UPDATED 5/1/2020 | MHLAC’s Daylinks (COVID-19 related resources)

During the COVID-19 public health crisis, we are all trying to stay informed and keep up with the most recent updates. MHLAC’s DAYLINKS shares information and resource links we think our clients and client’s families may find useful. As often as possible, we will post links on MHLAC’s facebook page and here, on our website. 

Legal Assistance for clients (Massachusetts specific) 

• www.MassLegalHelp.org – Information for clients seeking legal help
• www.masslao.org/ – This virtual legal advice service for low income clients is fully operational 
• Your Rights as They Pertain to COVID-19’s Effects on DMH and DDS Facilities in Massachusetts. http://mhlac.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Your-Rights-COVID.pdf 
• Concerned about leaving your home for physical or mental health appointments because of COVID-19? There’s likely a telehealth option for you! http://mhlac.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Telehealth-COVID-19-Flyer.pdf 

Legal Services information for legal advocates (Massachusetts specific) 

• www.masslegalservices.org/covid-19
• The Committee for Public Counsel Services Social Services maintains a list of potential resources for you on a variety of topics, as well as ways you can help during the pandemic https://www.publiccounsel.net/soc/social-services-resources-covid-19/.  

Non-profit organization relief efforts and policy updates

• http://massnonprofitnet.org/nonprofit-resources/coronavirus-massachusetts-nonprofits/ – Comprehensive list of COVID-19 response and resources (both Massachusetts & Federal) for non-profit orgs. and their clients 

MHLAC DAYLINKS for Friday, May 1, 2020

• BREAKING NEWS | All Massachusetts residents will be required to wear masks in public beginning Wednesday, May 6. https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/05/01/nation/coronavirus-boston-massachusetts-may-1/  Don’t worry if you don’t have one yet. Don’t waste your money when you can likely make one right at home with items you already have. See this https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html for some ideas.  
• ACTION ALERT! | Send a message to the Chairs of that Committee supporting H.4652, An Act Regarding Decarceration and COVID-19, by using this easy link by next Tuesday, May 5 to help release those stuck in prison during this crisis.  
• This experience is taking a toll on all of us. See this interview for some recent perspectives and experiences, https://www.npr.org/2020/04/20/838297666/covid-19-crisis-takes-a-toll-on-americans-mental-health  Also, remember, if you need support or you are concerned about some you love, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255. Write it down and put it in your wallet. Put it in your contacts on your phone. We’re here for eachother. Stay connected!

MHLAC DAYLINKS for Tuesday, April 28, 2020

• https://www.wbur.org/events/browse WBUR is hosting TownHalls online about COVID-19 and its impact on people, our communities and Earth.  
• https://www.mhalink.org/MHA/PublicHealthWellness/Emergency_Preparedness/Caregiver_Wellbeing_Resources.aspx. If you or someone you know is working in the health field or caring for loved ones, here is a list of caregivers wellbeing resources provided by the Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association.  
• https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-response-reporting gives daily and weekly updates on Massachusetts COVID-19 cases and testing numbers.

MHLAC DAYLINKS for Friday, April 24, 2020

• If you have a small business, Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation has a COVID-19 Small Business Stabilization Network and provides application and translation assistance for applying for the Paycheck Protection Program. https://www.empoweringsmallbusiness.org/resources/covid-19-small-business-resources 
• The COVID Relief Coalition has various emergency relief options available to small businesses and nonprofits https://www.covidreliefcoalition.com/en.  
• Small business owners in all states and territories can apply for disaster loans, more information here: https://www.sba.gov/disaster-assistance/coronavirus-covid-19. Information from the MA government on small business disaster support can also be found here: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/small-business-administration-disaster-loans. 

MHLAC DAYLINKS for Tuesday, April 21, 2020

      These sources are all funds artists (of all medias) can apply for – others are welcome to donate.  

• Applications for the Boston Artists Relief Fund are due by April 30th. This fund will provide grants of $500 and $1000 to artists living in Boston. https://cityofbostonartsandculture.submittable.com/submit/af2153eb-2d87-4e9d-9ebc-5861eb135999/boston-artist-relief-fund 
• The Actors Fund has a COVID-19 fund folks can apply for, and it compiled a list of entertainment industry organizations providing emergency financial assistance. https://actorsfund.org/am-i-eligible-help 
• Applications to the Boston Music Maker COVID-19 Fund are due by April 30th, https://www.therecordco.org/covid-19.  

MHLAC DAYLINKS for Friday, April 17, 2020

• MHLAC, DLC (Disability Law Center) and GBLS (Greater Boston Legal Services) wrote a resource pamphlet on Your Rights as They Pertain to COVID-19’s Effects on DMH and DDS Facilities in Massachusetts. http://mhlac.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Your-Rights-COVID.pdf 
• Contra COVID is an organization dedicated to helping Latinx and immigrant families. The website https://en.contracovid.com/ containing resources, news and videos in Spanish, Portuguese, and Haitian Creole was started by group of Harvard Medical School students and professionals dedicated to helping families during the COVID-19 pandemic. 
• Free, online groups and events from William James College (WJC) See list here https://www.williamjames.edu/community/resource-hub/public-events-calendar.cfm. WJC has created a Resource HUB of COVID-19 related resources aim to provide training tools for mental health professionals; materials for educators; resources for parents seeking ways to engage children in educational play at home; and mental health resources for those who need support.

