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I N F O R M AT I O N
B U L L E T I N
Voice of the Fields California
October 2020
FREE
Volume 30, Number 10
Make Your Voice Heard this Election
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OTING IN STATE AND NATIONAL ELECTIONS means that you can make your voice heard and decide on policies that will affect you and your family for years to come. By casting your ballot, you are directly influencing decisions on labor laws, school policies, elected officials, and many other issues. Families and communities are directly impacted by election outcomes and that requires your input to make a difference. In the United States, Latinos make up Registering to Vote 18% of the population and 13% of eligible voters, indicating that the Latino community is one of the largest electorates in the country. However, they are also one of the most underrepresented in elections and politics. There is a massive opportunity to amplify Latino voices and the issues that matter most to the community by voting in upcoming elections. This year’s General Election will determine this country’s next President, and will also decide congressional leadership that will represent your district, in addition to a host of other ballot measures that directly impact you on a local level. First, determine whether or not you are eligible to vote in the upcoming election on November 3rd. Then, make sure you are registered to vote. Finally, cast your ballot by voting by mail or in person. The future of your family depends on it. Eligible voters include those that are: A United States Citizen and resident of California Will be 18 years or older on Election Day Not currently serving state or federal prison time (or parole) for felony convictions Not currently deemed mentally incompetent to vote by court decision
You can register to vote online or by obtaining a paper voter registration application. To register to vote online, visit www.sos. ca.gov/elections/voter-registration. The website is available in English and Spanish, and you can switch languages by clicking the “Change Language” tab in the upper lefthand corner of the webpage and selecting “Español.” You can obtain a paper voter registration application by visiting your county elections office, library, Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offices, or U.S. post office. If you would prefer that an application be mailed to you, you can call (800) 345-VOTE. However, keep in mind that the deadline to register is fast approaching and registering online or by picking up an application may help you avoid missing the registration deadline. Your application must be completed and postmarked (or hand-delivered) to your county elections office at least 15 days before the election on November 3rd. To find out if you are already registered to vote, visit voterstatus.sos.ca.gov. Whether you register to vote online or by paper application, your registration must be postmarked or submitted online no later than October 19, 2020.
To find your county elections office and their contact information, you can visit www.sos.ca.gov/elections/votingresources/county-elections-offices or call Secretary of State’s toll-free Voter Hotline at (800) 345-VOTE (8683).
How to Vote
Voters can vote by mail or in person. Across the country, more and more people are voting by mail to avoid the spread of COVID-19. Despite claims about voteby-mail fraud, studies have shown that mail-in ballots are not susceptible to fraud or misuse. To vote by mail, simply fill out the mail-in ballot delivered to all eligible California voters. Earlier this year, Governor Gavin Newsom signed an Executive Order requiring that all eligible voters be sent a mail-in ballot automatically. Any registered voter can cast their ballot and return it by mail or in person by November 3, 2020: If you are returning your mail-in ballot by mail, it must be postmarked by November 3, 2020 If you are returning your mail-in ballot in person, you must do so by delivering it to your county elections office or any polling place in your county by 8:00pm on November 3, 2020 To vote in person, you can vote at the polls on Election Day or check to see if your county is offering early voting locations. Contact your county elections office for inContinued on page 4
Covid-19 Updates and Information
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OVID-19 cases are still surging across the country. Farmworker communities and agricultural workers are some of the most at-risk individuals, largely because they tend to work and live in close quarters that make social distancing difficult. Farmworkers also tend to have more underlying health conditions that increase the risk of COVID-19 related complications. Diabetes, respiratory problems, and weakened immune systems are just some of the chronic conditions that agricultural workers endure by nature of doing hard labor and generally having less access to healthcare than other individuals. As the country surpasses 200,000 deaths from COVID-19 related illness and conditions, there is some good news. Medical experts learn more everyday about coronavirus and are able to better treat patients than they were at the beginning of 2020, when the effects of coronavirus were still largely unknown to the healthcare community. Now, doctors have more knowledge about the treatments that work and those that don’t, which is lowering death rates and making the risk of dying from COVID-19 lower than it was previously. However, the spread of coronavirus is still rising in the U.S. and throughout California. After dealing with the current pandemic for nearly 8 months, it’s easy to become less diligent about daily practices that prevent the spread of COVID-19. Please remember to keep yourself and your family safe by practicing social distancing and wearing a mask around those not in your household, washing your hands after touching public services, monitoring your symptoms, and seeking testing or medical services
if you suspect that you may have contracted coronavirus.
