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Your Resource Connection The needs of consumers and families can be complex and at times seem never ending.  Therapists, social workers and caregivers naturally find themselves in the role of helper.  Although we strive to do the best for those we support, it is unrealistic that this care will remain in place through the entirety of a person’s journey.  People must learn to access resources naturally occurring in their community in order successfully navigate life.  Within our newsletter series, we hope to share with you relevant community resources – everything from housing to transportation to make these challenges a little bit easier for you or someone you know. If you have a resource you’d like featured in an upcoming newsletter, please email us details at [email protected]. COVID-19 UPDATES Pandemic Unemployment Assistance   The Kansas Department of Health and Environment issued a guidance today confirming that stimulus payments and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance are both exempt as income and must be used within 12 months. “The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act provides most adults with a one-time payment of $1,200 ($2,400 for married couples who file taxes jointly). Each child aged sixteen (16) and younger may receive an additional $500. The CARES Act also created a new temporary federal program called Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) which provides additional unemployment benefits of $600 per week to eligible individuals. For Medicaid eligibility purposes, both payments are exempt as income in the month received and exempt as a resource through the beneficiary’s review period, not to exceed twelve (12) months.” Drive-Thru Covid Testing  This program is part of the public-private partnership announced on March 13, 2020. eTrueNorth is working with HHS, state and local officials, and pharmacy and lab partners to open testing sites in areas of need. Testing locations are drive-thru and by appointment only. There is no out-of-pocket cost for the test. Testing follows CDC Guidelines to determine eligibility. Currently eligible: Healthcare workers and first responders. Other individuals with symptoms. Other individuals without symptoms, in accordance with state and local plans and for public health monitoring. For eligibility, go to WWW.DoINeedaCovid19Test.com Locations: Walmart Store #486  –  12801 Kansas Ave, Bonner Springs Walmart Mobile Unit  –  El Dorado State Park, 1714 NE Shady Creek Access Rd, El Dorado Hesston Pharmacy  –  101 S Main St, Hesston Walmart Mobile Unit  –  State Fairgrounds, 2000 N Poplar St, Hutchinson Walmart Store #1151  –  10824 Parallel Pkwy, Kansas City Walmart Store #26  –  5000 10th Ave, Leavenworth Walmart Mobile Unit  –  KHP Training Academy, 2025 E Iron Ave, Salina Walmart Mobile Unit  –  Scott Lake State Park, 101 West Scott Lake Drive, Scott City Testing locations use a self-administered nasal swab test that allows you to swab your own nose while in your vehicle, supervised by trained medical volunteers. Results are delivered within 3-5 business days. Kansas Hospital Association Webinars For a clinical webinar sponsored by the Kansas Hospital Association that discusses the phased approach to reopening of hospitals and facilities click here. ASPR’s webinar held May 11th entitled “COVID-19: Healthcare System Operations, Strategies and Experiences” is now available. It has individuals from New York and other hot spot areas, discussing their experiences.  If you wish to view the webinar, click here and complete the “Registration” in order for the recorded webinar to begin.  Please feel free to distribute this to others that you feel will benefit from watching this webinar. MAKING A DIFFERENCE Kansas Hero Relief Program Governor Laura Kelly announced at her daily press conference on April 17th, that more support will be provided for frontline workers in need of childcare. The “Hero Relief Program” expands the Department for Children and Families’ child care assistance subsidies and provides financial support directly to child care providers. The new program specifically assists health care workers, essential workers, and first responders. “We know these essential workers are risking their health every day to protect others,” Kelly said. “The Hero Relief Program is our way of saying ‘we’ve got your back’ by making sure families have access to quality affordable child care.” Child care subsidies will be available to essential workers who financially qualify. Health Care Workers: RN’s; Other medical professionals; Health care support workers; Hospital and labroratory staff; Long-term care staff First Responders: Law enforcement; Fire and rescue; Correctional staff; Other public safety workers Food and Agriculture Workers: Restaurant staff; Grocery store workers; Farming and food production workers Grants may include: Sustainability stipends for all KDHE-Licensed child care and relative providers to help pay for ongoing expenses like food, supplies, labor and rent/mortgage. Revenue replacement subsidies for DCF enrolled child care providers Supply grants to assist with pandemic related expenses like gloves, disinfectants, soap and other necessary items. Emergency worker support bonuses – a one-time bonus to providers who care for children of health care workers and first responders. For more information and for instructions on how to apply, visit KSHeroRelief.com.