August 29, 2020
We are living in a time when news changes quickly, and it is important to stay informed with accurate and unbiased information. The Foundation will continue to update this page with resources and relevant news throughout the pandemic. For information on emergency funding through the Foundation, please see our post about COVID-19 Emergency Grants. For elements to consider when reopening a workplace or facility, please visit our post on what community organizations need to consider.
Reliable sources of information
**To find testing sites and filter by a variety of features, including whether free tests are available for children and uninsured individuals, visit mass.gov/GetTested.**
The CDC, MA Department of Public Health (sign up for text updates by texting COVIDMA to 888-777 ), and your local Public Health Department are all excellent resources.
The Foundation has produced MetroWest-specific summaries of MA DPH's weekly reports. Find the latest here: Data as of September 30, 2020
*Coming soon - MetroWest COVID-19 Data Dashboard*
Resources geared towards agencies
- Massachusetts Nonprofit Network has many resources including policy and funding information for nonprofits
- MNN has also put together a Census Outreach Toolkit that agencies can use to encourage a complete count during the pandemic.
- Technology resources for nonprofits conducting remote work can be found through this COVID-19 compilation by TechSoup
- Resources from the March 6 Emergency Preparedness event at the Foundation: Emergency Preparedness checklist, Agency Emergency Planning slides, Coronavirus updates (as of March 6, 2020), Sample communications (sent by a local organization on March 4, 2020), and a Sample pandemic response policy
Resources geared towards consumers/individuals/families
- The Department of Mental Health put together some tips on managing isolation and loneliness as physical distancing continues
- Find help for mental health and substance use needs from Network of Care Massachusetts. They have a COVID-19 Information Hub with information on accessing health insurance, food, support against violence, and other critical resources
- The Office of the Attorney General Maura Healey has made flyers in Portuguese, Spanish, and English to remind individuals of their right to health care regardless of immigration status
- Health Care for All has information sheets in multiple languages for accessing prescription medications, navigating public charge amidst the pandemic, and other related topics
- Massachusetts Immigration & Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) offers immigration-related, multilingual coronavirus resources
- COVID-19 fact sheets are available in over 30 languages, reviewed and vetted by physicians and medical school faculty members at the Harvard hospitals via the COVID-19 Health Literacy Project
- From Shatterproof: How to find a virtual recovery meeting
- National Association of School Psychologists: Guidance on talking to children about COVID-19
- #BetheDifference from Mental Health First Aid: Helping yourself and others with anxiety, depression, and other emotions in these unpredictable times (posted 3/20)
- Massachusetts Senate President Karen Spilka has been providing regular updates on federal, state, and MetroWest resources and legislation related to coronavirus