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Covid-19 and Flu
1/14/2021 Press Release on Covid vaccination eligibility: Click here to read the full press release. Residents age 75 and older can now register for a vaccination appointment. Eligibility will soon expand to include residents between the ages of 65 and 74 and residents between the ages of 16 and 64 who have underlying health conditions that put them at greater risk of the virus. More details to follow on when exactly these two groups can register for an appointment.
For those 75 and older, there are three ways to register:
- Healthcare Provider: Many residents have already been or will be contacted to schedule an appointment by their healthcare provider if their provider is participating in the state’s vaccine program. Not all providers are administering the vaccine. A list of participating providers is available at ct.gov/covidvaccine. Residents are urged not to contact their physician or healthcare provider directly for COVID vaccine appointments.
- Online: A form can be accessed online at ct.gov/covidvaccine that allows individuals to schedule an appointment through the web-based Vaccine Administration Management System (VAMS).
- Telephone: Those without internet access can call Connecticut’s COVID Vaccine Appointment Assistance Line at 877-918-2224. The phone system was created in partnership with the Department of Public Health and United Way of Connecticut and is specifically targeted to provide support for eligible vaccine recipients who have limited technology access, or who have language, disability, or other barriers that could prevent them from using existing self-scheduling options successfully. The line will take calls on Mondays through Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and will offer a call-back option when all contact specialists are busy serving other callers. The team will aim to return calls as soon as possible, with the goal of same-day response.
Covid-19 Vaccination Information: Click here to learn more about Connecticut’s Covid-19 vaccination phases and how and when you can access the vaccine.
Covid-19 Resources for Connecticut Families: Click here for access to the full document in English and here for Spanish.
Covid-19 Testing in 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.
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.
Links to Covid-19 testing 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
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. Click here for more information. To stay up-to-date on the latest news from the Stratford Health Department, “like” their Facebook page.
Milford Regional Pop-Up Pantry: The CT Food Bank will supply food for this pop-up pantry taking place on Friday, January 15 at 3:00 PM at 1455 Naugatuck Avenue in Milford (while supplies last). Visit the Storehouse Project on Facebook for the latest updates.
Bridgeport Hospital Food Distribution: Every 3rd Tuesday of the month beginning at 5:30 PM at 200 Mill Hill Avenue. The January distribution will take place on Tuesday, January 19. Click here for more information and all 2021 dates.
St. Vincent’s Medical Center Food Distribution: Last Friday of each month (beginning with January 29, 2021) at 1:00 PM at 2800 Main Street in Bridgeport. 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
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.
Online purchasing of food with SNAP benefits: The Department of Social Services worked with participating food retailers to offer online purchasing of food with SNAP benefits in Connecticut. SNAP enrollees are now able to use SNAP benefits available on their EBT debit-type card to purchase eligible food items online for delivery or curbside pickup at participating food retailers. Retailers approved for the initial launch are Amazon, including Amazon Pantry and Amazon Fresh; 12 Walmart stores and Wakefern Food Corp., with 21 participating ShopRite stores. Click here to read the Frequently Asked Questions or here for more information.
Stratford Shakespeare Winter Market: Opening Sunday, January 17 and taking 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
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, 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. Click here to subscribe to their weekly newsletter.
Weekly Narcan Trainings: The Hub will now 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.
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.
Stay Safe, Stay Healthy at Home: The US Department of Agriculture, SNAP-Ed, has an online library of resources to help you and your family stay safe at home during this pandemic, including how to plan your weekly menu, when and how to consider food safety, recipes and more. Click here to view the resources that are available.
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.
Winter Hiking Locations in Greater New Haven: Click here for an article that lists 5 local hiking locations to try this winter.
Other
Healthy Food Donation List: Donating food this holiday season? Click here for a list of healthier food options to shop for the next time you are gathering items for a food drive.
Energy Assistance Information Sessions: United Illuminating, Southern Connecticut Gas and Connecticut Natural Gas are offering energy assistance virtual sessions through February to help customers struggling to pay their utility bills. Click here for more information on dates and times.
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.
2-1-1 Storm and Cold Weather Information: Click here for links to local, state and federal information and resources available to Connecticut residents regarding winter storm and extreme cold weather events.
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 Available after January 19: United Way 2-1-1 has compiled information on tax services on their website that will be available after January 19. Click here or dial 2-1-1 (option 3, then 6) only after January 19th, 2021.
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.