Traveling During COVID-19
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not recommend doing any nonessential travel during the current public health crisis. Traveling increases your chances of contracting COVID-19. Remember, people can spread coronavirus for 14 days after being exposed and may not show any symptoms. This means that you could be exposed to the virus without knowing it and spread it to friends and family members. Anyone who is sick or has been around someone with COVID-19 in the past 14 days should not travel at all. If you are planning to travel to Mexico, please keep in mind that the CDC and U.S. Department of State recently issued a Level 3 Travel Advisory for the region which is the highest risk advisory level. COVID-19 cases are spreading throughout Mexico at a very high rate, as they are in the United States. Both the CDC and U.S. Department of State do not recommend traveling to Mexico for covid19.ca.gov/healthcare/
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nonessential trips, but if you must travel, visit the Embassy’s COVID-19 webpage to learn more about coronavirus risks and how to stay safe while traveling in Mexico: mx.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/ covid-19-information/.
COVID-19 Resources and Information
California’s COVID-19 website, covid19. ca.gov, has a comprehensive COVID-19 information guide for immigrant Californians. The guide includes information about: state restrictions, ways to protect yourself and others, immigration help, public charge information for accessing public benefits, testing and treatment, information on jobs, wages, and benefits, small business support, housing, food and bills, community safety, and protection against scams and information. The guide is available in English and Spanish. English: covid19.ca.gov/img/wp/listos_covid_19_immigrant_guidance_en_daf.pdf Spanish: covid19.ca.gov/img/wp/listos_covid_19_immigrant_guidance_es_daf.pdf For more immigration-related infor-
Get Your Flu Shot
Don’t forget, flu season is also approaching, making the impacts of coronavirus much worse, especially because the symptoms of both viruses are very similar. Medical experts still maintain that the best way to reduce your risk of contracting the flu is to get a flu shot. Doctors say that the best time to get a flu shot is between September and October, before flu season hits to ensure that you are protected come November. For more information about the flu virus, how to get a vaccine, and where to go to be vaccinated, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website, available in English and Spanish. English: www.cdc.gov/flu/about/index. html Spanish: espanol.cdc.gov/flu/about/
mation and resources, visit the California htm Immigrant Guide website. There, you will LWDA English webpage: www.labor.ca.gov/ find answers to all of your questions about coronavirus2019/(View LWDA informaCOVID-19, public charge, DACA updates, tion in Spanish using the link at the top of disaster relief, adult education programs, jobs, the page) benefits, Census 2020 information, and so For information about coronavirus in Califormuch more. The site is available in English nia, visit covid19.ca.gov (Use the “Transand Spanish. late” button in the upper right-hand corner English: immigrantguide.ca.gov/en to translate into Spanish) Spanish: immigrantguide.ca.gov/es For local information, you should To learn more about the coronavialso visit your county’s website to learn rus, how it spreads, and how to protect about new developments in your commuyourself, please visit the Center for Disease nity. Find your county’s website by going Control and California Department of Public to www.counties.org/county-websitesHealth websites for reguprofile-information. What to do if you are sick with lar updates and additional coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) Services information. Available to CDC English webYou and Your page: www.cdc.gov/ Family coronavirus/2019If you have been ncov/faq.html affected by layoffs or CDC Spanish webare unable to work as a page: www.cdc.gov/ result of COVID-19, the coronavirus/2019Employment Develncov/faq-sp.html opment Department CDPH English webpage: (EDD) offers resources www.cdph.ca.gov/ and benefit programs like Programs/CID/ unemployment insurDCDC/Pages/Immuance, paid family leave, nization/ncov2019. www.cdc.gov/COVID19 and disability insurance. aspx Given the enormous number of people CDPH Spanish webpage: www.cdph.ca.gov/ currently applying for unemployment insurPrograms/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immuniance in California, waiting periods and zation/ncov2019.aspx approval processes