COVID-19: NAFC Resource List

January 20, 2021

COVID-19: NAFC Resource List

(Google Doc. updated regularly) 

Since the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of COVID-19 a pandemic, the National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC) has been doing our best to navigate the response and support our network of over 107-member Friendship Centres and Provincial/Territorial Associations across the country. We are paying close attention to the daily updates provided from public health and are abiding by all of their recommendations.

With the safety of our community members and Movement in mind; our priority is to support Friendship Centres and Provincial/Territorial Associations in whatever they need and in whatever decisions they make. Please note that this information should not be taken as advice.  

We have been working hard behind the scenes to develop a resource list which you may find beneficial as we continue to deal with the COVID-19 outbreak. If you have any questions, or require additional support, please contact us:

• For Friendship Centre specific information: jwformsma@nafc.ca 
• For resources that should be added to this resource: gmushyirahamwe@nafc.ca 
• For communications requests: communications@nafc.ca

General resources for Friendship Centers

During this time, we advise Friendship Centres to:

1. Contact their funders to confirm flexibility on use of funds, reporting, and completing deliverables.
2. Track your expenses that are a response to the pandemic.
3. Follow their provincial and local public health authorities for the most updated and relevant information for your community.

Public Health Canada has dedicated a webpage towards Community-based measures to mitigate the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Canada. This provides a more in-depth explanation on COVID-19 and includes conversation on social distancing at a community-level, community-based measures and COVID-19, and how we should move forward with this outbreak.

Here are a few resources that can assist with how to proceed amidst the COVID-19 outbreak at a local Friendship Centre level.

• Community Foundation of Canada - Dealing with COVID-19 as a Community Foundation
• Ontario Non-profit Network: Non-profit on the frontline of COVID-19
• Resources to help non-profits adapt and respond to COVID-19
• Communicating Through the Coronavirus Crisis
• Managing through and building resilience during the outbreak
• Sponsorship During Times of Crisis: Cancelled Events, Postponing and Refunds
• Hosting, Postponing, or Cancelling Mass Gatherings
• What Non-profit Board Members Should be Doing Right Now to Address the COVID-19 Situation
• Pandemic Law Canada
• COVID-19 Response Framework for People Experiencing Homelessness
• COVID-19 Preparation for Homeless Populations

Federal Supports and Funding related to COVID-19

April 29, 2020 Update:

• Separate Temporary Wage Subsidy (10%) and Emergency Wage Subsidy (75%) programs
• Commercial rent relief announcement, emergency business account update

Additional Resources / Information:

Indigenous Community Support Fund - https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1585189335380/1585189357198

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) – Benefits and services: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/notices/coronavirus.html

Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan.html

Support for Businesses: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan/covid19-businesses.html

What you need to know about the new COVID-19 benefits program: https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/trudeau-income-supports-covid19-1.5509247

Bill C-13 (An Act respecting certain measures in response to COVID-19): https://www.parl.ca/Content/Bills/431/Government/C-13/C-13_3/C-13_3.PDF

Canada’s Response to COVID-19

A list of resources that outlines the immediate actions that the Government is taking to help and support Canadians facing hardship as a result of this outbreak: 

• Government of Canada Takes Action on COVID-19
• Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response Plan: Support for Canadians and Businesses
• Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response Plan
• News Releases
• News releases from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
• Structural Profile of Public Health in Canada

COVID-19 Reopening Resources

A list of resources that outlines the plans and guidelines that provinces have set as they slowly lift restrictions and businesses begin to re-open.

Accessibility

COVID-19 Disability-Related Resources for Families

• The IncludeMe Canada Social Movement has created a disability-related resource page that can better aid folks with different abilities.

World Blind Union

• The World Blind Union has created a resource page that consists of external resources that can better assist folks that may be visually impaired.
• The webpage has audio on handwashing advice.

COVID-19: Useful Resources for Persons with Disabilities

• The Rick Hansen Foundation has compiled a list of in-house resources and external resources relating to COVID-19. Their resources vary from sharing the best times to go shopping, lessons on accessibility and inclusion, and financial assistance.

#COVIDdisability: Disability-related resources for families

• The Canadian Association for Community Living (CACL) has compiled a list of disability-related resources that respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 and Persons with Disabilities

• The Disability Rights Fund has created a webpage dedicated to disability-inclusive responses to COVID-19 at an international scale.

Deaf & Hard of Hearing Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resource List

• The University of Rochester Medical Centre has created a resource page to better assist folks that may be deaf or hard of hearing. There is information that can help you get ready for a hospital visit, how to communicate with hospital staff during COVID-19. The page also consists of a link to a playlist of COVID-19 videos in ASL that the CDC uploaded.

Use of Masks

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public: When and how to use masks

• The World Health Organization (WHO) has created an informative webpage regarding the use of masks. This webpage also includes a number of useful infographics that can easily be downloaded and shared.

About Non-Medical Masks and Face Covering

• Public Health Canada has released information on the use of non-medical masks and face coverings.
• This webpage included information on how to put the non-medical masks on, what is deemed as appropriate masks, who should be wearing masks, and also how to make your own mask at home.

Can A Mask Protect Me? Putting Homemade Masks in the Hierarchy of Controls

• The John Hopkins Education and Research Centre for Occupational Safety and Health has provided an in-depth take on the use of masks and answers FAQ on the use of masks.

How to Wear a Cloth Face Covering

• The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has shared information on the use of cloth face coverings and methods on creating home-made cloth coverings (sew and no sew)
• The CDC has also provided printer friendly versions of the webpage: Use of Cloth Face Covering to Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19

How to Wash Homemade Cloth Face Masks?

• The Huffington Post has published an entry on how to wash homemade cloth face masks. This entry includes advice from Health Canada and the CDC and attempts to answer FAQs on the maintenance of cloth masks.

COVID-19 Assessment Centres

COVID-19 Assessment Centres  

• The NAFC has compiled a google document with information on COVID-19 testing sites based on provinces. There is information regarding the locations of these testing sites, how appointments are being made, and when you can collect your test result.

Health-Related Resources

Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

• The Government of Canada created a document outlining what is coronavirus, the symptoms and treatment, how to be prepared, prevention and risk, and Canada's response to this virus.
• There is also an updated list on the areas in Canada with COVID-19 cases.
• There are is also a number of printable resources and downloads that can be easily shared with community members.
  • About Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
  • Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Vulnerable Population and COVID-19   
  • Be Prepared (COVID-19)
  • How to Care for a Person with COVID-19 at Home: Advice for Caregivers
  • Reduce the Spread of COVID-19: Wash Your Hands
  • Cleaning and Disinfecting for Public Settings
  • There is also information on the different forms of Hand Hygiene.
• Be sure to check out the following infographics:
• If you are seeking for further information, there is a COVID-19 Virtual Assistant that can help narrow down your search and direct you to the appropriate page to better answer your questions. 

 Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Indigenous Communities

• Indigenous Services Canada has provided a number of information and resources pertaining to COVID-19 and Indigenous communities, this also consists of a video from Indigenous Services Canada and their updates on this outbreak.
• Public service announcements regarding COVID-19 have also been provided in various Indigenous languages.

 First Nations Health Authority - Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

• The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) has shared a list of resources, including the Important Steps for Communities.

COVID-19 Flowchart

• Here is a flowchart to assist when attempting to get further guidance on getting checked over the phone, in person, and what to do if you are showing symptoms.

Daily Scan of Selected Public Health Organizations

• This is an active document that consists of international updates and resources on COVID-19 that was compiled by Public Health Ontario.

COVID-19 Information for People Living with HIV

• The Urban Indian Health Institute has a downloaded resource with people living with HIV during the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 and Diabetes

• Diabetes Voice has provided information to better assist individuals that are diabetic during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Myth Busters

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public: Myth busters

• The World Health Organization (WHO) has shared a list of myth busters in relation to COVID-19. 

Coronavirus FAQs: Can people without symptoms spread COVID-19? How long does it live on surfaces? What cleaning products kill the virus?

• The Conversation has shared a piece on the most frequently asked questions on COVID-19.

The dangerous legacy of COVID-19: A rise in antimicrobial resistance

• With the increased spread of misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Global and Mail has released an opinion piece on the dangers of misinformation.

No, you can't make an N-95 respirator out of a bra

• CBC News has released an article debunking myths and remedies surrounding COVID-19.

Substance Abuse

COVID-19 Safer Drug Use Harm Reduction Tips

• Provides information on ensuring a safe and clean environment for drug use during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Online Meeting Directory

• The Online Intergroup Alcoholics Anonymous group offers a directory of AA Canada meetings in various mediums such as Zoom Meeting, one tap mobile, and one can dial by their location.
• There are resources available for folks’ part of the LBGTQ+ community, folks that are deaf/hard of hearing, blind/visually impaired, loners/internationalists, and atheist/agonistic.

Domestic Violence

Find Help Across Canada

• Ending Violence Association of Canada has provided a directory of resources based on provinces for individuals that are experiencing domestic violence.

Battered Women's Support Services

• The Battered Women’s Support Services (BWSS) will continue providing emotional support to women experiencing gender-based domestic violence.

Shelter Safe

• Shelter Safe will still be providing support to women and children that are fleeing from violence. Their crisis lines will also still be open to provide information on creating safety planning.

Youth Support

Crisis Services Canada

• Crisis Services Canada (CSC) has provided a list of local resources and support for individuals that may have suicidal thoughts, and has COVID-19 Resources.

Referral Database

• LGBT Youth Line has provided an online directory of support and resources that can respond to the needs of individuals within the LGBTQ+ community.

Good2Talk

• Good2Talk provides support for post-secondary students in Ontario and Nova Scotia.

Service Continuation During COVID-19

• Hands The Family Help Network has a list of resources and tools that can help youth during the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Kids Help Now

• Kids Help Now will continue providing support and assistance to youth. (They have also provided additional resources based on one’s location.)

Resources for Supporting Children’s Emotional Well-being during the COVID-19 Pandemic

• Child Trends has compiled a list of resources and recommendations on how to better support a child’s emotional well-being. 

