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Covid-19 Vaccine, Testing & General Information
Covid-19 vaccination eligibility:
- Scheduling NOW: 16 and older (Please Note– Pfizer is currently the only vaccine approved for use in those 16 & 17, so you will need to schedule those appointments where Pfizer is being offered).
There are are two ways to register for the vaccination:
- Schedule Online:
- Schedule by Phone:
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- Connecticut’s COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment Assist Line: Those without internet access can call 877-918-2224. Open 7 days per week from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The team will aim to return calls as soon as possible, with the goal of same-day response.
- Hartford HealthCare: Hartford HealthCare has multiple locations throughout the state. To make an appointment using this system, call the Hartford HealthCare Community Care Center at (833) 943-5721.
- Yale New Haven Health: Yale New Haven Health has multiple locations throughout the state. To make an appointment call 1-833-ASK-YNHH (275-9644).
- City of Bridgeport Vaccine Helpline: Call (203) 576-7993, Monday-Thursday 10 AM-5 PM.
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Covid-19 Vaccine Facts and Information:
- Trusted Voices– Short video clips featuring HIA members talking about their personal experience with the Covid-19 vaccine.
- Bridgeport Hospital/Yale New Haven Health: COVID-19 Vaccine: The Facts vs. Fiction
- St. Vincent’s Medical Center/Hartford Healthcare: Vaccine Hesitancy: Setting the Record Straight
- Click here for facts about the vaccine in English and Spanish from CT Department of Public Health.
- How does the Covid-19 Vaccine Work?
- What to Expect after a Covid-19 Vaccination: Here is a quick video from the CDC that explains what you need to know.
- Covid-19 Resources for Seniors: The Agency on Aging of Southcentral CT, has Covid-19 and lots of other information on their website for seniors.
- The COVID-19 Vaccine Education Initiative, led by the Ad Council, COVID Collaborative and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has launched https://getvaccineanswers.org/ for answers to all your vaccine questions. Visit https://DeTiDepende.org for Spanish. Other languages also available at the website.
Covid-19 Testing:
- Bridgeport: The City of Bridgeport Covid Testing webpage lists daily testing locations and pop-up sites. Click here for more information and available locations.
- HUSKY Health Testing Resource List: HUSKY Health has put together a list of sites where you can get a free test for Covid-19. Click here for more information.
Links to Covid-19 information and resources from our partners:
- Bridgeport Hospital/Yale New Haven Health
- St. Vincent’s Medical Center/Hartford HealthCare
- Optimus Health Care
- Southwest Community Health Center
- Bridgeport Department of Health and Human Services
- Easton Health Department
- Fairfield Health Department
- Milford Health Department
- Monroe Health Department
- Stratford Health Department
- Trumbull Health Department
Food Distributions
Weekly Mobile Food Pantry (Bridgeport): In partnership with the CT Food Bank, Wade’s Dairy will offer a food distribution every Saturday 7:45 AM-10:30 AM. Wade’s Dairy is located at 1316 Barnum Avenue in Bridgeport. Click here for the full CT Food Bank schedule and updates.
Stratford Health Department Food Distribution: Every second Tuesday of the month from 3:00 PM-4:00 PM at Holy Name of Jesus Church, 1950 Barnum Avenue in Stratford. This is a drive thru food pantry. The next scheduled date is Tuesday, April 13.
Bridgeport Hospital Food Distribution: Every 3rd Tuesday of the month beginning at 5:30 PM at 200 Mill Hill Avenue. The next distribution will take place on Tuesday, April 20. Click here for more information and all 2021 dates.
St. Vincent’s Medical Center Food Distribution: Last Friday of each month at 1:00 PM at 2800 Main Street in Bridgeport. The next distribution will be on Friday, April 30. Click here for more information and all 2021 dates.
The CT Food Bank hosts mobile food and a dairy express distributions at various locations each month. Click here for the schedule.
United Way 2-1-1: You can visit the 2-1-1 website or call to be connected to resources including local food pantries/distributions, Covid testing, transportation, housing and much more.
Other Food Resources
SNAP Call Center Hours for Older Adults: End Hunger CT can offer assistance to older adults in need of help with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Reach out to the EHC! Call Center to schedule an appointment during their new designated older adult hours: Monday-Friday, 8 AM-10 AM toll free at (866) 974-7627. If you leave a voicemail, state that you need an older adult appointment and someone will return your call as soon as possible.
Connecticut Emergency Food Resources: Click here to learn more about available assistance programs like WIC, FMNP, SNAP, Summer Meals and much more.
SNAP Ed Resources: Our friends at the University of St. Joseph/SNAP Ed continue to create new resource videos. Check out their Facebook page for more details and share them with others!
UConn Department of Extension Recipes: The UConn Department of Extension has compiled a list of recipe ideas for the items included in the USDA Food Boxes being distributed around the state. Click here for the list that is available in English and Spanish. Be sure to click on each link to view the individual recipes.
Stratford Shakespeare Winter Market: Will take place on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month through April 18. Located at 1850 Elm Street in Stratford. Click here for more details in English and Spanish.
Mental & Behavioral Health
How to Talk About Vaping- A Discussion Guide for Parents: This guide was developed as a collaboration with several CT prevention Councils. Click here for the full guide.
NEW! Behavioral Health Resources Guides: The HUB has created a thorough listing of behavioral health resources within the Greater Bridgeport Region, The Hub’s Resource Guide (SPANISH), which lists nonprofit & public-sector services for crisis, mental health and substance use disorders, and support programs, including a listing of free peer support groups (updated in 2021). Click here to subscribe to their weekly newsletter.