are taking much longer More information about COVID-19 in than usual for those applying for unemEnglish and Spanish: aghealth.ucdavis.edu/ ployment insurance. In order to identify covid19#resources issues with claims processing, Governor To find out what California workers Gavin Newsom employed a strike team need to know, visit the Employment Develtasked to make recommendations for opment Department (EDD) and Labor & the EDD. Included were recommendaWorkforce Development Agency’s (LWDA) tions about streamlining online approvals, websites. addressing backlogs, and strengthening EDD English webpage: www.edd.ca.gov/ identification verification tools. The EDD about_edd/coronavirus-2019.htm needs two-weeks to develop new protocols EDD Spanish webpage: www.edd.ca.gov/ and will reintroduce their platform on about_edd/coronavirus-2019-espanol. If you are sick with COVID-19 or suspect you are infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, follow the steps below to help prevent the disease from spreading to people in your home and community.
Stay home except to get medical care
Clean your hands often
You should restrict activities outside your home, except for getting medical care. Do not go to work, school, or public areas. Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol, covering all surfaces of your hands and rubbing them together until they feel dry. Soap and water should be used preferentially if hands are visibly dirty. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home
People: As much as possible, you should stay in a specific room and away from other people in your home. Also, you should use a separate bathroom, if available. Animals: Do not handle pets or other animals while sick. See COVID-19 and Animals for more information.
Call ahead before visiting your doctor
If you have a medical appointment, call the healthcare provider and tell them that you have or may have COVID-19. This will help the healthcare provider’s office take steps to keep other people from getting infected or exposed.
Wear a facemask
You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) or pets and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then people who live with you should not stay in the same room with you, or they should wear a facemask if they enter your room.
Cover your coughs and sneezes
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw used tissues in a lined trash can; immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60-95% alcohol covering all surfaces of your hands and rubbing them together until they feel dry. Soap and water should be used preferentially if hands are visibly dirty.
Avoid sharing personal household items
You should not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, or bedding with other people or pets in your home. After using these items, they should be washed thoroughly with soap and water.
Clean all “high-touch” surfaces every day
High touch surfaces include counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and bedside tables. Also, clean any surfaces that may have blood, stool, or body fluids on them. Use a household cleaning spray or wipe, according to the label instructions. Labels contain instructions for safe and effective use of the cleaning product including precautions you should take when applying the product, such as wearing gloves and making sure you have good ventilation during use of the product.
Monitor your symptoms
Seek prompt medical attention if your illness is worsening (e.g., difficulty breathing). Before seeking care, call your healthcare provider and tell them that you have, or are being evaluated for, COVID-19. Put on a facemask before you enter the facility. These steps will help the healthcare provider’s office to keep other people in the office or waiting room from getting infected or exposed.
Ask your healthcare provider to call the local or state health department. Persons who are placed under active monitoring or facilitated self-monitoring should follow instructions provided by their local health department or occupational health professionals, as appropriate. If you have a medical emergency and need to call 911, notify the dispatch personnel that you have, or are being evaluated for COVID-19. If possible, put on a facemask before emergency medical services arrive.
Discontinuing home isolation
Patients with confirmed COVID-19 should remain under home isolation precautions until the risk of secondary transmission to others is thought to be low. The decision to discontinue home isolation precautions should be made on a case-by-case basis, in consultation with healthcare providers and state and local health departments.
