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Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates and Resources

/Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates and Resources
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates and Resources2020-04-01T15:21:31-07:00

Last updated on 4/1/2020

For more than 40 years the Center has supported the health and wellness of the most marginalized. We understand there is increasing concern amid the Coronavirus outbreak and we want to assure you that the health and safety of our clients, staff, and community are of paramount importance. We are closely monitoring the situation and following the advice of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the State and County Departments of Public Health. The latest guidance specifically recommends that all California residents shelter in place until April 7, 2020.

In light of the new guidance we wanted to share with you what we are doing to protect community members and staff. The Center is suspending all peer based discussion groups, community programming, and events at all locations at least through the end of April. This includes groups who have rented space, who will be offered a refund.

While our physical space is closed, I want to assure you that we are still here to support you. I am very proud of our dedicated team who are diligently working to operationalize remote service delivery and virtual activities that we will be rolling out over the next week.

  • Community Resource Navigation remains available for seniors, people experiencing homelessness, those living with HIV, and others in need, Information and referrals are available Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. by calling (916) 442-0185 or resources@saccenter.org.
  • Sexual health and HIV/STI testing information is available by calling (916) 442-0185 ext. 109 or matias.castro@saccenter.org. While social distancing 6-feet away from one another is recommended, free condom and lube packs are available outside the entry of the Center or you can order them for home delivery from our free P3 mail order program.
  • Q-Spot Youth Center staff will be available for support and referrals 7-days a week 12-6 p.m. at (916) 287-7171 or jesse.archer@saccenter.org. They will also offer emergency drive-through/pick-up services. A new online queer youth platform on Discord will also launch this week where youth can chat with one another and find peer support.
  • Our shelter, transitional living home, and host homes will remain open and continue to provide 24-hour care to LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness with remote case management.
  • Crime Victim Emergency Services including shelter, counseling, or legal resources are available at (916) 287-7171 or jesse.archer@saccenter.org.
  • Census Questionnaire Assistance is available by calling (916) 442-0185 or emailing judah.joslyn@saccenter.org.
  • Bilingual Services in Spanish and Transgender Support are available by calling (916) 442-0185 ext. 114 or christina.arias@saccenter.org.
    • We are working to bring some of our Peer Support Groups and 12-Step Addiction Recovery Groups online via the Zoom video conferencing platform as soon as the technology is in place.

The virus mainly spreads between people who are in close contact with one another (within 6 feet) when an infected person coughs or sneezes and respiratory droplets from that person land in the mouth or nose or are possibly inhaled into the lungs of another person. It may also be possible that a person can get the virus by touching something that has the virus on it and then touching their mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but experts don’t believe this is the main way the virus spreads and not enough is known about how long the virus can live on surfaces.

The public health community is unified in the understanding that there are a number of basic precautions we can all take to prevent illness. These include:

  • If you are sick, especially if you have a fever, are coughing or sneezing or are experiencing shortness of breath, please stay home and contact your medical provider. If you do not have a healthcare provider, you can contact the Center for a list of LGBTQ-affirming medical providers in the region.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or into your elbow.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Wash your hands frequently, for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water is not available, use alcohol based hand gel that is at least 60% alcohol.
  • Cover your mouth when you cough with your elbow, and don’t touch your face, eyes, or mouth (event at home).

Though these actions have been difficult decisions, I am inspired by so many in our community who have offered to help and shared information. We will continue to assess the health risks and guidance from public health authorities with the goal of restarting all programs as soon as it is safe to do so. We are committed to keeping your Center and the LGBTQ+ community safe and healthy and will continue to keep you informed. Thank you for your patience and please take care of yourselves and each other. We look forward to connecting again very soon!

If you have additional questions, concerns, or would like to recommend resources for this page, please email communications@saccenter.org

How to support the Center during this difficult time period

The Sacamento LGBT Community Center is committed to supporting the health and wellness of the most marginalized and we intend to continue that work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hundreds of people depend on us each week for support and we cannot let them down. Our community has always been resilient in difficult times and while we may change the way we do business as we rise to the challenge of this pandemic to serve our community, we will never close our doors and walk away.

Through all of this, many of you are asking how you can make the deepest impact on our community in this time of need. The short answer right now is if you can donate, please do. We cannot do this without you.

DONATE NOW

We are especially mindful of the social isolation many of our clients are experiencing and are doing everything we can to stay connected.  For events beyond April, including the Pride Awards fundraising gala and Sacramento Pride, we are closely monitoring the directives of the CDC, Public Health Departments, and the City of Sacramento to ensure the health and wellness of all potential guests as our number one priority.

Please help now if you can. We are a strong and resilient community when we work together.  I will keep you informed on Center services and you can visit our website, Facebook, and Instagram feeds for regular updates.

The Latest Public Health Updates

International, federal, state, and local officials are providing updates on coronavirus response daily. You can stay up to date on the latest science-based news and recommendations by using the following links.

You can also contact your local public health offices to updates on any specific precautions or responses taking place in your community.

California LGBTQ Health and Human Services Network

The California LGBTQ Health & Human Services Network is an LGBTQ-specific program of Health Access, bringing together more than 60 non-profit providers, community centers, and researchers to advocate collectively for state level policies and resources that will advance LGBTQ health. Founded in 2007, the Network provides coordinated leadership about LGBTQ health policy in a proactive, responsive manner that promotes health and well-being as part of the movement for LGBTQ equality, and ensures that there is a distinct LGBTQ voice in health policy decision-making venues.

How COVID-19 impacts LGBTQ people.

Visit the California Health and Human Services Network for more resources here.

Resources for folks who are sheltering in place

Are you working from home?

Many businesses and nonprofits are making the decision to allow, or require, staff to work from home in order to slow the spread of COVID-19. There are a number of resources available to help teams to communicate and function smoothly and keep work on track as much as possible, while you adapt to these changes.

Webcams:

Virtual Tours:

Podcasts:

Good books:

Music we’re loving/Online Concerts:

 Crafting/Trying New Skills:

 Simple Recipes:

Health and Wellness:

 Cute & Fun things online:

Community Discussion:

Brave Trails Virtual Camp: Free Virtual camp on instagram live including live classes, and conversation, presented by Brave Trails @bravetrails. 3/15/20-3/29/2020

 Resources to encourage pride in our LGBTQ+ identities:

 Glitterary Magazine: https://glitterarymagazine.org/

Other creative ideas: