for restraining orders in person at the Justice Center (1120 SW 3rd Ave) and remotely in coordination with Gateway Center advocates. Our advocates can help you navigate the restraining order process and paperwork over the phone. 
  • Learn more here.

Legal Aid Services of Oregon

  • Participants seeking assistance with scheduled contested restraining order hearings can call the Domestic Violence Program intake line at (971) 350-7434 for advice and possible representation.
  • Additional Information: Learn more about the services available to you here.

Other Resources

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Oregon

Our mental health is just as important as our physical health, and NAMI’s website has a wealth of resources and information to help us maintain and improve mental wellness during this time.

  • COVID-19 Resources: NAMI has created a COVID-19 specific resource and information guide, which you can read here.
  • Helpline: the NAMI Oregon Helpline is open during its normal hours from 9 am to 5 pm Mondays-Fridays. They will do their best to help callers navigate local resources. Call 503-230-8009 or toll free at 800-343-6264.
  • Online Support Groups: NAMI has 20 weekly online support groups running for individuals and families living with mental illness, including parents/caregivers raising school-age children with behavioral health issues.
  • Additional Information: Check out all of NAMI's various resources and services here.

Crisis Assistance Lines

If you’re feeling alone and struggling, you can reach out to The Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741 or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK.

A variety of different crisis lines exist to serve different communities from individuals in Clackamas and Multnomah County, to LGBTQIA+ youth, to veterans, to seniors, and more. Those phone numbers can be found here and here.

Addiction Recovery Resources

The Oregon Recovery Network is partnering with Recover Together With Google to provide Oregonians one centralized location with the latest state and local recovery resources and COVID-19 information so that our community can come out of this crisis stronger than ever.

To read my previous COVID-19 newsletters, which include additional resources, you can find them on my legislative website under “News and Information.”

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need assistance accessing any of these resources. If we missed a service, please let us know so that we can share it in a future update. Thank you!


email: Rep.AndreaSalinas@oregonlegislature.gov I phone: 503-986-1438
address: 900 Court St NE, H-485, Salem, OR, 97301
website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/salinas