Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources

In an effort to support our members and our community through this difficult time, SWPPA has compiled the following list of resources geared for organizations and businesses serving older adults, as well as resources for older adults and their caregivers. We will continue to update this list as new resources and information emerge. If you have recommendations for additional resources to list, please send them to us at [email protected].

*Last updated September 21, 2020*

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Coronavirus (COVID-19) website is the hub of comprehensive national resources and information regarding Coronavirus for individuals, businesses, organizations, institutions, and communities overall. You can sign up to receive CDC email and/or text updates.
• The PA Department of Health Coronavirus (COVID-19) webpage lists frequent updates on confirmed cases in the state, overview information about Coronavirus, social media graphics that you can post, state press releases, guidance, and links to many resources. 
• The Allegheny County Coronavirus (COVID-19) webpage has links to information for Allegheny County residents, information for specific groups including businesses and organizations, and updates. You can stay up-to-date by signing up for Allegheny Alerts and subscribing to COVID-19. A guide on how to sign up for Allegheny Alerts is available here. You can also follow the Allegheny County Health Department on Facebook (@AlleghenyCountyHealth) and Twitter (@HealthAllegheny).
• The City of Pittsburgh’s COVID-19 Response page provides updated information on the City of Pittsburgh’s response, operations, and current community resources.
• The Pittsburgh Foundation Resources for COVID-19 page has information on how to give help and donate, as well as information on how to get help and where to find resources. The page includes general health information, information on volunteer opportunities, and information on how to get assistance with food, utilities, housing, and more.
• U.S. Senator Bob Casey’s Coronavirus Resources for Pennsylvanians webpage has resources for older adults, nonprofits, businesses and more, including information on what the CARES Act means for organizations and individuals.
• State Representative Sara Innamorato’s COVID-19 Resource Guide provides a running list of local resources, programming, and support services.

National Resources

• CDC Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan, Prepare and Respond to Coronavirus may help prevent workplace exposures to acute respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, in non-healthcare settings. The guidance includes recommended strategies for employers to use now, overall planning considerations, and considerations for creating an infectious disease outbreak response plan. The CDC website also has specific guidance for retirement communities and independent living.
• The Administration for Community Living Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources page includes resources for aging and disabilities networks such as program-specific information related to the Older Americans Act (OAA), addressing common OAA provision and funding questions that have arisen; CMS COVID-19 Guidance (HCBS Waivers, Nursing Home Visitation); an Emergency Planning Toolkit; and CHC interim guidance for community organizations. As the Administration for Community Living continues to provide additional information, you can to sign up for ACL Update emails. They recommend staying in close communication with your State Units on Aging and Area Agencies on Aging so that if/when additional funding and policy guidance becomes available, you can act as quickly and efficiently as possible.
• U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Coronavirus Guidance and Information webpage has general information and updates, guidance for providers, and information on waivers and flexibilities.
• The National Council on Aging COVID-19 Resources page includes virtual events, tips and tools for serving clients and participants, and other resources from partner organizations. They have also compiled a resource guide for senior centers that are temporarily closed due to the Coronavirus outbreak, with programming and service continuity ideas for centers to promote social connection while practicing physical distancing.  
• U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources page has information on the loan programs for small business owners, guidance for businesses and employers, SBA products and resources, government contracting, and local assistance.
• The National Resource Center on Nutrition and Aging has provided resources and tools to support COVID-19 emergency preparedness.  These include resources on nutrition, aging, leadership, mental health, and others.
• Resources for Integrated Care’s Supporting Family Caregivers of Older Adults Through Times of Stress and Isolation Resource Guide is intended for care managers, care coordinators, providers, and other staff at health plans and provider organizations who are interested in providing resources and supports to family and friend caregivers of older adults, particularly during times of stress and isolation.  You can view a webinar and webinar slides that they held on the topic here.

State and Local Resources

• The PA Department of Human Services Coronavirus webpage for providers includes a subpage on Coronavirus-Related Guidance & Resources for Providers from different program areas, including the Office of Long-Term Living.
• The PA Department of Aging COVID-19 Provider Guidance page has guidance for providers of aging services, including recommendations for: Aging Services (OPTIONS/Caregiver Support/Domiciliary Care), Adult Day Centers, Protective Services, Senior Centers, and the Senior Community Service Employment Program.
• The Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations (PANO) COVID-19 Resource Page lists upcoming webinars; sample nonprofit plans and policies; and resources for communicating during a pandemic, event management and fundraising, managing stress and reducing stigma. They also have a list of COVID-19 funding sources for nonprofits.
• The Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh (URA) COVID-19 page has a list of resources for small businesses located in the City of Pittsburgh who are impacted by COVID-19.
•  The COVID-19 Emergency Action Fund has been established at The Pittsburgh Foundation to accept contributions from donors, corporations, foundations and the community at large. The Fund aims to support and strengthen the nonprofit human services network and infrastructure during this crisis period.
• The Pennsylvania Health Access Network (PHAN) COVID-19 page has updated information about benefits and other resources available during the COVID-19 crisis.  They also have a helpline that provides assistance navigating benefits and health insurance coverage that can be reached by phone at 877-570-3642 or by email at [email protected].
• Bridgeway Capital has resources for small businesses and nonprofits economically impacted by COVID-19 as well as free assistance services for various loan applications.

