Kentucky Voices for Health has put out an info graphic called What Kentuckians Need to Know about COVID-19.This is a comprehensive set of FAQs that can be used for talking about coronavirus in your communities. It includes basic facts about the virus and touches on transmission, who’s at risk, prevention, testing, when to seek care, social distancing, flattening the curve, the economic impact, available resources, and how people can help in their communities.
“Help for Kentuckians During COVID-19” from Kentucky Voices for Health
Kentucky Voices for Health has published: Help for Kentuckians During COVID-19
This describes the public assistance programs available to help Kentuckians weather this recession. This incorporates all of the recent policy changes made through executive order and emergency regulations that consumers need to know. Please note major changes have been made to the Medicaid program, in particular. During the current state of emergency, no one will lose coverage, income eligibility has been expanded, documentation requirements will be more flexible, and absolutely NO copays or prior authorizations will be required for ANY Medicaid service. Many reporting requirements for SNAP, KTAP, and CCAP have also been suspended.
Local medical staff desperately need donations of masks and exam gloves to fight COVID-19
As COVID-19 spreads, frontline health workers are running out of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as n95 masks, surgical masks, exam gloves, and face shields to keep themselves and their patients safe. There is a shortage of PPE across the country because so many people have become sick at once. Businesses and members of the public may have some of these items at their homes. Local volunteers have created a website to facilitate donations in Kentucky.
At maskmatchky.com, you can find healthcare organizations across the state that have asked for help. Please consider checking to see if you have these items and give what you can. Instructions for making donations can be found on the website. In this time of crisis, getting this equipment to healthcare providers will be life saving.
Campaign for Southern Equality Announces Rapid Response Grants to Support LGBTQ Southerners
The Campaign for Southern Equality (CSE) has created a rapid response grant round to quickly route funds to individuals, families, and community organizations across the LGBTQ South. The grant round of $25,0000 will be distributed through CSE’s Southern Equality Fund. Learn more at their site.
Volunteers needed
The Courier Journal has a report on places needing volunteers. The Red Cross, APRON, Community Ministries, the Center For Women and Families, Dare to Care, and JCPS all need volunteers. Find out more.
Resources for the unsheltered
Louisville Metro Department of Resilience and Community Services is working with providers to safely care for the homeless population during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Health Care
Now more than ever, it is important for people to have access to health care. Phoenix Health Center provides care for people experiencing homelessness. The center is at 712 E. Muhammad Ali Blvd., Louisville, KY 40202. Call 568-6972 or visit https://www.fhclouisville.org/medicalhome/healthcare-for-the-homeless/
https://www.fhclouisville.org/medicalhome/healthcare-for-the-homeless/
Resources for Transgender People
The best first step for anybody is to be sure they understand what their insurance covers, and to touch base with their insurance providers to see if they’re offering any enhanced assistance during the COVID-19 issue. For example, Humana is offering co-pay free virtual appointments and is allowing people to refill their scripts early. Medicare and Medicaid both provide coverage, and most personal insurers do as well.
For folks in KY: http://www.kentuckyhealthjusticenetwork.org/
KHJN is the best first step if they need funds. KHNJ has a limited amount of funds for this type of assistance, and I’m sure with the covid-19 issues, they know that the level of need will rise.
Below are additional resources that Louisville Youth Group has gathered on finding funding to support costs related to transition. These are national points of contact, but some may be regional or state-based as well. The National Center for Transgender Equality provided help assembling this information.
Resources: Video on insurance navigation
Health Care, Insurance and Additional Mental Health Resources
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
National network of mental health care providers, as well as a provider database
http://www.nami.org/Find-Support/LGBTQ
Help Line 800-950-6264
National Council for Behavioral Health
National network of community behavioral health centers, as well as a provider database
http://www.thenationalcouncil.org/
Psychology Today Therapist Finder
A list of therapists around North America. Once a city or state is selected, there is a filter for therapists working with transgender clients under the ‘Issue’ area on the left
https://therapists.psychologytoday.com/rms/
SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)
A national database for local professionals and agencies that provide addiction recovery services and mental health care.
https://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/
800-662-HELP (4357)
National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC)
Clinics around the United States that offer basic health care for those without insurance or experiencing homelessness.
http://www.nafcclinics.org/
RAD Remedy
Community-sourced list of trans-affirming healthcare providers
https://www.radremedy.org/
Out2Enroll
Resources to help transgender people select and enroll in insurance
TransHealth
Health and guidance for healthcare providers, as well as a list of transaffirming health clinics in Canada, the United States, and England.
http://www.trans-health.com/
Transcend Legal
Transcend Legal helps people get transgender-related health care covered under insurance.
https://transcendlegal.org/
TransChance Health
Helps transgender people navigate health care and insurance to receive respectful, high-quality care, and get transition-related care covered
https://www.transchancehealth.org/
JustUs Health
Leads the work to achieve health equity for diverse gender, sexual, and cultural communities in Minnesota, including the Trans Aging Project and a Trans Health Insurance guide
https://www.justushealth.mn
Jim Collins Foundation
Financial support for transition-related expenses for people without insurance or who have been excluded by insurance
http://jimcollinsfoundation.org/apply/
Point of Pride Annual Transgender Surgery Fund
Provides direct financial assistance to trans folks who cannot afford their gender-affirming surgery
https://pointofpride.org/annual-transgender-surgery-fund/
Community Kinship Life Surgery Scholarship
Provides the trans community with assistance while having a sense of community and kinship
http://cklife.org/scholarship/
Transformative Freedom Fund (Colorado)
Supports the authentic selves of transgender Coloradans by removing financial barriers to transition related healthcare
https://transformativefreedomfund.org/
Kentucky Health Justice Network Trans Health Advocacy
Works to help Trans Kentuckians access the healthcare they need, as well as reaffirm our autonomy and community
http://www.kentuckyhealthjusticenetwork.org/trans-health.html
U of L COVID-19 & Student Support Resource Guide
Offices across the University of Louisville campus are working together to support our students in every way we can at this difficult time. Please visit the UofL novel coronavirus site for the latest information on the university’s response to COVID-19.
The U of L COVID-19 & Student Support Resource Guide page will be updated as new information becomes available, and students can email [email protected] or call the Student Success Center at 502-852-7969. First year students also have peer mentors to help.
Neighborhood Place available to help
Neighborhood Places offer assistance throughout the year, and are managing the One Louisville COVID-19 Response Fund.
Call (502) 574-5050 or go to https://louisvilleky.gov/government/neighborhood-place for more information
LG&E suspending disconnects until May 1
Louisville Gas and Electric Company, Kentucky Utilities Company and Old Dominion Power announced on March 16 measures to assist residential customers who may be facing financial difficulties in the near-term due to impacts from COVID-19. The utilities, until May 1, will suspend disconnects for residential customers who may have difficulty paying their bill and waive new late fees incurred during this time. Visit http://www.lge-ku.com/ for more information