IF YOU’RE FEELING SICK:
Dignity Health-St. Rose Dominican launched Virtual Care Anywhere, a free urgent care service for anyone in Southern Nevada experiencing mild to moderate symptoms similar to those of the new coronavirus. People can seek on-demand, professional medical advice by visiting dignityhealth.org/virtualcareanywhere, downloading the Virtual Care Anywhere app or calling 855-356-8053 and using the coupon code COVID19.
The $35 per-visit service fee will be waived for any patients who think they may be experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
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UNEMPLOYMENT:
With The Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation there are two ways to file a claim: by phone or online. the wait times are long rigth now. The department has an instructional video on YouTube — available in both English and Spanish — about how to apply.
DETR officials say the best way to file a claim is online. The website is ui.nv.gov/css.html.
The agency suggests filing a claim during non-peak hours, such as overnight or early in the morning.
If you encounter technical problems, call 775-684-0427 or email INTERNETHELP@detr.nv.gov.
DETR announced that it will expand security helpdesk hours to include Saturdays — from 8 a.m.-noon — to provide assistance with username, password or PIN issues. The phone number is 702-486-3293 in Southern Nevada and 775-687-6838 in Northern Nevada.If you need to reset your username and/or password, there’s also a request form at gov.nv.gov/Forms/Unemployment.
DETR has call centers — which have added hours and staffing – to help people file a claim. The hours are 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Friday. Help is available in English and Spanish, with translation in different languages as needed.
Southern Nevada, including the Las Vegas area: 702-486-0350
Northern Nevada: 775-684-0350
Rural areas in Nevada and out-of-state residents: 888-890-8211
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IF YOU SHOULD NEED FOOD:
Three Square food bank: There are 43 new emergency food distribution sites. Visit threesquare.org/help for a list of sites and hours. Their phone number is 702-644-3663.
SHARE Village Las Vegas: The organization has expanded pantry services to seven days a week at SHARE Village Las Vegas #2, 50 N. 21st St.
Ready-to-eat breakfast items (sandwiches, bagels, donuts) are available from 8-9 a.m. Fresh foods (including fruits, vegetables, meats and nonperishables) are available from 10 a.m.-noon. For more information, visit 702-384-0294 or visit sharelasvegas.org.
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MEALS FOR YOUR CHILDREN:
Clark County School District: The school district has several pickup sites with free meals for ages 2 to 18. The recipient does not have to be a CCSD student. A list of sites can be found at ccsd.nutrislice.com/menu. Parents and guardians are now allowed to pick up meals without a child present, but will be asked to provide their student’s identification card, name, or school and grade level.
Public charter schools: Equipo Academy, and Quest Preparatory Academy, also are providing meals.
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HELP FOR SENIORS:
A handful of senior centers — including in North Las Vegas, Henderson and Moapa Valley — are providing food assistance for seniors who normally come in to a center for lunch.
Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada provides a Meals on Wheels program for homebound seniors in Las Vegas and North Las Vegas. Seven frozen meals are provided each week at no cost to seniors. Call 702-385-2662 or visit catholiccharities.com.
Three Square food bank said that home delivery may also be available for those ages 60 and older. Call 702-765-4030.
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APPLYING FOR S.N.A.P.:
Options include applying for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (commonly referred to as food stamps), Medicaid or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. The state agency that oversees those programs is the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of Welfare and Supportive Services. Their offices are closed to the public for the time being, but to see if you qualify for benefits or to apply, visit accessnevada.dwss.nv.gov. If you have questions, call 1-800-992-0900.
— Women, Infants and Children program: Local WIC clinics are processing new applications. For locations: dawic.org. To find out if you’re eligible for help, call 1-800-8-NEV-WIC, email wicgeneral@health.nv.gov or visit: nevadawic.org/contact-us.
If you’re already enrolled in SNAP or Medicaid: Redetermination for benefits has been extended. That applies to cases originally scheduled to close April 1 or May 1.
