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  • Happy Earth Day, Federal Programs, Neighbor to Neighbor

    Happy Earth Day, Federal Programs, Neighbor to Neighbor

    Aloha Neighbor,

    As we see our efforts of sheltering in place and social distancing paying off with fewer positive cases, let’s take some time to look forward and to honor our Planet Earth.  Today, Wednesday, April 22, is Earth Day 2020, celebrating its 50th anniversary. We can take action -anything small or grand- to change our world for a better sustainable future.  While sheltered at home, you can still join in the celebration going digital at: https://www.earthday.org/earth-day-2020/

    This article from The Verge links to different virtual ways that people can celebrate Earth Day from home, including “Earth Day Live 2020,” which will be hosted by activists, entertainers and politicians to discuss, perform and instruct teach-ins about the Earth Day Movement.  It links you to Earth Day animation and poetry, telematic festivals and meditative YouTube videos, with a range of different interactive events for adults and kids to do while being stuck at home.

    And here at home, you can participate in:

    To add to our prior message on the “silver lining” of the COVID-19 pandemic and in celebration of Earth Day 2020, consider the following changes to the health of our planet:

    UPDATE ON FEDERAL PROGRAMS

    • Unemployment Insurance:  Over 200 state administration and legislative staff have come to the aid of the Unemployment Insurance Division. They commenced training Monday and will complete training on Wednesday; and beginning  Wednesday, the call center will be working in two shifts (6 am-12 noon and 12:30-6 pm).   For those still waiting to get into the system, to be certified, or to receive a paycheck, it will come.  As for gig workers and independent contractors, because this is a new program funded by the federal relief act, it may take longer as the department installs the new system, but please know that you will be helped.
    • Economic Impact Payments:  Depending on your income, this payment will also be coming. If you filed your tax return for 2018 or 2019 or received social security, you will receive payment directly from IRS. If you did not file a tax return, you need to submit a non-filer form. For more details click here.

    NEIGHBOR HELPING NEIGHBOR
    Some of our neighbors have been sending additional information sources that might be helpful and of interest to neighbors. We share a few with you:

    • Keeping a Cool Head:  Another source of help is the Samaritan Counseling Center of Hawaii (808) 545-2740. The Center’s therapists work with clients via video and telephone. The Center accepts all forms of insurance but never turns anyone away who cannot pay away.  Donations to the Center’s Client Assistance Fund supports anyone regardless of ability to pay.
    • Safe Grocery Shopping: Keeping safe while shopping is critical as we overcome the Coronavirus.  Masking up is only part of the new routine to keep healthy. Here are some helpful healthful tips when shopping and preparing foods from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration
    • KUPU Conservation Leadership Program is an environmental leadership training program located in Kakaako Makai so it’s appropriate to announce their call for applications on Earth Day.  KUPU offers entry-level opportunities for young professionals committed to a career in environmental conservation.   Trainees gain valuable insight into the conservation field and also may also receive a living allowance and an AmeriCorps education award. Deadline is June 15.  To learn more about the  KUPU program click here.

    THE SENATE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON COVID-19 WILL MEET TODAY (WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22) starting at 11:30 am. The committee asked for updates on: the federal relief package (Department of Taxation Director Rona Suzuki); support for agriculture (Hawaii Agriculture Foundation Executive Director Denise Yamaguchi); and the status of our COVID-19 tracking, testing and medical inventory (DOH Director Bruce Anderson and HI Emergency Management Agency Lead Health Director Steven Hankins). The meeting will be available for live viewing on Olelo Channel 53 on Oahu or live online on Olelo’s website. See the agenda here.  If you missed last week Friday’s hearing or want to view past hearings, please visit the Senate Committee’s page.

    UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE INFO TODAY (WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22):  Governor Ige joins director Scott Murakami on Facebook live to provide the latest update on unemployment filings, give us details on the new tools to help you with your claims, and answer your questions live. Tune in at 10:15 am.

    Take care and stay healthy!

