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COVID-19 Emergency Care Fund
VOCM Cares Foundation Announces COVID-19 Emergency Care Fund with $25,000 Lead Donation to Critical Health Initiatives
Thursday, April 16, 2020 (St. John’s, NL) – In an effort to further support the health and safety of local communities, VOCM Cares Foundation (VOCM Cares) has created a COVID-19 Emergency Care Fund. The new fund will deliver much needed support to charities providing critical health services and programs as a result of the current pandemic. The Foundation will lend its support with a $25,000 donation in aid of mental health and emergency relief services provided by Thrive ($10,000), Kids Help Phone ($10,000) and Canadian Red Cross ($5,000).
“For over 40 years, VOCM Cares’ mandate has been to raise funds for charities involving the health and safety of the community at large,” said Blair Patrick, Board Chair for VOCM Cares Foundation. “Now more than ever our communities need us, and we want to be there for them by ensuring they have access to critical health support when it matters most.”
Additional donations received to the fund will be distributed to charities providing priority healthcare needs though this pandemic. Donations to the VOCM Cares COVID-19 Emergency Care Fund can be made online at vocmcares.com
About the Canadian Red Cross COVID-19 Response
The Canadian Red Cross in NL has established a telephone support line for anyone with issues or concerns related to self-isolation or accessing community supports. The number, 1-800-863-6582, is available daily between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. and provides general advice on self-isolation and other COVID-19 preventative measures. Should a caller have a more urgent need such as being self-isolated and unable to leave their home to get food, medications, or some other essential need, the call is escalated to a Virtual Operations Team which will conduct a registration and needs assessment and refer them to relevant local resources to respond. In addition the Health Equipment Loan Program (HELP) remains operational at service centres in St. John’s, Grand Falls-Windsor, and Corner Brook by appointment only. Approved equipment—as determined via a referral note from a healthcare provider—is placed outside on arrival for clients to pick up and sign for without entering offices, which are closed to public access. For more information, visit redcross.ca
About Kids Help Phone COVID-19 Response
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Kids Help Phone has taken many measures to ensure its e-mental health support services would remain open and available, including: moving all counselling and support staff to remote work environments, recruiting and training over 4500 new Crisis Responders for Crisis Text Line, powered by Kids Help Phone; and expanding counselling hours and training abilities for Crisis Responders. Youth can text 686868 to speak with a trained Crisis Responder. Also, in partnership with Crisis Text Line and Shout, a new service has been created to support Canadian healthcare professionals and essential workers who are increasingly putting their lives at risk during COVID-19. Those working the frontlines can access free, 24/7, mental health support by texting FRONTLINE to 741741. For more information visit kidshelpphone.ca
About Thrive COVID-19 Response
Thrive’s COVID-19 support program will identify and assist vulnerable women while addressing specific needs that will reduce their risk and vulnerability during the pandemic. In addition, Thrive will now offer remote assistance and support including virtual classes and mental health counselling, and will continue to provide case management services, advocacy, system navigation and crisis interventions. Thrive’s drop-in service will remain open daily for individuals who need access to necessary supplies including food, personal care items, and access to a phone. Where possible a drop-off service will be provided to encourage people to shelter in place and stay safe. For more information, visit thrivecyn.ca