CS 314937-D 03/16/2020
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October 5, where users can once again file claims. Users will be able to use the new online identification tool to be automatically approved, upload documents from their mobile devices, and receive quick replies on the status of their claim. For more information about how to apply for claims with the EDD, visit their website in English and Spanish. English: edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019/unemployment-claims.htm Spanish: To view the above link in Spanish, scroll to the bottom of the page and select the language drop down menu in the lower right-hand corner. Click “Spanish” and the webpage will automatically translate into Spanish For more information about the services available to you, see the list below. You may be eligible for services if you are: Missing work because your child’s school is closed and you have no childcare options, you can file an Unemployment Insurance (UI) Claim. The easiest way to file a UI claim is through UI online. English: edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/ UI_Online.htm Spanish: edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/UI_Online_Espanol.htm For instructions and information on how to apply, visit the following webpage: English: edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/ Filing_a_Claim.htm Spanish: edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/ Filing_a_Claim_Espanol.htm Unable to work as many hours because your employer shut down business or reduced your hours, you can file an Unemployment Insurance claim. The easiest way to file a UI claim is through UI online. English: edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/UI_Online.htm Spanish: edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/UI_OnContinued on page 4
COVID-19 Continued from page 3
Caring for an ill or quarantined family member with COVID-19 (verified by a line_Espanol.htm medical professional) you can file a Paid For instructions and information on how to Family Leave (PFL) claim. apply, visit the following webpage: The easiest way to file a PFL claim is English: edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/ through SDI online. Filing_a_Claim.htm English: edd.ca.gov/Disability/SDI_OnSpanish: edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/ line.htm Filing_a_Claim_EsSpanish: edd.ca.gov/DisabilEMPLOYEE RIGHTS panol.htm ity/SDI_Online_Espanol.htm For instructions and inforUnable to work mation on how to apply, visit the because of exposure to following webpage: COVID-19 (verified English: edd.ca.gov/Disability/ by a medical profesHow_to_File_a_PFL_Claim_ sional), you can file a in_SDI_Online.htm Disability Insurance Spanish: edd.ca.gov/Disability/ (DI) claim. How_to_File_a_PFL_Claim_ The easiest way to file in_SDI_Online_Espanol.htm a DI claim is through State Disability InsurSelf-employed, you may ance (SDI) online. have benefits available through English: edd.ca.gov/Disability/SDI_Onthe EDD’s benefit program. Visit the folline.htm lowing links to determine your benefits: Spanish: edd.ca.gov/Disability/SDI_OnSelf-employment benefits/English edd. line_Espanol.htm ca.gov/disability/Self-Employed.htm Watch a short Youtube video for informaCOVID-19 FAQs tion about how to apply online: English: edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronaviEnglish: www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7W rus-2019/faqs.htm n4gBSZxc&feature=youtu.be Spanish :edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronaviSpanish: www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVq rus-2019/faqs-espanol.htm LEyQY8fg&feature=youtu.be PAID SICK LEAVE AND EXPANDED FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE UNDER THE FAMILIES FIRST CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE ACT
Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA or Act)
PAID LEAVE ENTITLEMENTS
Generally, employers covered under the Act must provide employees:
ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES
QUALIFYING REASONS FOR LEAVE RELATED TO COVID-19
telework
5.
1. 2.
6.
3. 4.