  • Mental/Tele Health, Masks, District Resources

    Mental/Tele Health, Masks, District Resources

    Aloha Neighbor,

    The “silver lining” of the COVID19 pandemic: making us  take pause — to be more mindful of others; of the beauty of our skies, mountains and oceans as we walk the sidewalks and streets now with sparse activity; and as we breathe the clean air although through our masks. Faced with our own difficult struggles and even our mortality we must forge ahead and survive. Many of us have lost a lot; some others are on the verge. Government, business, non-profits and all of us will adjust and will rise again if we stay the course.

    Stay healthy in body, mind and spirit. We will beat this virus. Below are a few golden nuggets of hope —  with phone and text numbers and links to contacts — if you are at your wit’s end. Below are tips on how to minimize stress for higher-risk individuals as well as to access your doctor in that social-distancing kind of way.

    KEEP THAT HEAD COOL 
    If the stresses are too much to bear and you feel your health waning e.g., appetite changes, difficulty concentrating, nightmares, headaches, body pain, skin rashes, anger, substance abuse, don’t go it alone. You can get help from folks who are only a phone call or text away:

    OTHER RESOURCES ON DE-STRESSING

    The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention has some helpful hints on helping yourself and your loved ones, including your children and kupuna.

    GET MEDICAL HELP FASTER THROUGH TELEHEALTH.
    One of the COVID19 developments changing health care services is telemedicine. Doctors and other health professionals are learning that technology can help in serving their patients faster and without the hassle for patients having to fight the traffic and parking.  See below the health services available to you from your own home:

    • WePrescribe allows patients to video consult with a qualified doctor within one hour of making their online appointment. After completing a thorough questionnaire to evaluate the patient’s health status, patients can schedule a live video chat with a board-certified, Hawaii physician within one hour. The fee is $49.99 per consultation and is available daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
    • HMSA members and anyone in Hawaii can use HMSA’s Online Care® to talk to a doctor online from the comfort and privacy of their home or office. It’s secure and convenient and is available at little or no cost to HMSA members. HMSA’s Online Care providers participate with HMSA and have been fully credentialed. See these telehealth resources here:  Telehealth Resources & Hotlines (various providers listed)

    SOCIAL DISTANCING IS THE NEW NORMAL: MASK UP IN PUBLIC
    Governor’s 5th Proclamation signed last Thursday (4/16) requires more stringent social distancing, and, among other rules, encourages you to wear a cloth face mask in public. It also requires all employees and customers waiting to enter and while in essential business establishments that have contact with customers or goods to be purchased (e.g., grocery stores, restaurants, farmers markets, etc.) to wear a cloth face covering. See CDC recommendation.

    I received a couple complaints that masks are hard to get.  But you can wear a scarf or make your own (see one of our earlier messages).  You may be lucky enough to get a free mask from one of our community-minded neighbors Adrian Tam who gave away 500 anti-viral masks on Sunday.

    If you want one contact Adrian by emailing him at adrianktam@gmail.com.  Hurry because he has only 100 left until more are made. Mask Up!

    WHAT’S HAPPENING IN OUR DISTRICT: SERVICES FOR YOU
    Mahalo to those who are finding new ways to address our needs as we weather the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are a couple in our district:

    • HELP IS ON THE WAY is a new non-profit to serve kupuna, health care workers and others shut in with no wheels or quarantined at home.  Made up of about 200 volunteers they will pick up and deliver groceries to you for free.  You order from your grocer and request help online at https://hihelpisontheway.org or call (406) 426-1013
    • KOKUA KAU KAU KITS is a pilot program by Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Assn and Y.Hata to offer some special grocery options to furloughed hospitality workers and their families. They are selling two hefty packages to feed a families of 8-10 people.  See the two bundles and other details.  It is a pilot project so they will offer this special this week so you need to place your order by 10 am on Wednesday (4/22) for pickup on Friday (4/24) at Embassy Suites by Hilton Waikiki Beach Walk from 9 -11am. It is a pilot project so if there is enough interest they will continue the program so try it out.

    Take care and stay healthy!