Mental Health Related Resources

Managing Anxiety and Stress

• The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has shared tips on how to cope with stress during the outbreak of the Coronavirus. There is information to help reduce stress for yourself and those around you, assistance for parents and children, and folks that have been released from quarantine. They have a webpage dedicated to Coping with a Disaster or Traumatic Event and ways in which we can take care of emotional health. To ensure the safety of individuals that mental health issues, there is information on reducing stigma.

Canadian Hearing Services’ Hearing Care & CONNECT Counsellors available virtually March 31

• The Canadian Hearing Services has compiled a list of counsellors that can be connected virtually.

Stress Management: Relaxing Your Mind and Body

• The Alberta Health Services has provided breathing exercises and activities that can help manage stress.

COVID-19 and Mental Health

• The Canadian Mental Health Association has put together some resources that can help with your mental health during the COVID-19 outbreak. This webpage also provides credible sources that can further assist with topics surrounding mental health.
• The CMHA has also include information regarding stigma and discrimination.

Mental Health and the COVID-19 Pandemic

• The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) has provided an array of resources and information on mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic, answers to FAQs, and methods to better assess your stress and anxiety levels, as well as tools to better deal with isolation and self-quarantine. 
  • Challenging Worries and Anxious Thoughts
  • Dealing with Problems in a Structured Way
  • Talking to Children about COVID-19 and its Impact

Tips for Social Distancing, Quarantine, and Isolation During an Infectious Disease Outbreak

• The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has provided a tip sheet on social distancing, quarantine, and isolation. This tip sheet explores the feeling and thoughts that you might have while and after social distancing, quarantine, and isolation; as well as, providing information to help navigate those experience.

Mental Health and COVID-19 - Information and Resources

• Mental Health America (MHA) has shared information and resources for managing one’s anxiety, tools that can help stay connected (especially for individuals living with mental illness), and more information to help support youth members.

What to do if you're anxious or worried about coronavirus (COVID-19)

• Anxiety Canada has shared suggestion on how to best cope and manage the anxiety during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Talking to Your Anxious Child About COVID-19

• The Children’s Mental Health Ontario has shared information on how to assist a child dealing with anxiety during this pandemic.

COVID-19: Supporting a discussion with children and youth

• The Ontario Centre of Excellence for Child & Youth Mental Health has created a list of resources on how to better support youth during the COVID-19 pandemic. They have also included printable resources and activities to better explain the current happenings.

Mental health resources during COVID19/Coronavirus

• This active google document provides free and affordable mental health resources; as well as, a list of crisis hotlines, online therapy websites, and tools to ease one’s anxiety during these times.

Indigenous Specific Resources

Although there hasn’t been any information regarding the use of traditional medicine and COVID-19, we believe it is important to include Indigenous resources in this resources list and may be of value to you!

Indigenous Services Canada

• Protecting the health and safety of Indigenous Communities in close proximity to natural resource operations: Guidance for Indigenous communities https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1592487905243/1592487940872

• Financial supports for Indigenous businesses during the COVID-19 outbreak

  • First Nations, Inuit and Métis businesses have access to all measures provided through the Government of Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan, and are encouraged to review it to see what financial supports might be available to them. Attached is a product that provides more information on benefits provided, such as the Funding for small and medium-sized Indigenous businesses, Canada Emergency Business Account, Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund, and the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance for small businesses. We appreciate your support in sharing this information widely. 
    For more information on the COVID-19 Economic Response Plan, visit: Canada.ca/economic-response-plan

• Guidance on Re-Opening Northern, Remote, Isolated, and Indigenous Communities

COVID Resources for Indigenous Peoples

• Indigenous Climate Action has provided a number of amazing resources that are Indigenous focused to help stay informed and provide guidance during this outbreak.
• These resources touch on:
• Social Distancing
• Mental Health Support
• Traditional Medicines and Holistic Practices
• Entertainment for Teens and Adults
• Learning
• Maintaining Community Connection
• Making a Clean Space
• Community Care

Decolonizing Community Care in Response to COVID-19

• The NDN Collective has shared information on traditional practices that can help manage stress and reinforce community care during COVID-19.

Resources to Assist First Nations in Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic

• The Olthuis Kleer Townshend LLP. (OKT) has created a blog with general assistance to First Nations regarding pandemic planning, funding and potential legal issues.

Highlights from A COVID-19 Fireside Chart with Indigenous Health Professionals

• The Yellowhead Institute complied a document to summarize the conversations surrounding Indigenous communities and COVID-19.

Indigenous Health During COVID-19

•  TVO has shared a video identifying the challenges that are specific to Indigenous communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Clean & Disinfect

CDC: Coronavirus (COVID-19)

• The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has a helpful and updates resources on COVID-19. Provides an array of information on how to clean and disinfect, how to clean your environment if someone is sick, and information on environmental cleaning and disinfection recommendations.

First Nations Health Authority: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Resources for First Nations Community Health Care Providers

• The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) demonstrates best practices when ensuring a clean environment, washing your hands, and protecting yourself.

List of Resources and Information Based on Provinces