ENFORCEMENT
For additional information
WAGE AND HOUR DIVISION UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
1-866-487-9243
dol.gov/agencies/whd
WH1422 REV 03/20
Elections Continued from page 1 formation about early voting near you. If you are voting at the polls on Election Day, make sure that you check your polling place to avoid showing up at the wrong center. Your polling place is printed on the back page of the Voter Information Guide sent by your county elections office. If you are still unsure of your polling place, you can find it by: Calling (800) 345-VOTE (8683) Going online at www.sos.ca.gov/elections/polling-place Texting Vote to GOVOTE (468683)
Wednesday 10am October 28 November 25 4
Voice of the Fields California Circulation: 45,000 copies
www.LaCooperativa.org Published monthly by: La Cooperativa Campesina de California 1107 9th Street, Suite 420, Sacramento, CA 95814
This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it. Internal use by an organization and/or personal use by an individual for non-commercial purposes is permissible. All other uses require the prior authorization of the copyright owner. Content produced by ALZA Strategies, a full-service strategy firm that offers quality media relations, crisis communications, public affairs services, and expertise into the growing Latino market.
EDDResources Resources EDD
www.edd.ca.gov
Workforce Services AJCC Locator ............ 1-877-872-5627 CalJOBSSM ...................... 1-800-758-0398 Monitor Advocate, Report work related complaints ................... 1-866-289-8356 e-mail: ............... madvocat@edd.ca.gov Unemployment Insurance English: ........................ 1-800-300-5616 Spanish: ....................... 1-800-326-8937 Disability Insurance English: ....................... 1-800-480-3287 Spanish: ....................... 1-866-658-8846 Paid Family Leave English: ....................... 1-877-238-4373 Spanish: ...................... 1-877-379-3819 Ask EDD Request EDD information online: .....................................askedd.edd.ca.gov
California Wildfires
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HIS FIRE SEASON is one of the worst to hit the state and millions of families and outdoor workers continue to be affected as a result. One of the biggest issues associated with natural disasters like fires and floods is that families are often unprepared for mandatory evacuations or are unsure of the resources available to them in the event of a disaster. To ensure that you and your family are prepared and protected this fire season, create an emergency kit of essentials just in case you have to evacuate your home by visiting the Listos California website (listed at right in the “Resources and Information” section). Also, remember that services are available to you in the event of disaster from organizations like the American Red Cross who will shelter those affected by wildfires. (Information about the American Red Cross is also listed below in the “Resources and Information” section). In the agricultural community, farmworkers are at a high risk of smoke inhalation and fire-related injuries because the work mostly takes place outdoors. Despite state laws that require providing protective equipment to farmworkers, the California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board (Cal/ OSHA) still receives complaints that they are not being provided with safety equipment necessary to work in wildfire areas. Materials like N95 masks to protect from wildfire smoke, adequate access to drinking water, gloves, and other materials are essential to keeping workers safe while in the fields. If you suspect that your employer is not following Cal/OSHA health and safety requirements by not providing you with the equipment necessary to keep you and other workers safe (like N95 masks, gloves, drinking water, adequate shade, regular breaks, etc.), you can file a confidential complaint via telephone or email with the local Cal/OSHA district office. You can find your local office’s contact information and complaint instructions online in English or Spanish.
English: www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/Complaint. htm. Spanish: www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/Spanish/ Complaint.htm. Employees with work-related questions or complaints can also contact the Department of Industrial Relation’s Call Center in English or Spanish at 844-LABOR-DIR (844-522-6734).