MHLAC DAYLINKS for Wednesday, April 15, 2020

• The DLC (Disability Law Center) now has COVID-19 Know Your Rights available at https://www.dlc-ma.org/2020/04/14/covid-19-know-your-rights/.
• NAMI MA’s updated resource list can be found here: https://namimass.org/online-and-phone-support-options/.

MHLAC DAYLINKS for Monday, April 13, 2020

• Two programs in Massachusetts provide real-time, psychiatric support through telehealth strategies – MCPAP (Massachusetts Child Psychiatry Access Program) provides specialized psychiatric consultation to pediatricians and other primary care providers who serve children. www.mcpap.com  MCPAP for Moms provides specialized perinatal psychiatric consultation to OB-GYN physicians and other providers who care for women during the perinatal period. www.mcpapformoms.org Both programs are available to any provider in Massachusetts serving these populations and regardless of the insurance status of the patient. Both programs are also able to provide, in addition to specialized psychiatric consultation, assessments via telehealth with patients who have complex clinical needs, and information about community resources that may be helpful to the provider and the patient.

MHLAC DAYLINKS for Wednesday, April 8, 2020

• Yesterday, MA Department of Public Health published a Crisis Standards of Care Planning Guidance for the COVID-19 Pandemic. This plan was supposed to address potential scarcity of need for medical resources. https://mcusercontent.com/b6fca240156200bca3e026661/files/62a0c5ee-f1fc-4cd0-ae26-1f77884e9508/CSC_April_7_2020.pdf 
• The Committee for Public Counsel Services Social Services maintains a list of potential resources for you on a variety of topics, as well as ways you can help during the pandemic https://www.publiccounsel.net/soc/social-services-resources-covid-19/.  
• Stay Informed! 

City of Boston has launched a free texting service to provide daily updates and information about the coronavirus. All you need to do is text BOSCOVID to 99411 

The State of Massachusetts also provides updates. Text COVIDMA to 888777 

• You can also dial 211 to access a statewide consumer hotline to help folks during the COVID-19 public health emergency. It should have information and referrals related to the virus, including where people can access flexible funds through the COVID-19 Family Support Fund.  

MHLAC DAYLINKS for Monday, April 6, 2020

• Do you need internet? Look at: MassLegalHelp page https://www.masslegalhelp.org/health-mental-health/covid-19-internet or MassLegalServices page https://www.masslegalservices.org/content/free-or-discounted-broadband-cell-phone-resources In response to COVID-19, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) launched the Keep Americans Connected Initiative to ensure that people do not lose their broadband or telephone service during the pandemic. Visit https://www.fcc.gov/keep-americans-connected
• What about other resources? School, food, autism, housing, etc. Pediatric Family Navigation created a spreadsheet with tabs outlining details about programs and resources on these subjects and more. Check it out: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1iJf5o0iuF-pxyyjqg8Fx653P0ZtQz4w0bJ6aePmwYCE/edit#gid=1945218795
• Want more resources around Housing and Homelessness? The National Low Income Housing Coalition has a page dedicated to COVID-19 and resources for understanding disaster housing, the state of evictions and foreclosure moratoriums, and federal agencies recommendations. https://nlihc.org/coronavirus-and-housing-homelessness

MHLAC DAYLINKS for Friday, April 3, 2020

• NAMI MA’s updated resource list can be found here: https://namimass.org/online-and-phone-support-options/. Also NAMI National wants to know. Are you having trouble staying on your treatment plan or accessing behavioral and mental health supports during COVID-19? Share your story here: https://nami.quorum.us/campaign/25407/.
• Worried about finances? Read this guide by the National Disability Institute https://www.nationaldisabilityinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/financial-resiliency-tips.pdf
• See the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s updated webpage for information on the ADA (American Disabilities Act) for workplaces. https://www.eeoc.gov/facts/pandemic_flu.html
• Last Friday, the CARES Act was signed into law—this week the National Disability Institute analyzed it. This act discusses unemployment insurance, relief payments to folks, business loans, the expansion of many public services, etc. You can read their analysis here: https://www.nationaldisabilityinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/cares-act-and-the-disability-community.pdf.

MHLAC DAYLINKS for Wednesday, April 1, 2020

• Whether you have COVID-19 is medical information, so HIPPA’s privacy policy applies, although there are some exceptions when public health merits necessary disclosure. The Dept. Health & Human Services has this summary of your rights: https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/february-2020-hipaa-and-novel-coronavirus.pdf. If you think your HIPPA rights have been violated you can always file a complaint here: https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/filing-a-complaint/index.html.
• There is now a website dedicated for the coronavirus with answers compiled across government agencies, it could be your first stop for all questions: https://www.coronavirus.gov/. The site is maintained by The White House, the CDC, and FEMA.
• The National Lawyers Guild created and now maintains a Know Your Rights During COVID-19 google document. It discusses national rights during these State of Emergency declarations and increasing use of Federal and State power: https://www.nlg.org/know-your-rights-during-covid-19/.

