Coronavirus resources and ways to make a difference

Here is a compilation of helpful services offered during this challenging time, and of needs that have arisen given the circumstances of the coronavirus. Please send information concerning recent needs or ways to help to [email protected]

Help available:

• Safe Passage is still available 24/7 for crisis help. They are able to help with emergency shelter, counseling, safety planning, advocacy, etc. To see all of the services available visit www.safepassageid.org/ 24 HOUR HOTLINE 208-664-9303

• Dr. Meg Green, a local clinical psychologist and neurobehavioral consultant who specializes in performance psychology, wishes to support our local medical staff and providers by expanding her telehealth hours to better meet their needs. She is also offering half-off, discounted rates for mental health providers, all medical personnel and first responders. Fluid Intelligence, PLLC, 208-907-6441 or F-Intel.com

Help needed:

• Donations are being accepted to Safe Passage for cleaning supplies, hand sanitizer and toilet paper. More importantly, they could use monetary donations as they have recently incurred unexpected costs. You can donate online at www.safepassageid.org/donations

• Donations are needed now more than ever for Heritage Health and the Dirne Foundation’s Mary Ellend Scholarship. One hundred percent of those funds go towards providing medical, mental and dental health services for those without insurance in our community. Checks can be mailed to Dirne Foundation, P.O. Box 3269, Hayden, ID 83835. Donations can also be made online at myheritagehealth.org/donate/.

• Donations are being accepted to the Kootenai Health Foundation’s COVID-19 Response Fund, which will go toward helping with greatest needs within Kootenai County. To donate or for questions call 208-625-4438 or email [email protected].

• The Kootenai County Office of Emergency Management and the Kroc Center in Coeur d’Alene is accepting donations for first responders. Items needed include hand sanitizer, paper towels, sanitizing wipes, disinfectant spray, cleaners and safety eyewear. Donations will be accepted from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m., Monday through Friday at the Kroc Center, 1765 W. Golf Course Road, Coeur d’Alene.

• It’s extremely important right now for healthy people to make a blood donation today!

Coronavirus fears have severely impacted the U.S. blood supply, as blood centers across the country are struggling to avoid a critical shortage. Nearly 60 Red Cross blood drives have been canceled across the state. Twenty-five percent of Vitalant’s anticipated collections for March have dropped with the school closures and business shutdowns.

Vitalant has six centers across the Inland Northwest and is the sole blood provider to more than 35 area hospitals. They need at least 200 donors a day to meet patient needs.

Sick people should not donate blood, as blood centers do not test for the coronavirus. Vitalant staff follow rigorous safety and disinfection protocols at its blood drives and donation centers. Giving blood has no impact on the donor’s immune system.

Vitalant will continue to closely monitor the situation and will quickly implement any necessary changes as new information emerges from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and FDA.

Schedule an appointment by calling Vitalant at 877-258-4825 or visiting vitalant.org.

You can also make appointments at www.redcrossblood.org/