Navigating COVID-19 Travis DeCuire, University of Montana
Will, Big Dipper Fan
John Engen, Mayor of Missoula
Laura Millin, Missoula Art Museum
Shanti Johnson, Mountain Line
Mini Ford, The Sports Exchange
Bradley Nevins, Student
United Way of Missoula County
Marina Vanderkarr, Betty’s Divine
Smart. Safe. Ready.
United Way’s Vision for Our Community Although the COVID-19 pandemic upended life as we knew it, United Way of Missoula County remains committed to our vision of a thriving community where everyone has an opportunity to succeed. We are proud to support the Smart. Safe. Ready. campaign, in part through a grant from Missoula County. Practicing social distancing, wearing masks, and following health department guidelines will help our community weather the pandemic and face a post-COVID world with confidence. We are grateful to the hundreds of donors whose generosity made it possible for our United Way to raise and deploy nearly a half million dollars for COVID-19 relief, and distribute nearly 8,000 facemasks to frontline workers over the past five months. We continue to respond to COVID-19 by providing grants and facemasks, and by coordinating much of Missoula County’s response to pandemic-related child care needs. But United Way’s value doesn’t just come from operating a relief fund. It comes from the work we do every day to transform our community, in partnership with businesses, nonprofits, healthcare organizations, foundations, the public sector, faith organizations, individual donors and volunteers, our school system, and our university. Some of that work is described in these pages. To learn more, please visit MissoulaUnitedWay.org. In good times and challenging times, United Way will not waiver from pursuing our aspirational vision: a strong, healthy, resilient community where everyone has the opportunity to succeed and thrive. Please join us. Sincerely,
Susan Hay Patrick CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Melissa Matassa-Stone PRESIDENT
412 W. Alder St. | Missoula | 406.549.6104 | MissoulaUnitedWay.org
2
SMART. SAFE. READY. | UNITED WAY OF MISSOULA COUNTY | AUGUST 16, 2020
service and gig-economy workers
COVID-19 Relief Fund
child care facilities
$472,600
emergency child care assistance
emergency housing assistance
7,830 facemasks
To help our community recover from COVID-19, please visit: missoulaunitedway.org/covid-19-emergency-assistance-fund
ABOUT UNITED WAY OF MISSOULA COUNTY United Way of Missoula County builds a better community for everyone, especially in the areas of
nty
EDUCATION, FINANCIAL STABILITY, AND HEALTH. United Way programs and partners work every day to improve life for children 0-5 and start them on the path to lifelong success; to reduce suicide;
United Way of Missoula County
to motivate kids and families to choose a healthier way of living; to end homelessness; to strengthen local nonprofits; and to help our community prepare for and recover from disasters. 412 W. Alder St. | Missoula | 406.549.6104 | MissoulaUnitedWay.org AUGUST 16, 2020 | UNITED WAY OF MISSOULA COUNTY | SMART. SAFE. READY.
3
E D U C AT I O N Our DOLLY PARTON’S IMAGINATION LIBRARY has distributed more than 175,000 new, no-cost books to young children in Missoula and Mineral counties since 2017.
175,000 books delivered
We were excited to celebrate with Tallis and Luna Parkey as they received the 150,000th book from our Imagination Library.
ZERO TO FIVE MISSOULA COUNTY, headquartered at United Way, connects parents and caregivers to the knowledge, skills and resources they need to help children thrive. This fall, we will distribute 700 BACK-TOSCHOOL BACKPACKS—including hand sanitizer and facemasks—to local kids in need. To buy a backpack for a local student, please visit MissoulaUnitedWay.org/Donate.
700
new, fully-stuffed backpacks
F I N A N C I A L S TA B I L I T Y No one can become financially stable without adequate housing. United Way of Missoula County is the principal private-sector backer of Reaching Home: Missoula’s 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness, a partnership between the City of Missoula, Missoula County, and United Way. Our support includes administering an Emergency Housing Assistance Fund (critically important as the pandemic has increased homelessness), sponsoring Project Community Connect (which links people in need to services that can help), and funding to expand Reaching Home’s capacity.
4
SMART. SAFE. READY. | UNITED WAY OF MISSOULA COUNTY | AUGUST 16, 2020
H E A LT H People who suffer from depression are more at risk because of isolation related to COVID-19. In partnership with Missoula City-County Health Department, United Way’s Project Tomorrow Montana leads mental health awareness and suicide-prevention efforts in the county, working with dozens of partners to shine a light of help and hope on depression and suicide through awareness, education and training. ProjectTomorrowMT.org
Eating well and staying active during COVID-19 highlights the importance of the “prescription” for better health championed by 5-2-1-0 Let’s Move! Missoula.
Eat
Reduce
Play
Limit
Eat 5 fruits & veggies every day
Reduce screen time to 2 hours a day
Play hard for 1 hour every day
Limit sweet drinks to as close to 0 as you can
Do it together!
STRENGTHENING OUR NONPROFIT SECTOR; PROMOTING VOLUNTEERISM In good times and bad, Missoula’s vibrant nonprofit community responds to community needs. The pandemic has highlighted the role and value of our local nonprofits – but also their fragility. United Way’s Missoula Nonprofit Center continues to support our 100 members through on-line training, education and networking events designed to strengthen the sector and increase its resilience. MissoulaNonprofitCenter.org.
MNC recruited
100
nonprofit members in 2019.
Volunteering strengthens our community – and studies show it’s good for our health! Volunteer Missoula is the source to both post and find volunteer opportunities. Whether you’re looking for a one-time opportunity or a regular volunteer “job,” visit VolunteerMissoula.org.
