When Minnesota was hit with the effects of the global pandemic, we reached out to our network of members, supporters, and community members to know how Minnesotans were being affected. Over 100 of you responded, helping us understand what policy challenges lie ahead.
This situation has amplified the policy challenges we have already recognized. Even though each response we received detailed unique challenges, key themes emerged:
- Concerns around physical health
- The huge economic toll, including reduced wages, job loss, and a shaky job market
- Feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression
- Effects of social isolation from family and friends
- Desire for consistency and collaboration from leaders on all levels of government
With all these concerns, the overarching theme was uncertainty. It is clear that these are uncharted waters, and the unpredictability surrounding our economy, healthcare, and social well-being. While we may not know how this situation will evolve, there are organizations in the community that are acting and responding right now to this crisis. Given the concerns we heard, we wanted to share some of the resources that are available to you right now:
Childcare and Education Resources:
- State of Minnesota: COVID-19 Specific Childcare Information for Families and Providers
- American Academy of Pediatrics: Social Distancing for Families
- YWCA: Childcare for essential employees
- Child Mind Institute: Supporting Families During COVID-19
Disability Resources:
- Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care Intake Line: 651-431-2555
- Immediate advocacy resources for residents in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other long-term care settings and for recipients of home care services.
- Disability Hub Coronavirus Resource Page
Economic, Employment, and Financial Resources:
- Minnesota Department of Housing: COVID-19 and Minnesota Housing
- City of Saint Paul: Housing Resources & Links
- Bridge to Benefits: COVID-19 Resources
- State of Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Information
- State of Minnesota Department of Labor & Industry: Worker protections related to COVID-19
Health and Healthcare:
- Minnesota Department of Health: Ways to Protect Yourself and Your Family
- Minnesota Department of Health: COVID-19 Hotline; Health questions (7:00AM to 7:00PM, 7 days a week): 651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903
Mental Health:
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Minnesota Mental Health Hotline: 1-888-NAMI-Helps / 1-888-626-4435
- Minnesota Association for Children’s Mental Health Mental Health Hotline: 1-800-528-4511
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK
Social, Connection, Lifestyle and Community
- Elder Friends Phone Companions for any elder in need of the voice of a friend on the phone. Information on signing up or volunteering here
- City of Minneapolis: Wireless Minneapolis during Coronavirus
- Saint Paul College: Free and Low-cost Internet Access Options
Other Information
- Asian Media Access: COVID-19 available in 26 languages
- State of Minnesota COVID-19 Response
- Metropolitan Council: Response to COVID-19
This is list of resources was checked for accuracy on 7/1/2020.
Thanks to those who took the time to tell us how this challenging time is affecting them. This input will guide our work in the months and years ahead. We know that a big part of policymaking is listening and learning from each other. As we look ahead, we will continue engaging people from all backgrounds and perspectives on the way to sustainable solutions that work for everyone.