FREE MENTAL HEALTH/COUNSELING ASSISTANCE: Mental Health Support Line If you're experiencing anxiety, depression or mental health issues due to coronavirus, a mental health support line was created for Dallas County residents. The line will be staffed with mental health specialists and is intended for people without a mental healthcare provider. The number is 214-743-1215. (Must leave a message and they will return your call within 24-48 hours).

Child and Family Guidance Center is accepting new clients and is completing intakes via teletherapy. Business hours are 9-5. You can call them at 214-351-3490. They have translating services and accept most insurances including Medicaid and Medicare. NTBHA COVID 19 - North Texas Mental Health Support Line 833-251-7544 (Dallas, Ellis, Hunt, Kaufman, Navarro, and Rockwall Counties) www.ntbha.org/resources/othercommunityresources Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-8255 800-273-TALK

RENT, FOOD & UTILITIES ASSISTANCE: Texans can dial 2-1-1 (option 6) for information on COVID-19 and local community resources on health care, utilities, food, housing and more. Wait times are currently higher than normal. More COVID-19 information.

ASSISTANCE FOR SINGLE PARENTS Buckner Family Pathways is providing assistance to single parents through counseling, financial assistance, affordable housing and case management services. Please call 214-328-3141 to apply. Dallas Water Utilities Notice Dallas Water Utilities has suspended water service disconnects until further notice. Customers who are financially impacted by COVID-19, should contact Water Customer Service at 214-651-1441 to make payment arrangements. TXU, Ambit, Tri-Eagle will waive late fees, extend payment due dates with no down payment required, reduce down payments and deferring balances over five equal installments. Reliant, Green Mountain, Cirro, Stream, XOOM, Discount Power are suspending disconnections for non-payment until April 3.

Dallas ISD Grab ‘N Go Meals Meals are available at most Dallas ISD High Schools and Middle Schools. Find the location of the schools nearest you at https://www.dallasisd.org/Page/62476. Meals will be distributed twice a week, on Monday and Thursday between 10 AM and 1 PM. On Monday you will receive Breakfast, Lunch, And Supper for Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Thursday will have Breakfast, Lunch, and Supper for the rest of the week, including Saturday. Meals will be distributed based on the number of children with you. Please bring all the children who will receive meals.They will be distributed curbside at the main entrance of the school by Food Service Employees.

LOVE IN THE TIME OF CORONA A COVID Coping Skills List

Here is a list of healthy coping skills that you can use to calm yourself and feel better if you are struggling with worries or negative thoughts related to the Coronavirus outbreak. 1.Phone a Friend Pick someone you haven’t talked to in awhile! Tell them your best memory of them. 2.Youtube Listen to some videos of oceans and bubbling brooks- let the calming sounds distract you. 3.Drink Water Staying hydrated is a mood booster!! 4.News, social media, etc… sometimes the best thing you can do is turn it off. 5.Send a Card Pick a nearby nursing home and write to a senior tell them about your life, ask them about theirs, and wish them good health. 6.Laugh Together Tell a family member your funniest memory.7. Green Walk Moving through fresh air and green nature is sure to boost your mood and distract you from your worries. 8. Pet Hugs Pets aren’t worried about the virus, so borrow their calm with a hug!! 9. Ice Cream Bad feelings can not exist while you eat some ice cream! 10. Exercise It gets those happy chemicals flowing through your brain and body!

FACT SHEET Talking to Your Kids about the Coronavirus

The best way to protect your family is to stay informed:

Centers for Disease Control (CDC) https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/

American Red Cross https://www.redcross.org/about-us/news-andevents/news/2020/coronavirus-safety-andreadiness-tips-for-you.html

Texas Department of State Health Services https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/

Limit the spread of germs and prevent infection

1. Avoid close contact with people who are sick

2. Stay home when you are sick Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing

3. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds

Strategies to stay calm It is normal to be concerned about catching an infectious disease and this can increase feelings of stress.

Here are some ways to manage stress and concern

Stay up-to-date about developments related to the Coronavirus outbreak by using a reliable and accurate source of health-related information such as CDC, Red Cross, State Health Department Stick to your usual routine Focus on positive aspects of your life and things you can control Seek social support from family, friends and maintain social connections Use relaxation techniques for stress reduction If you or a family member is feeling overwhelmed, seek support from your doctor or religious leader Ways to Involve Your children in Family Health Care Ask your children what they have heard about the Coronavirus Provide age appropriate information to help them understand and clarify any misinformation Encourage your children to share their concerns Parent’s behaviors have an effect on children. Keep conversations calm and focused on facts. Emphasize efforts that are being taken to contain the disease Model health-promoting behaviors for your children, such as hand washing and covering their mouth when coughing Talk about what each family member can do to help others outside of the immediate family Address any misunderstanding children may have that could result in stigmatizing people with connections to China where the Coronavirus outbreak began If your child is experiencing heightened levels of fear around the issue, such as nightmares or excessive worrying, seek additional help: DISD Psychological and Social Services Department (972) 925-8050 Youth and Family Centers (972) 502-4190 Your child’s school counselor.