• The National Council of Nonprofits COVID-19 Resources for Nonprofits page has resources on funding,  nonprofit operations, and technology tools and more.
• The Chronicle of Philanthropy Resources to Help Nonprofits Respond to the Coronavirus Outbreak page includes resources on how to manage, lead and communicate; fundraising; technology solutions; and more. They also have an article on how to adapt your nonprofit’s sick leave policy during COVID-19.
• The Independent Sector Information on COVID-19 page offers a curated list of resources and articles for nonprofit organizations focused on health and data, the response of the nonprofit sector, and recent news geared for nonprofits.
• TechSoup’s List of Technology Resources for Nonprofits Impacted by COVID-19 includes tools to support remote work, organizational policy resources, and free technology webinars and workshops.
• The Association of Fundraising Professionals has compiled a COVID-19 Resource Guide to help guide organizations in fundraising, donor communications and stewardship, and engaging current and prospective donors.

• The CDC Coronavirus webpage for those at a higher risk of complications includes specific recommendations for older adults and individuals at higher risk, and what others can do to support older adults and people with disabilities.
• AARP’s News and Guidance on Coronavirus page has many resources including an FAQ, videos, articles, and updates on what you need to know about Coronavirus.  AARP has also put together a list of questions you should ask if you have a loved one in a nursing home or assisted living facility to serve as a guide for a conversation with facility staff.
• Our Dementia-Friendly Greater Pittsburgh initiative has tips and resources related to caregiving, Dementia, and Alzheimer’s during the COVID-19 crisis to provide support for those who need it.
• The Pioneer Network Resource Library has a new collection of resources to prevent loneliness and isolation and engage and connect residents and older adults with their family, friends and communities during this challenging time.
• The Virtual Senior Academy is a free program that connects adults age 50 or older in the Pittsburgh region through interactive courses online that are offered throughout the day. They have a schedule of upcoming online classes, which can help foster connection and friendship for those feeling isolated or alone.
• The Alzheimer’s Association has a COVID-19 Help Center to help people living with dementia, caregivers, and families stay updated during this time.  The Help Center features access to 24/7 support, resources, and tips.  The Alzheimer’s Association is offering virtual education programs and support groups, and also has a 24/7 helpline for caregivers and patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia facing COVID-19; you can reach the helpline at 1-800-272-3900.
• Hope Grows’ COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Caregiver Resources list provides links to resources and tips for family caregivers. Hope Grows is also ramping up virtual support services for family caregivers, including offering extended call-in capabilities for caregivers who need someone to talk to, a weekly virtual support group for caregivers, online video therapeutic respite activities, and other online programs.
• Allegheny County Department of Human Services Map of Free Food Distribution Sites can help you identify where you can get food in your area.
• SAGEConnect matches LGBT elders with community members and allies who want to connect during this time of crisis for weekly 15-minute phone calls to reduce isolation and promote well-being.
• The Pittsburgh Financial Empowerment Center has developed a list of financial resources available to Allegheny County Residents including information on accessing food, unemployment compensation, and avoiding scams.  The Center is also offering free one-on-one financial counseling sessions by phone or video.
• UPMC has a Help and Referral Line to help seniors and caregivers in need.  It is not specific to COVID-19 but is a free resource for those who need it.
• Personal Care Medical Associates is offering remote telemedicine services to all homebound seniors over the age of 65 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Services include COVID-19 screenings, urgent care, symptom management, and prescription refills.
• The State of Pennsylvania has launched a statewide helpline for those struggling with anxiety, mental health challenges, or other difficult emotions due to coronavirus.  The toll-free Mental Health Support & Referral Helpline will continue to operate throughout this public health crisis at (855) 284-2494.
• Just Harvest has provided resources on how to access public assistance programs and other emergency resources to help people through the coronavirus pandemic.
• ACL’s Eldercare Locator and the Alliance for Aging Research have created a two-page COVID-19 Guide for Older Adults with information on symptoms, what to do if you are sick, how to avoid scams, and finding community resources.
• The Pennsylvania Department of Aging has put together a COVID-19 Resource Guide for Older Adults on programs and services that the department provides.