CA WILDFIRE ORGANIZATIONS, RESOURCES AND INFORMATION Relief Organizations AMERICAN RED CROSS
The American Red Cross offers disaster relief and recovery services for those most affected in California. The organization offers shelters throughout California that provide a safe space for you and your family when you need it most. You don’t need a reservation, although shelters recommend that you call ahead of time to make sure there is enough space to temporarily house you and your loved ones. You can also access recovery information and discover how to rebuild and recover after going through a disaster. Visit the American Red Cross website in English or Spanish to learn more about the services they offer and the resources available to you. English: www.redcross.org/get-help.html Spanish: www.redcross.org/cruz-roja/obtenerayuda.html
THE SALVATION ARMY
The Salvation Army provides major disaster relief services throughout California to those affected by wildfires. Their organization deploys mobile kitchens across the state and offers free meals and water, in addition to emotional support. Those in need of information about where services are being provided can call the Salvation Army hotline at: 1(888) SA-HELP1 OR 1(888) 724-3571
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Resources and Information Listos California, the state’s wildfire preparedness organization, put together a comprehensive list of information on how to build an emergency essentials kit, information resources necessary to track evacuation information and county announcements, as well as where to seek help if you or your family need it. English: www.listoscalifornia.org/wp-content/ uploads/Disaster-Ready-Guide-DigitalSelfPrint-1.pdf Spanish: www.listoscalifornia.org/wp-content/ uploads/Disaster-Ready-Guide-DigitalSelfPrint-Spanish-1.pdf Listos California also provides dozens of other resources such as free texting programs to keep you in the loop about low-cost disaster preparedness, online interactive trainings, preparedness curriculum, etc, Visit their full website in English or Spanish. English: www.listoscalifornia.org Spanish: www.listoscalifornia.org/es/ For up to date information on wildfire incidents in California, daily wildfire reports, and additional information about how to protect yourself and your family, visit the Cal Fire website, available in English and Spanish. English: www.readyforwildfire.org Spanish: www.readyforwildfire.org/spanish/
Domestic Violence and Covid-19
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OVID-19 has brought with it increased stress for most families dealing with job loss and unemployment, financial hardships, health concerns, and distance learning struggles for those with children. With so much on families’ plates, self-care and stress management is difficult. On top of that, many families are now spending significantly more time at home whereas before, most children went to school, and most parents went to work. As a result, domestic violence cases have risen considerably in the United States and across the world.
Many families who already dealt with domestic violence issues have found that problems only worsened as a result of the public health crisis and worsening recession. Some families never encountered domestic violence previously but now find that the high-stress environment has prompted mental, emotional, or physical abuse by their partners or spouses. Abuse of any form is unacceptable and unwarranted. If you or your family are in danger because someone in your household is abusive, consider seeking help or making a plan to leave the situation. According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH), one of the nation’s leading domestic violence aid organizations, anyone can be a victim of abuse. NDVH explains that all abuse stems from power and control, and abusive tactics include a whole host of degrading and intimidating actions. Remember, domestic violence does not discriminate against gender, age, ethnicity, religion, race, or sexual orientation. Anyone can be the perpetrator of abuse and anyone can be a victim of it. During COVID-19, abusive partners may also use tactics related to the pandemic to intimidate their partners such as: using misinformation to scare or control, keeping partners from seeking medical attention or, withholding necessary items like hand sanitizers or disinfectants.
If you or someone you love is worried they may be a victim of domestic violence, consult the NDVH’s list of suggestions: Create a safety plan: NDVH will help you develop a plan to keep you and your family safe while living in the same household with someone that is abusive. They will also help you devise a plan to leave that will prioritize your wellbeing and the
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wellbeing of those you love. Practice self-care: Self-care includes everything from getting enough sleep and nutrition to engaging in physical activity and practicing activities that bring you joy. Maybe that means journaling, taking regular walks, spending time with friends and family, or singing and dancing often. NDVD recommends making a habit of practicing at least one habit of self-care per day to ensure that you are taking care of yourself in times of hardship. Reach out for help: Enduring abuse can be very isolating, particularly during the pandemic when we are already more isolated than usual. If possible, try to maintain social connections, even if you can only do so online or by phone. And most importantly, reach out for help. NDVH is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For more information about how to help yourself or someone you love dealing with domestic violence, visit the NDVH website, or call or text the NDVH hotline. The website includes detailed information about domestic violence, coming up with a personalized safety plan, practicing self-care, and resources to help you or someone you love get out of the situation. The website also provides information about how to protect yourself and your family. Services on both platforms are available in English and Spanish. NDVH is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, anytime that you need help or advice. Website: English: www.thehotline.org Spanish: espanol.thehotline.org Telephone Hotline: By Phone: 1-800-799-7233 By Text: Text LOVEIS to 1-866-331-9474