COVID-19

1. Emergency Broadband Benefit Program
   
2. Mental Health Resources
   
3. Funding for Technology Needs (IU, Ft. Wayne, and Columbus)
4. Find Funding for your College Education (Bloomington)
5. Pay for College (IU Northwest)
6. Academic Affairs (IU South Bend)
7. We’re Here to Help (IU Ft. Wayne)

There are many community organizations that are coordinating with public health authorities, nonprofit organizations, and local businesses in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19). Many of these community resources are at national and local levels, so it is important to note that you may have to go to the national website in order to get to your community site. You can go to the websites listed and put in your zip code to get local information. They are listed in no particular order.

1. NASW Coronavirus (COVID-19)
   Social workers, like many health and behavioral health professionals, are concerned about the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on their well-being, the people to whom they provide services, their families, and others in the community. NASW has been working on multiple fronts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and ensure access to services, such as advocacy to ensure insurance coverage for teletherapy. Social workers are in a unique position to promote disease prevention efforts (including disseminating accurate information from trusted sources), and to help address anxiety and other concerns that are arising because of this public health crisis. The website contains many resources to support social workers in this role. As the situation continues to rapidly evolve, NASW will continue to monitor developments and work to protect social workers and the clients we serve.
2. Red Cross Website
   Your local Red Cross can connect you with resources in your area. Here is their national website. It contains many good resources and tips.
3. 211
   You can access the website or call 211 to get connected with resources in your area. They offer information on any human/social service need.
4. Feeding America
   This website includes a food bank locator as well as information on other important assistance programs.
5. Local United Way
   They focus on education, financial stability and health, the building blocks for a good life and a strong community. You can find many resources specific to your county on their website. Please note that the United Way has started a COVID-19 Fund to assist those impacted. You can dial 211 to speak to someone about local assistance at any time including those provided by the United Way. The 1-866-211-9966 number you may have seen on social media is only available for residents of Indianapolis. Please be aware that financial assistance related to COVID-19 is not available for individuals everywhere.
6. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – Resource Guide (CAS login required)
   NAMI Help Line-Monday-Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., EST (800) 950-6264
7. Equity and Learning during COVID-19
   At MAEC, we remain dedicated to ensuring that all students have access to high-quality and equitable education. Our team continues to work with educators, policymakers, community partners, and families to provide essential support and resources. Everyone feels the impact of this virus, but we know that the effects are hardest among those who are most vulnerable and we are more committed to them than ever. Staff is designing new ways of staying connected and providing services. We are planning live, online conversations, webinars, and weekly newsletters and will be updating this page with carefully curated resources for educators and families.
8. Join our new group ‘IU LGBTQ+ Community’ on GroupMe
   You’re invited to join our new group ‘IU LGBTQ+ Community’ on GroupMe. Click to join.
9. General financial assistance
   1. Need Help Paying Bills
      Provides information on assistance programs, charity organizations, and resources that provide help paying bills, mortgage and debt relief (financial, rent and government assistance).
   2. Aunt Bertha
      An online resource that connects users to free and reduced cost local resources such as medical care, food, housing, transportation and much more. Website also offered in Spanish.
   3. Help with Bills
      Provides information about government programs that help with bill payment, temporary assistance, jobs/unemployment, credit, etc. Website and Helpline also offered in Spanish.
   4. The Assistance Fund
      For those who qualify for financial support, service provides patient advocates to assist in securing financial assistance for co-payments, prescriptions, deductibles, premiums, and medical expenses. Spanish-language translation service also available.
   5. Rise Above the Disorder
      Connects users with resources for finding a therapist, answering mental health questions, and applying for grants to cover the cost of therapy.
   6. Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN)
      Provides under insured patients with financial assistance through disease-specific funds that provide access to progressive therapies. Spanish-language calls accepted.
   7. Patient Advocate Foundation
      Helps federally and commercially insured people living with life threatening, chronic, and rare diseases. Offers co-pay relief program to provide direct financial assistance to insured patients who meet certain qualifications to help them pay for needed prescriptions and/or treatment. Their website also has many other resources and services. Website also offered in Spanish.
   8. HealthWell Foundation
      Provides financial assistance for under insured to afford critical medical treatments through “Disease Funds” (note, typically for chronic physical diseases – not mental health conditions). Website also offered in Spanish. Prescription Medication
   9. PhRMA’s Medicine Assistance Tool
      A search engine for many of the patient assistance resources that the pharmaceutical industry offers.
   10. Needy Meds
       Offers a HelpLine and website information on financial assistance programs to help defray cost of medication. Website also offered in Spanish. (800) 503-6897
   11. RX Assist
       Provides up-to-date directory of free and low-cost medicine programs and other ways to manage medication costs.
   12. USARX
       Provides coupons online for downloading/printing and can be brought to the pharmacy to see if it will give consumer a lower price or beat their copay.
   13. Homeless Shelter Directory
       For immediate and emergency housing, the online site provides information on homeless shelters and other social services throughout the country.
   14. The National Mental Health Consumers’ Self-Help Clearinghouse
       Peer-run national technical assistance and resource center that fosters recovery, self-determination, and community inclusion.