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Informational Guide during Coronavirus

PUBLIC HEALTH information

SNAP: Due to federal action, extra pandemic SNAP benefits are ending on March 2. This means that households in Massachusetts will start getting less SNAP starting in April. (Note: the monthly HIP amount will remain the same for all households.) The state has launched a website: Mass.gov/ExtraCOVIDSNAP to help residents plan for the end of the temporary federal COVID-related SNAP benefits. DTA is also contacting clients via text message, mailed notices, website banners and DTA Connect app alerts. These messages direct clients to other resources, like HIP, that can help expand their food budget during this difficult time.
(The state has also proposed to provide a portion of these extra SNAP benefits for a certain period of time to lessen the impact of the abrupt end to the federal temporary program on MA families. This plan still needs to be approved by the state legislature. DTA will provide more information when available.)

DIAL 211: MA VACCINATION HOTLINE FOR SENIORS 75+

VACCINATION INFO HOTLINE: 413-449-5575

Tri-Town Health Directive on Masking, September 7, 2021 [AMENDED 10/27/21] Masking required indoors & outdoors only when un-vaccinated and unable to maintain a 6 foot distance. Individual establishments reserve the right to implement more stringent standards that local and state laws.

Resources for coping with Substance Addiction & PTSD:

TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS FOR ENTERING (OR RE-ENTERING) MASSACHUSETTS

Individuals experiencing symptoms of a respiratory illness can call the Berkshire Health Systems Hotline at
855-262-5465
between the hours of 7am and 7pm, 7 days/week.
and/or the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) 24/7 Epidemiology line at (617) 983-6800.

RESOURCES FOR ADDRESSING CAREGIVER,
NURSING HOME ABUSE & DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Elizabeth Freeman Center: Domestic and Sexual Violence Response 866.401.2425

Report Child Abuse or Neglect to Mass DCF

24/7 SAFELINK Crisis Hotline for victims of Domestic or Sexual Abuse: (877) 785-2020. LEARN MORE.
“WARM Line” for those Suffering Mental Distress During Covid: (413) 445-1136 until 8:00 pm daily. Confidential, Free.
MA Dept. of Public Health addressing DOMESTIC ABUSE, CHILD ABUSE, MENTAL HEALTH

Call 211 to reach the state call center for health information. Free & Multilingual.

Berkshire Medical Center toll-free hotline for questions/concerns: 855-BMC-LINK – or – 855-262-5465  (7 days/week, 7AM – 7PM)

Buoy Health Care Tool

Buoy Health’s online 24/7 tool is free for Massachusetts residents and uses current COVID-19 guidance from the CDC and Massachusetts Department of Public Health.  Visit buoy.com/mass to learn more and use the tool.

Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MCDHH) is checking Voicemail and SignMail messages left on our main numbers: Voice (617) 740-1600 and Video Phone: (617) 326-7546, and will respond within one business day.

For interpreter/CART requests are being processed online, visit https://www.mcdhh.net/request/ to submit your request.

Text Alerts – Text “COVIDMA” to 888-777 to receive COVID-19 text message alerts straight to your phone and stay up to date with the latest news + updates from the Commonwealth.

Massachusetts Department of Public Health: 617-983-6800 (24-hour emergency hotline)