MHLAC DAYLINKS for Monday, March 30, 2020

Us here are at MHLAC hope you had a healthy and safe weekend and commend those who continue to serve in our communities and local health facilities to maintain necessary and essential services for all. 

Today, we’d like to highlight our local libraries. Even though the building may be physically closed, our libraries are here supporting the local community by offering a wealth of resources while also showing us ways to have fun. Whether you are a book worm, a sci-fi lover, movie critic, or looking for how to help your neighbors, there’s something for everyone.   

Here’s some examples: 

• https://www.bpl.org/blogs/post/covid-19 resources/ – The Boston Public Library describes Mutual Aid and highlights ways one can get involved in supporting neighbors 
• https://www.springfieldlibrary.org/library/ – The Springfield Library highlights for families who would like to use the online educational resources, that Comcast is making Xfinity WIFI free for the next 2 months 
• http://www.bristollib.com/ The Bristol Library offers cardholders access to the New York Times. It looks like you can even apply for a temporary card online now even if you don’t already have one 
• https://lowelllibrary.org/blog/category/lowell-reads/ The staff at the Lowell Library have a Blog with suggested good reads 

Enjoy and stay well! 

MHLAC DAYLINKS for Friday, March 27, 2020

• MassLegalHelp’s COVID-19 page has information and resources about the impact of COVID-19 on various legal situations such as, Immigration, retraining orders and harassment prevention, SNAP benefits, Internet service, and more. It’s constantly being updated as the legal situation progresses, and may help you find legal aid if you need it. https://www.masslegalhelp.org/health-mental-health/covid-19
• This video entitled “The Coronavirus Epidemic: State of the Science” created by Boston University School of Public Health has professors discussing what we know about the actual nature of the virus and some steps to think about in terms of mitigation. Watch this video if you want to know more about the science behind understanding COVID-19. https://www.bu.edu/sph/news-events/signature-programs/deans-seminars/the-coronavirus-epidemic-state-of-the-science/.
• MA Executive Office of Health and Human Services posted guidance for congregate care programs such as group homes and residential treatment programs funded, operated, licensed, and/or regulated by the state. You can view the most recent version here: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-guidance-and-directives#caregivers- see “For congregate care programs.”
• While the Department of Transitional Assistance is closed to in-person visits it is still providing assistance over the phone and online. Go here for instructions for applying or checking the status of your benefits: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/dta-covid-19-resources-and-support#learn-how-to-apply-or-check-the-status-of-your-dta-benefits- They also have a link to advice for shopping on a budget.

MHLAC DAYLINKS for Wednesday, March 25, 2020 

• Check out NAMI’s recent blog titled Coronavirus: Mental Health Coping Strategies where it discusses “Acknowledging, recognizing and acting on mental distress in these uncertain times is key to lessening the impact.” https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/March-2020/Coronavirus-Mental-Health-Coping-Strategies
• Massachusetts General Hospital developed a Psychiatry Guide to Mental Health Resources for COVID-19. Here is the link to the 3/24/2020 version: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1h0zyzvsNMMe5rtHIfMlPotx24kzsrTUKEdeeyRYYt4o/edit#
• Greater Boston Legal Services recently posted a one page about COVID-19 Eviction Court Updates https://www.facebook.com/BostonLegalAid/photos/a.794376003959544/3096078500455938/?type=3&theater

MHLAC DAYLINKS for Monday, March 23, 2020 

Daylinks Introduction video link can be seen on YouTube at https://youtu.be/xS2mgn0jMw4

• Covid-19 and Unemployment Insurance (UI)  Date: 03/19/2020, Greater Boston Legal Services and Massachusetts Law Reform Institute. This 2-page fact sheet provides information on the state’s unemployment insurance program in the specific context of the Covid-19 emergency.  Fact sheet is also available in Spanish and Vietnamese.  
• The Metro Boston Recovery Learning Community peer support line is open 7 days a week from 4pm-7:45pm. toll free 877 PEER LNE ( 877) 733-7563 you can call for any reason other peer support lines can be found at http://www.warmline.org many take out of area calls 
• Talking to Children About COVID-19 (Coronavirus): A Parent Resource (National Association of School Psychologists) describes how parents can teach children positive preventive measures and discusses talking with them about their fears and how giving them a sense of some control over their risk of infection can help reduce anxiety. 
• Ed Department Offers More Special Education Guidance Amid COVID-19, MichelleDiament, Disability Scoop, March 18, 2020.   is an article highlighting The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights issued a webinar and fact sheet this week for education leaders aimed at ensuring that students’ civil rights are upheld while schools are closed due to COVID-19.