COVID-19 Response
 
During this time of rapidly changing circumstances, volunteering and service are more important than ever. Nonprofits are shifting how they meet the needs of the community and maintain the health and safety of clients, volunteers and staff. Your help is needed to meet an increased need during this challenging time.
 
HOW TO HELP
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​How you can help your community:

  • Follow all public health guidelines to keep yourself and others safe and healthy.
  • Look for ways to volunteer and address URGENT NEEDS in the community at www.VOLY.org. Check back often for new opportunities as needs arise. 
  • Donate blood. The need for blood is constant, and volunteer donors are the only source of blood for patients in need. The American Red Cross follows thorough safety protocols at blood drives and blood donation continues to be a safe process. Additional measures to sustain a healthy environment include:
    • The blood collections team is practicing social distancing at all blood drives and implementing the CDC’s COVID-19 questionnaire. Donors will be required to answer those 5 questions and have their temperature taken prior to entering the blood drive.
    • At this time, the Red Cross is operating by appointment only and are not able to accept walk-ins. To schedule an appointment at a drive nearest you, visit www.redcrossblood.org.
    • Only blood donors and those operating the blood drive are allowed within the blood drive area. This implementation is to limit unwarranted contact between people and sustain a safe and healthy space for donors, staff and volunteers.
    • NOTE: As a blood banking organization, the American Red Cross is exempt from Shelter In Place Orders in the respective Texas counties. Donors are allowed to attend the scheduled blood drives and donate.
  • Provide meal boxes to families in need. Make a financial contribution to the North Texas Food Bank to support increased demand for food as the economic impact of the coronavirus continues.
  • Healthcare professionals (active or retired), medical students and nursing students can register as COVID-19 volunteers to support the state’s public health and medical preparedness response. For more or to register, visit www.texasdisastervolunteerregistry.org/.
  • Consider informal volunteer opportunities:
    • Check – in by phone with family, friends and neighbors who are isolated or shut-in. Offer to pick up food or prescriptions and leave them at their door, and more.
    • Make videos or e-cards for first responders and medical professionals thanking them for their above-and-beyond service.
  • Companies, civic groups and faith-based entities interested in helping support those on the frontlines in need of personal protective equipment, sanitizer, ventilators and more can visit www.helpdallascounty.org.
  • Ask about protocols and safety measures organizations have in place for volunteers; and do NOT volunteer in person if you are feeling unwell. 
  • Help protect the physical, mental and emotional health of your family, friends, and neighbors.
 
 
HOW TO GET HELP
 
Community Resources
 
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends taking everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Practice "social distancing" and stay at least 6 feet away from others and avoid large public gatherings.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
  • Consult CDC’s travel website for any travel advisories.
 
Additional information is available at the following websites:  
2-1-1 Texas
​Dial 2-1-1 (option 6) for information on COVID-19 and local community resources on health care, utilities, food, housing and more. The 24/7 service is free and confidential. For more, visit https://www.211texas.org/.
 
Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS)  
Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS):
Call DCHHS at 972-692-2780 between the hours of 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM, Monday - Friday. For more, click here.
 
Tarrant County Public Health (TCPH):
Call the 24/7 Coronavirus Hotline at 817-248-6299. For more, click here.

Mental Health Support
If you or someone you know is feeling overwhelmed by the COVID-19 pandemic, help is available. Speak with mental health professionals for help dealing with anxiety, depression, stress, grief or worry.
 
 
  • Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) | Statewide
    • HHS has launched a 24/7 statewide mental health support line to help Texans experiencing anxiety, stress or emotional challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
    • 24/7 Statewide COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line: 833-986-1919

 
  • North Texas Behavioral Health Authority | serving Dallas, Ellis, Hunt, Kaufman, Navarro and Rockwall Counties
    • 24/7 COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line: 833-251-7544
    • For more, visithttps://ntbha.org.
   
  • MHMR of Tarrant County I serving Tarrant County
 
Legal Aid of Northwest Texas (LANWT)
Free civil legal help to low-income residents in 114 Texas co​unties throughou​t North and West Texas. For help with legal matters related to COVID-19, visit www.lanwt.org or call 888-529-5277.