Image Credit: www.blessingmanifesting.com
​The State of Connecticut has launched the Talk it Out Line
1-833-258-5011, to help parents and caregivers cope with the stress and increased needs resulting from caring for their children during the COVID-19 pandemic. Watch the PSA Here
ATTENTION:
A Message from the Town of Middlefield: 
If you are 75 years of age or older and/or fit in the Phase 1b requirements you are currently eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. For more information on how to schedule an appointment please visit the website below. 
https://portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus/COVID-19-Vaccination---75-and-older​

The Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) has compiled a selection of web pages and information sheets on mental health and coping with the effects of COVID-19. These resources are a selection from key organizations in the field. We will continue to update this list as new resources become available.
*Note: For crisis counseling and support related to COVID-19, call the Disaster Distress Helpline (1-800-985-5990) or text TalkWithUs to 66746. For those experiencing a suicidal crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255), or text HOME to 741741 for the Crisis Text Line.
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Taking Care of Your Mental Health in the Face of Uncertainty- 
Stress can be a normal reaction, but sometimes it can also take a toll on our mental health. You might feel more on edge than usual, angry, helpless or sad. You might notice that you are more frustrated with others or want to completely avoid any reminders of what is happening. For those of us who already struggle with our mental wellness, we might feel more depressed or less motivated to carry out our daily activities.
It’s important to note that we are not helpless in light of current news events. We can always choose our response. If you are struggling, here are some things you can do to take care of your mental health in the face of uncertainty:  Follow the link below 
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Text COVID to 55753For parents and caregivers who are concerned about their child’s or loved one’s substance use, enroll in our text-based COVID support program to receive regular messages on how to help yourself and your loved one during these changing times. You will receive messages on how to communicate effectively, how to deal with a family member risking exposure to COVID-19, how to model healthy coping behaviors and more. Read more in the following article. 
https://drugfree.org/article/covid-19-we-are-here-for-you/?fbclid=IwAR2T7af4-NTPzKDXHOkXaT99LqmRS4ExpQtgsVAtZSVs9W0cfcQXuM49rLM#.XotZfNdMNlU.facebook
Information & Resources to Help Communities #LiveUnited During the Coronavirus Pandemic
2-1-1 Connecticut's new online resource guide can help communities #LiveUnited! Staying connected to coronavirus-related information and available help can be challenging. Information is changing rapidly, families and businesses are struggling, and some traditional services are not currently operating.
Visit uwc.211ct.org/covid19resources to access information and resources on:Click HERE to access 2-1-1 Connecticut's Coronavirus Pandemic Resource Guide.
For the latest information, executive orders, and guidance related to coronavirus visit ct.gov/coronavirus
Thank you NAMI for sharing these resources to help us all take care of our mental and emotional well-being during this time.
https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/March-2020/Coronavirus-Mental-Health-Coping-Strategies?fbclid=IwAR35NrSoPa0JNMaK8mh_IfHEHeCE7C9tZqjL__VkTaISqp2qMcZTr8rw1UE
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SAMHSA’s COVID-19 Guidance and Resources

Given the rapidly evolving situation with COVID-19, SAMHSA is providing regular updates via a new consolidated COVID-19 page. 

​This page can be found at samhsa.gov/coronavirus.  Please check for new updates.
Our friends at The Partnership For Drug Free Kids continue to be open and available. Specialists are ready to help if you are having difficulty in accessing support for your family. If your loved one struggling with addiction faces care or treatment challenges resulting from COVID-19 circumstances, they are here to guide you. Click on the link below for more info. 
The Middlefield Senior & Social Services Department will be closed to the public indefinitely, however, we are still serving meals from CRT, the office is staffed and the Food Bank is open. Meals can be picked up on Monday at noon. You will receive 3 meals (frozen) for the week. Please call by Friday of the previous week 860-349-7121 to reserve a meal. Please check the town web-site for additional information regarding public closings. Energy Assistance: Applications still being accepted please call the office to find out process.The Food Bank is open. We are in need of the following items: tuna, peanut butter, pasta, pasta sauce, coffee, toilet paper, tissues, rice & pasta side dishes, baking items, jelly, snacks items, etc. Gift cards to area stores also accepted. For more information please contact Sue D'Orvilliers at 860-349-7121.
Town of Durham, CT - Elderly Nutrition Program Meals The Elderly Nutrition Program meals are available to persons 60 years of age or older and their spouses. Frozen grab and go meals will be available for pick up Mondays at 12:00 at the Activity Center. If you would like to reserve a meal, please contact the Human Services office no later than 12:00PM Thursdays for the following week. Each person will receive two frozen meals. Pick up will be downstairs at the Activity Center and weather permitting we ask that one person come in at a time in order to prioritize social distancing. If you have not attended our congregate lunches before you will need to fill out a form which will be provided to you on the day of pick up. Donations of $2.50 per meal are appreciated.
Please call (860) 349-3153 or email mperry@townofdurhamct.org with any questions or to make a reservation.
​Please feel free to use the below list of resources to help talk to your children about COVID-19
Resource List Credit: ​https://www.fairfieldct.org/fairfieldcaresnews/?FeedID=3364
Help for Domestic Violence Situations
Professionals fear that increased isolation and quarantining can cause harm to survivors and victims of domestic violence.
While current times are tough, domestic violence organizations across Connecticut are ready and waiting to help. Free confidential services are available for those at increased risk or those in danger, including assistance in court.
If you are worried and need help, please contact #CTSafeConnect at 888-774-2900 or www.ctsafeconnect.org. Professionals are available for phone calls, internet text chats and emails.

From the office of Governor Ned Lamont: 
"Frequently Asked Questions on the State of Connecticut's actions related to COVID-19"
A Message from our friends at ​National Mental Health First Aid USA
If you’re feeling stressed or nervous during these days of COVID-19, you’re not alone. Uncertainty and the sense of not being safe — not to mention physical distancing, round-the-clock news and empty grocery shelves — are stressful. What you’re feeling is common around the world.
We know you’re looking for ways to take care of yourself and #BeTheDifference. We’ve compiled these tips from the Mental Health First Aid curriculum to help you care for your own and your loved ones’ mental health.
If you or someone you care about feels overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression or anxiety, or like you want to harm yourself or others call 911.
You can also contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Disaster Distress Helpline at 800-985-5990, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or text MHFA to 741741 to talk to a Crisis Text Line counselor.
For more information and resources from MHFA during this difficult time, read these new resources on our blog: For more information on COVID-19, please visit these resources: We will continue to share resources and tips as they become available. In the meantime, please stay safe and healthy.
 
Thank you for choosing to #BeTheDifference,
Mental Health First Aid USA