COVID-19 INFORMATION & ASSISTANCE
NEED HELP PAYING YOUR RENT OR UTILITY BILL?
COVID-19 HOUSING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
CAC Office on Aging has launched a new program in response to the COVID-19 crisis. Senior Care Calls will utilize volunteers to make weekly check-in calls to seniors who are homebound, isolated, and lonely. If you know a senior neighbor, friend, or family member who could benefit from a weekly check-in call please complete this quick form. You can also e-mail Deisha Finley at deisha.finley@knoxseniors.org for more information or call the Office on Aging at 865-524-2786.
COVID-19 HELP LINE: 855-661-9191 The helpline provides free resource assistance and emotional support for individuals affected by the pandemic in East Tennessee
Mental Health Resources - The mental health impact of COVID-19 will persist longer than the physical virus. Here are some mental health resources:
Peninsula offers peer support at no cost. Adults do not have to be recipients of Peninsula services. Serving people who have anxiety, depression, bipolar, etc offering online support and recovery education. Click the link to see the calendar and services, https://www.peninsulabehavioralhealth.org/peersupportacademies/knoxpsa/
Worried, overwhelmed, or need assistance navigating community resources for COVID-19? The Helen Ross McNabb COVID-19 helpline provides resource assistance and emotional support for individuals affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in East Tennessee. Call (855) 661-9191 now.
The Salvation Army Emotional & Spiritual Care Hotline can be reached at 1-844-458-HOPE (4673). 9a.m. – 9p.m. (EST). Each day calls are answered by trained Emotional & Spiritual Care staff/volunteers.
Text “TN” to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line and to immediately be connected to a trained crisis counselor 24/7. Click this link to learn about the Crisis Text Line
The Suicide Prevention Lifeline number is 800-273-8255. If preferred, you can go to the website and participate in a chat feature.
For resources, check out the East TN Suicide Prevention Resource Directory
People that are feeling emotional distress related to COVID-19 can take action to help support themselves & others. Check out the “Emotional Well-Being During the COVID-19 Outbreak” page for additional resources to help you during this time. https://bit.ly/3dyC1mm
COVID-19 Testing provided by Knox County Health Department
Free COVID-19 testing will be at the Jacob Building in Chilhowee Park (3301 E Magnolia Ave, Knoxville, TN 37914) Monday (9/21) through Thursday (9/24) from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. this week. Please note there will not be testing on Friday (9/25). While we will continue to test until 3 p.m., we may need to cut the line prior to 3 p.m. in order to process the tests and get them to the lab in a timely manner. We ask for patience as we expect there will consistently be long lines. Testing is free, and we are no longer collecting insurance. We recommend that children be seen by their primary care physician (PCP), but we will attempt to test children of all ages. If they are not cooperative, we will refer them to their PCP. For more information, please call KCHD's Public Information Line at 865-215-5555 or toll-free at 888-288-6022. The information line is available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EDT, Monday through Friday.