COVID-19 Nonprofit and Local Government Updates
Coronavirus Hotline: 417-874-1211
Health Quesitons: coronavirus@springfieldmo.gov
Business Questions: 417-799-1570 or essentialbusiness@springfieldmo.gov
Complaints: 417-864-1010
- The CDC encourages donating blood if you are well. Blood centers are open and are in urgent need of donations. Community Blood Center of the Ozarks has extended hours at their locations across the Ozarks and is also in need of volunteers.
- The Springfield Regional Arts Council and the Downtown Springfield Association have cancelled the combined Artsfest and Cider Days on Walnut Street, originally scheduled for September 19-20.
- Symptoms of COVID-19 include cough, fever and shortness of breath. Health officials say you should call your healthcare provider to tell them about your symptoms before going to a clinic.
- If you are sick, use virtual care options to seek medical treatment so you don't expose others to illness. In Springfield, CoxHealth is offering its telemedicine, or virtual vists, free for COVID-19 patients. You'll just need to use the term "COVID." Information at 417-269-8633.
- COVID-19 is spread through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It spreads between people who are in close contact with one another (about six feet). People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic. Some spread is possible before people show symptoms, but it is not thought that this is the main way the virus is transmitted. Wash your hands frequently.
- The Springfield-Area Chamber of Commerce has set up an email to help member businesses navigate recent changes brought on by coronavirus. That email is: covid19info@springfieldchamber.com.
- Low-interest diaster loans are available to small businesses and private non-profits severely impacted byt the coronavirus. Information at sba.gov/disaster or at 800-659-2955.
- The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has information regarding COVID-19 online, as well as a 24-hour hotline at 877-435-8411.
- Businesses in Christian County can find support and resources here.
- NAMI Southwest Missouri is offering virtual support groups. The Peer Support Warm Line is also open at 864-3676 or toll-free at 877-535-4357.
- The Missouri Department of Conservation is offering teacher, parents, students and others access to its free Discover Nature Schools (DNS) nature-based curriculum for pre-kindergarten through high school online. MDC also offers other nature-based learning resources here. Find a variety of nature-based video segments from MDC here.
- The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education offers tips on how to support student learning at home.
- The United Way has set up a Coronavirus Emergency Fund.
- Ozarks Food Harvest has established the COVID-19 Hope Fund to help those who need food assistance. You can donate at ozarksfoodharvest.org.
- The City of Springfield has a web page where you can find a variety of information related to the coronavirus. Find resources for job seekers and employers, read recent city directives, find information about COVID-19 and more.
- Get the latest information about the coronavirus in Greene County at health.springfieldmo.gov/coronavirus. The site offers a variety of information, including coping with stress, prevetion tips and more.
- Consumer Credit Counseling Services of the Ozarks works to solve debt problems for those in financial trouble.
- The City of Nixa has created nixastrong.com with resources for recovering from the pandemic and economic effects of coronavirus.
- The Springfield Regional Arts Council extends their educational outreach by providing free "Art Kits" to educate students across the area on famous artists and their different styles. These projects are designed for students in grades K-8 and use supplies you can find at home. Kits are available online.
- The Missouri Job Center in Springfield has reopened to the public for help with job searches, or to ask questions about unemployment, call the Missouri Job Center in Springfield: 417-887-4343. Outside of Springfield, you can call the statewide Missouri Job Center number: 1-888-728-JOBS (5627), or visit JOBS.MO.GOV online.
- The Missouri Attorney General encourages the public to report price gouging that may occur due to the pandemic. You can report that online at AGO.MO.GOV, you can call the Missouri Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-392-8222.
- The Springfield-Greene County Library invites everyone to particpate in their photo project, Enduring COVID-19 in the Ozarks. Simply take a picture of scenes of life in the Ozarks as we practice social distancing and staying at home during the coronavirus pandemic. Photos can be sumitted at thelibrary.com/enduringcovid19.
- Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri continues to offer its programs and services on a modified basis during the coronavirus pandemic.
- CoxHealth's Injury Prevention Team has resumed car seat safety checks. Information at 417-269-0920.