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HELP WITH OR PAYING UTILITY BILLS:
NV Energy: If you’re experiencing financial or health hardships as a result of COVID-19, the company won’t disconnect your power for nonpayment, and will waive late penalties, according to its website. It has expanded its energy bill assistance program for those who qualify based on income. For help, call 702-402-5555 (in Southern Nevada), 775-834-4444 (Northern Nevada), or visit nvenergy.com/assistance.
Southwest Gas: The company has “stopped service disconnections indefinitely, until the coronavirus situation improves,” according to its website. And it’s offering “flexible payment options” for customers. For help, call 877-860-6020 or visit swgas.com.
Las Vegas Valley Water District: The district has “temporarily suspended customer shutoffs for delinquent and/or non-payment,” according to its website. They will work with customers to make payment arrangements. For help, call 702-870-4194 or visit lvvwd.com.
Republic Services: The company has a COVID-19 statement on its website, but it doesn’t include specific information about customer assistance options to pay for trash and recycling service. For help, call 702-735-5151 or visit republicservices.com.
North Las Vegas and Henderson: Halting water shutoffs for customers experiencing financial hardships due to COVID-19 and are also offering payment options. In North Las Vegas, call 702-633-1484. In Henderson, call 702-267-5900.
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HEALTH INSURANCE:
Silver State Insurance Exchange operates Nevada Health Link, which is the state’s online health insurance marketplace where residents can enroll in a health insurance plan, and receive tax credits or subsidies to help pay for it.
As a result of Gov. Sisolak’s declaration of emergency March 12, the exchange is offering an exceptional circumstance special enrollment period. It opened March 17 and runs through April 15. A call center is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. The phone number is 1-800-547-2927. For more information, visit nevadahealthlink.com.
Other health insurance options include Medicaid (for those who qualify based on income) and Medicare (for those 65 and older).
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DEALING WITH DRUG OR ALCOHOL ADDICTION:
The Las Vegas Central Office for Alcoholics Anonymous’ Charleston Boulevard office is closed until further notice. However, the public can call the AA 24/7 hotline at 702-598-1888 for help finding a telephone or virtual meeting during the coronavirus pandemic.
Alcoholics Anonymous offers a number of online meetings and discussion forums through the video conference app, Zoom. A list of meetings can be found at aa-intergroup.org/directory.php.
Narcotics Anonymous also offers remote meetings for addicts.
In The Rooms hosts video meetings for various recovery groups and fellowships. It’s created a specific list of resources for addiction and recovery during the pandemic. Creating a free account and you’ll have access to any of the network’s meetings.
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IF YOU ARE A VICTIM OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OR SEXUAL ABUSE:
SafeNest will not turn away victims, and they also have the ability to quarantine someone who might have symptoms. They’re located at 3900 Meadows Ln.
SafeNest provides group counseling over the phone or internet for victims who are self-quarantined at home. The Rape Crisis Center will continue to provide free weekly support groups and counseling to victims.
Local and national resources:
SafeNest: Text or call the 24-hour hotline at 702-646-4981, or chat online with an advocate at www.safenest.org.
Rape Crisis Center: Call the 24-hour hotline at 702-366-1640, or find resources at www.rcclv.org.
Shade Tree: Call 702-385-0072, or find resources at www.theshadetree.org.
S.A.F.E. House: Call the 24-hour hotline at 702-564-3227, or find resources at www.safehousenv.org.
Family Law Self-Help Center: Clark County Family Court is processing domestic violence temporary protective orders by phone at 702-455-1500.
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233, or find resources, including how to create a safety plan, at www.thehotline.org.
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DON’T KNOW WHERE TO GO FOR HELP?
United Way of Southern Nevada announced the creation of the Emergency Assistance and Community Needs Fund.
The organization’s website includes a map of available services across the region. https://www.uwsn.org/COVID19
United Way has partnered with over a dozen local nonprofits to help residents with needs such as food, and paying essential bills like mortgages, rent and utilities.