Weekly Narcan Trainings: The Hub will host free weekly virtual Narcan trainings. Click here for more details. In addition, there are many other Narcan trainings that are being held at different times. Visit the calendar at thehubct.org for information, dates, and times.
Addiction & Recovery (The C.A.R.E.S. Group): The C.A.R.E.S. Group provides education, support, resources and hope for communities, families, and individuals who are affected by substance abuse and its devastating consequences. Click here for more information about weekly support groups and more.
Diet & Nutrition (Impact on Mental Health): The quality of the food you eat can impact your overall physical and mental health. Learn more about the importance of eating nutritious foods by clicking here.
2-1-1 Resources for Mental Health: The 2-1-1 website has comprehensive, up-to-date information on programs and services that can assist with mental health care. Click here for more information.
Suicide Prevention and Loss Support Groups: The Hub has created a list of resources to assist with suicide prevention and loss support. Click here for more details.
CT Stronger: Support coaches can help connect you with resources to keep your family safe and healthy. Support coaches can put you in touch with services that can help, or listen if you want to talk with someone about how this pandemic is affecting you. Click here for more details.
Connecting to Care CT: CONNECTing Children and Families to Care is intended for families, providers and anyone else interested in enhancing CT’s children’s behavioral health system. Click here to view their website.
Healthy Lives Connecticut: Get information, tools, and screening for maintaining or achieving wellness, including emotional wellness, physical wellness, holistic wellness, financial wellness, and addiction recovery. Click here for more details.
Children’s Behavioral Health Plan: Find out how Connecticut is improving and integrating children’s behavioral health services, systems, and support into a comprehensive network of care. Click here for more details.
Healthy Living
Get Healthy CT: Click here to read the latest monthly newsletter and follow Get Healthy CT on Facebook and Twitter for health and wellness information.
Online Healthy Eating Workshops Available: The University of St. Joseph is offering free virtual nutrition education and cooking workshops. Two workshops will be offered each month. Click here for the full schedule and to register.
USDA New Dietary Guidelines for Americans: The new guidelines, released on 12/29/20, encourage Americans to Make Every Bite Count. Click here to read more and be sure to visit the new MyPlate website and learn about the new MyPlate app.
The Hispanic Health Council has launched a new Facebook page and YouTube Channel that include nutrition and physical activity education videos in both English and Spanish. Click here to view their upcoming virtual nutrition education offerings.
Dental Care Resource: Have you been delaying dental treatment due to Covid-19 fears? Click here for a helpful list of questions you can ask your dental provider to learn more about their Covid-19 safety procedures. Click here for the Spanish version.
HUSKY Health Members: It’s time to go back to the dentist, and it’s safe! Call the Connecticut Dental Health Partnership at 855-CT-DENTAL (855-283-3682) M-F 8AM-5PM or go to www.ctdhp.com for more information or help in finding a dentist. For TTY call 711.
Virtual Classes from the YMCA: The Y is here for you, even when you’re home! Community members are welcome to take advantage of free classes with some of our favorite Central Connecticut Coast Y instructors live on Zoom or try classes offered by Y instructors across the country anytime. Click here for more details.
Bridgeport Basics: The Bridgeport Basics are designed to help parents of young children learn 5 simple practices to help children grow and become be ready for preschool. Click here for more information.
Other
Health Insurance Access: Project Access is partnering with Access Health CT to raise awareness of health insurance options and offer application assistance. Access Health is the CT health insurance marketplace – it’s a place where individuals and small businesses can shop, compare, and enroll in quality healthcare plans and the only place to qualify for financial help. Call (203) 773-0838 to schedule an in-person or phone appointment for health insurance application assistance. Call (855) 805-4325 for immediate health insurance application assistance over the phone. A special enrollment period for uninsured CT residents is currently open until April 15th.
Free Well Woman Exams: On select days in the month of April, the University of Bridgeport School of Naturopathic Medicine will be providing women in the Greater Bridgeport area the opportunity to receive Well Woman breast and pelvic exams at no cost. Pap, HPV, and STI testing vary in cost (if you have insurance, it may cover these tests). Uninsured reduced pricing is also available. Call (203) 576-4349 to schedule an appointment and mention the Women’s Health Initiative. Click here for more details.
State of CT Homeless Prevention Resource: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the State of Connecticut has created a program to prevent individuals and families from becoming homeless. Click here for more details in English and Spanish.
Energy Assistance and Emergency Fuel: Alliance for Community Empowerment offers many services for residents in the area, including energy assistance. Click here to visit their website for more information.
Rent Assistance Programs: Click here for a list of rental assistance programs.
Eviction Information: Click here for up to date information about the Federal (CDC) and Connecticut ban on evictions from CT Law Help.
Legal Assistance: For Statewide Legal Services, contact (800) 453-3320 or for the Connecticut Fair Housing Center (860) 247- 4400 or (888) 247- 4401.
Transportation Assistance Information: The Kennedy Center’s Mobility Department is available by cell (203) 512-4174 for information on public transportation including paratransit, transit district updates/modifications, etc.
Free Tax Preparation Assistance Information: United Way 2-1-1 has compiled information on tax services on their website. Click here or dial 2-1-1 (option 3, then 6).
Job Training: The WorkPlace serves Southwestern Connecticut, helping people prepare for careers and strengthening the workforce for employers. Their programs include job training, career services and employment. Click here to visit their website and to learn about their many programs.
Have an upcoming event or Greater Bridgeport area resource to share? Email moreinfo@hia-ct.org
For more information on the Health Improvement Alliance visit our Facebook page.