In these times of social distancing, we are calling all of our clients. We reach out to connect with them to engage them, provide a social connection in support of their mental health, and determine their physical needs to help connect them to resources in the community. While the Family Wellness Program has shifted to cover new grounds in response to community needs, we still are moving clients through our care model regarding breast and cervical health screenings.

Our case manager reaches out to our clients on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays by phone and email from 8am to 3pm. 

Evidence does not show that regular breast self-exams help reduce deaths from breast cancer. However, it is very important for women to be aware of how their breasts normally look and feel and to report any changes to a health care provider right away. This is especially important if a woman notices a breast change at some point in between her regular mammograms.

We know that this is a very challenging time for everyone, especially for children and families in vulnerable communities. These are fluid times that require us to come together, to be solution architects to address the challenges around food insecurity and health, as we learn in real-time what it will mean to maintain our well-being.

For our children, families, and educators who are transitioning to online and remote instruction, here are free resources available to you.

Coronavirus – Stay up to date on the latest news regard the COVID-19 pandemic:

• Centers for Disease Control + Prevention (CDC)
• Florida Department of Health (DOH)
• World Health Organization (WHO)

Local COVID-19 Testing Sites – South Florida now has several local coronavirus testing sites, all of which are drive-thru only. Each location’s hours of operations vary. It is advised to have gas in your car, as wait times could be up to two hours.

Coronavirus At-Home Test Available – An at-home testing kit for COVID-19 will be made available to the public starting Monday, March 23, 2020. The test will be priced at $135 each. Please contact your insurer to confirm if they will cover the cost of this test. 

USDA Hunger Number – If you require food during the COVID-19 pandemic contact the UDSA National Hunger Hotline: 1-866-3-HUNGRY

• Miami-Dade WIC April Updates
• Miami-Dade WIC Locations

Wellness Program – YWCA is dedicated to the health and wellness of the community. As such, we have several programs to meet the needs of our families:

• We are still setting up appointments for women to be screened for breast and cervical cancer. You can email Alina Ballesteros at aballesteros@ywca-miami.org to schedule an appointment.
• We will have food for the weekends starting April 17th. You can sign up by calling the front desk of our Overtown location at 305.377.9922

Our partner, Common Threads, is also offering weekly interactive health and wellness videos such as meditation, yoga, fitness, stress management, cooking and much more for our friends and partners.

Family Meals – We are encouraging you to get in the kitchen with your family and prepare healthy home-cooked meals. With grocery retailers facing inventory shortages, our partner has made a list of highly versatile ingredients that can serve as the base for many healthful recipes designed to feed your whole family.

Whole Chicken = Roasted Chicken | Doro Wat | Quesadilla

Chickpeas = Hummus | Roasted Chickpeas | Chickpea Kale Salad

Ground Meat/Turkey = Spaghetti Pie |Turkey Chili | Simple Stuffed Bell Peppers

Yogurt = DIY Smoothie | Mango Lime Parfait | Dressings (Ranch, Honey Mustard)

Eggs = Huevos Rancheros | Baked Kale Frittata | Egg Salad

Whole Grains = Breakfast Date Bites | Oatmeal | Cinnamon Oatmeal Pancakes |Banana Bread | Blueberry Banana Overnight Oats

Produce = Roasted Potatoes | Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Hand Washing Activity – Make washing your hands a fun activity with your kids! Show them just how important proper hygiene is and how to properly wash their hands to prevent the spread of germs.

Meditate with Oprah – These uncertain times are sure to cause stress. Join Oprah and Deepak on 21 days of meditation for free. Harness your strength, find peace and create a connection. 

Food Distribution: Farm Share 

Farm Share was established in 1991 based on the simple idea to distribute fresh food Free of Charge to families, children, seniors and individuals in need throughout Florida. At the site, clients receive bags of fresh produce, frozen food, non-perishable food items and bottled water.