AUGUST 16, 2020 | UNITED WAY OF MISSOULA COUNTY | SMART. SAFE. READY.
5
M I S S O U L A C OV I D - 1 9 FAQ How can I access the Missoula Testing Station?
EPA-registered products that are effective: www.epa.gov/pesticideregistration/selected-epa-registered-disinfectants
Can I just show up at the Missoula Testing center?
Should cloth face coverings be washed or otherwise cleaned regularly?
Call (406) 258-INFO and select option 2 to be screened. No, the testing center is by appointment only. Call (406) 258-INFO and select option 2 to speak to a nurse for screening. If you are eligible, you will be transferred for appointment scheduling.
What cleaners and disinfectants are effective against COVID-19?
Yes. They should be routinely washed depending on the frequency of use.
How does one safely sterilize/clean a cloth face covering?
Current information from the WHO and the CDC indicates that many standard household disinfectants are effective. The CDC recommends looking on disinfectants and seeing if they are effective against human coronavirus, SARS-like viruses, or CoV-2. It is believed that a 70% alcohol or a bleach solution of 1/3 cups per gallon of water or 4 tsp per quart of water will work. The bleach solution should be changed daily or made fresh before use.
A washing machine should suffice in properly washing a face covering.
How does one safely remove a used cloth face covering? Individuals should be careful not to touch their eyes, nose and mouth when removing their face covering and wash hands immediately after removing.
The above questions and responses are from the Missoula City-County Health Department (MCCHD) website. For additional information please call their hotline at 406.258.INFO.
K N O W YO U R R I S K D U R I N G C O V D - 1 9 LOW RISK
Opening the mail Getting restaurant takeout Pumping gas
6
LOW TO MODERATE RISK Grocery shopping Going for a walk, run, or a bike ride with others Staying at a hotel for two nights
Playing tennis
Going to a library or museum
Going camping
Eating in a restaurant (outside)
MODERATE RISK
MODERATE TO HIGH RISK
Having dinner at someone else’s house
Going to a hair salon or barbershop
Attending a backyard BBQ Shopping at a mall Working a week in an office building Swimming in a public pool
SMART. SAFE. READY. | UNITED WAY OF MISSOULA COUNTY | AUGUST 16, 2020
Eating in a restaurant (inside) Attending a wedding or funeral
HIGH RISK
Eating at a buffet Going to a bar
Traveling by plane
Working out at a gym
Playing basketball or football
Attending a large gathering
Hugging
MASKS ON MISSOULA Masks are an additional step to help slow the spread of COVID-19 when combined with every day preventive actions and social distancing in public settings. Masks should be washed after each use. It is important to always remove masks correctly and wash your hands after handling or touching a used mask.
HOW TO WEAR MASKS Masks are an additional step to help slow the spread of COVID-19 when combined with every day preventive actions and social distancing in public settings. • Who should NOT use masks: children under age 2, or anyone who has trouble breathing, is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance. • Masks are NOT surgical masks or N95 respirators. Currently, surgical masks and N95 respirators are critical supplies that should be reserved for healthcare workers and other first responders.
WEAR A MASK TO PROTECT OTHERS • Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth to help protect others in case you’re infected with COVID-19 but don’t have symptoms • Wear a mask in public settings when around people who don’t live in your household, especially when it may be difficult for you to stay six feet apart • Wear a mask correctly for maximum protection • Don’t put the mask around your neck or up on your forehead • Don’t touch the mask, and, if you do, wash your hands or use hand sanitizer to disinfect
WEAR YOUR MASK CORRECTLY • Wash your hands before putting on your mask • Put it over your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin • Try to fit it snugly against the sides of your face • Make sure you can breathe easily • Avoid touching your face and/or adjusting your mask as much as possible
TAKE OFF YOUR MASK CAREFULLY, WHEN YOU’RE HOME
• Untie the strings behind your head or stretch the ear loops • Handle only by the ear loops or ties • Fold outside corners together • Place mask in the washing machine (learn more about how to wash masks) • Be careful not to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth when removing and wash hands immediately after removing
HOW TO CLEAN YOUR MASKS WASHING MACHINE • You can include your mask with your regular laundry. • Use regular laundry detergent and the warmest appropriate water setting for the cloth used to make the mask.
• Soak the mask in the bleach solution for 5 minutes. • Rinse thoroughly with cool or room temperature water.
WASHING BY HAND • Prepare a bleach solution by mixing: • 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) household bleach per gallon of room temperature water or • 4 teaspoons household bleach per quart of room temperature water • Check the label to see if your bleach is intended for disinfection. Some bleach products, such as those designed for safe use on colored clothing, may not be suitable for disinfection. Ensure the bleach product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser.
HOW TO DRY DRYER • Use the highest heat setting and leave in the dryer until completely dry.
Make sure to completely dry mask after washing.
AIR DRY • Lay flat and allow to completely dry. If possible, place the mask in direct sunlight.
AUGUST 16, 2020 | UNITED WAY OF MISSOULA COUNTY | SMART. SAFE. READY.
7
Smart. Safe. Ready. Everyone has a part to play. Let’s be kind, respect others, and work together for a safer Missoula.
Avoid touching
In order to keep our community as safe as possible, please follow these guidelines:
your eyes, nose and mouth.
3
2
1
Wash your hands Stay home
often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
if you feel sick or have
5
been in recent contact with a sick person.
4
Maintain a
6-foot distance from others. Wear a protective
face covering Limit contact
in public.
with others as much as possible.
6
7 Avoid congregating
SAFERMISSOULA.ORG
Stay on trails
in public areas.
except to let people pass (and maintain 6-foot distance).
8