• State Representative Randy Fine
  April 25 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
  2539 Palm Bay Road fl 32905 2539 Palm Bay Rd NE Palm Bay, FL 32905 United States
• Mothers Fighting for Justice
  April 28 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
  West Perrine Park 10301 SW 170th Terrace
  Miami, FL 33157 United States
• State Representative Kionne L. Mcghee
  April 30 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
  Triumphant Church of God of Prophecy 21450 SW 112 Ave Cutler Bay, FL 33189 United States
• Councilman Johny G. Farias
  May 1 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
  St. Peters Missionary Baptist Church 17901 SW 107th Ave
  Miami, FL 33157 United States
• Seaboard Missionary Baptist Association
  May 2 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
  Cosmopolitan Baptist Church 3003 NW 207th Street
  Miami Gardens, FL 33056 United States 
• Children of Inmates Project PEACE
  May 20 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
  Liberty City 1818 NW 63rd Street
  Miami, FL 33147 United States 
• Homestead Middle School
  May 27 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
  Homestead Middle School 650 NW 2nd Avenue
  Homestead, FL 33030 United States 
• State Representative Kionne L. Mcghee
  May 28 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
  Evangelist Mission Church of God in Christ 10053 Kumquat St.
  Miami, FL 33157 United States 
• Children of Inmates Project PEACE
  June 17 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
  Liberty City 1818 NW 63rd Street
  Miami, FL 33147 United States 
• Children of Inmates Project PEACE
  July 15 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
  Liberty City 1818 NW 63rd Street
  Miami, FL 33147 United States 

********** One ride user per household can access a Lyft ride credit valued at up to $25. The credit allows riders to get picked up and driven to a designated Farm Share facility. **********

Other Food Distribution

Feeding South Florida Distribution Dates (NOTE: This changes frequently and may have cancellations.)

DeliverLean will distribute free meals at Gibson Park every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The address is Gibson Park, 401 NW 12th Street, Miami.

Co-Owner Manny Teague of Bowl’d Acai and Fruit Smoothie Bowls in Oakland Park is giving free organic oatmeal to any student from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. They are located at 1520 E. Commercial Blvd. in Oakland Park.

FROM FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH 

• The Florida Department of Health is updating information regularly. Read the latest information related to COVID-19 in Florida.
• Individuals in Miami-Dade County who believe they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should call the Florida Department of Health at 305-324-2400. If you have a medical provider, call them. If traveling to a medical office or facility, call ahead. For questions about COVID-19 in Florida, please call the Florida Department of Health at 1-866-779-6121.

FROM MIAMI-DADE COUNTY INFO FOR SENIORS 

• In an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), community centers that serve seniors are closed until further notice.
• Essential services provided by senior community centers will be delivered to our seniors.
• If you are a senior citizen and you have any problems getting meals, please call the County’s 311 Call Center and you will be immediately patched in with our Emergency Operations Center and get you the meals or other services that you may need.

FROM MIAMI-DADE COUNTY- FOODSERVICE AND BUSINESS CLOSURES 

• Effective 11 p.m. March 17, Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez ordered all food service establishments, bars and clubs in Miami-Dade County to close their doors to on-premises service. Restaurant kitchens may remain open for takeout and delivery.
• All non-essential retail and commercial establishments are closed, effective 9 p.m. March 19. Among the businesses that can remain open are healthcare providers, stores that sell food and household products, banks, pawnshops and more.

FLORIDA BLUE HEALTHCARE –  24-hour, free emotional support helpline for all Floridians, in partnership with New Directions Behavioral Health. Any Floridian – even if uninsured or insured by another plan – can call 833-848-1762 for support in managing feelings of stress, anxiety, grief or fear related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Counselors cannot provide information on COVID-19 testing or treatment. Increased Access to Virtual Health Care – Florida Blue has increased access to virtual health care options for all members to help reduce the spread of the COVID-19. All Medicare Advantage and Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) members now have $0 access to Teladoc, which provides 24/7 bilingual virtual care via phone, video or mobile app.

BAPTIST HEALTH – Baptist Health is offering their Care On Demand platform to any HEAT Fans FOR FREE, using code CARE19. Baptist Health’s online caregivers are prepared to follow the appropriate CDC protocols and can answer questions regarding #COVID19, evaluate a patient’s risk and provide support to relieve symptoms. Click here for more information.

Get Help Paying For Medical Expenses

Healthwell Foundation helps cover copays, premiums, deductibles and various other out-of-pocket expenses if you’re underinsured and suffer from certain illnesses.