Cape Fear Open Source Medical Supplies (OSMS)
As our communities began hearing and learning about COVID-19, Dr. Kyle Horton began researching about what was happening and how to help. Dr. Horton began reaching out to her network of friends in the medical community and was linked up with the Open Source Medical Supplies (OSMS) group, creating a local Cape Fear group.
“This is a place to share promising open-source designs for key supplies and ideas for how to work together, to find collaborators, and to share inspiring stories about response efforts to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Open Source Medical Supplies provides local makers with sourced links to designs and support in organizing local value chains so you can create and distribute much needed protective gear and equipment to your local communities.”
This group has developed into a worldwide organization with groups in over 60 countries and more than 75,000 members that are sharing ideas, designs and working to support getting Personal Protective Equipment to providers, front line healthcare workers and local communities.
In March, Dr. Horton reached out to the community for volunteers. Mimi Marquis stepped up and began co-leading the group, and teams of volunteers were created to sew masks (by hand and with a sewing machine), to assemble face shields, and to transport materials and finished products. Others came forward to donate supplies and money and to communicate with the community about the group’s mission. These efforts, along with those of other local individuals and groups, have assisted with keeping our community supplied with PPE.
Read more details:
Some of the people Cape Fear OSMS has helped so far (in alphabetical order)
Always Good Company
Azalea Health and Rehabilitation
Bayada Health
Be the Adult
Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity
Coastal Disability Advocates
Coastal Horizons
Department of Social Services
Freeman School Educators
Going Beyond The Pink
Good Shepherd
Junior League of Wilmington
Lake Forest Academy
Liberty Assisted Living
Manos Unidos
NAACP
Navajo Nation
NHRMC
PACE Program at Elderhaus
Physicians Alliance for Mental Health
The Salvation Army
Southport Health & Rehabilitation Center
UNCW Latino Alliance
Voyage Youth Leadership Council
Wilmington Surgical Associates
Wilmington Treatment Center
Federal
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)
General Information about Coronavirus and COVID-19 is available at Coronavirus.gov. You can also visit the CDC’s Resource Page (click here), which includes tips on how to keep yourself safe.
Federal Emergency Mgt. Agency (FEMA)
FEMA has a resource page that’s helping dispel rumors. Visit their website here: www.FEMA.gov/coronavirus-rumor-control
Senior Care
Medicare will cover Coronavirus testing. They have also expanded tele-health coverage to limit travel to appointments. Learn more at www.Medicare.gov/medicare-coronavirus.
To learn more information and tips, check out the CDC’s guidance for older adults (click here).
Child Safety
The CDC is offering some tips on how to keep kids safe. Learn more here: www.CDC.gov/prepare/children
Veteran Services
Veterans experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or who have been in contact with someone who’s tested positive for the virus, should call the VA’s Clinical Contact Center (number below). Information from the VA about Coronavirus is also available.
Website: www.PublicHealth.va.gov/n-coronavirus/
Phone: (800) 771-6106
Small Business Administration (SBA)
Businesses and individuals may obtain information and loan applications by contacting the SBA’s Customer Service Center. Loan applications forms can also be downloaded at www.DisasterLoan.sba.gov.
Phone: (800) 659-2955
Phone: (800) 877-8339 (deaf/hard-of-hearing)
Email: DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov
State
NC Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS)
Stay informed! Text ‘COVIDNC’ to 898-211 to receive updates from our state’s DHHS. You can also call 2-1-1 or visit their website: www.NCDHHS.gov/covid-19-response
Website: www.NCDHHS.gov
Phone: 2-1-1
Phone: (888) 892-1162
Employment Security
Individuals – Visit des.nc.gov to file a new claim. If you don’t have internet access, call (888) 737-0259 to file your claim by phone. Learn more here about Applying for Unemployment.
Employers – Contact the Employer Call Center at (919) 707-1150 for assistance and questions about unemployment insurance.
For information related to Unemployment Insurance changes, click here to learn more.
Report Scams (NC Attorney General's Office)
If you or someone you know has been a victim of a scam, attempted scam or price gouging, please report it to the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office as soon as possible.
Website: www.NCDOJ.gov/complaint
Phone: 877-5-NO-SCAM
Phone: (877) 566-7226
Business Assistance
All 100 counties in North Carolina are approved for coverage under the US Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Disaster Declaration. For more information, visit them online: www.NCDHHS.gov/nc-businesses-employers.
Education Resources
Visit the NC Department of Public Instruction (DPI)’s ‘COVID-19 Response & Resources‘ (click here) to learn more.
Website: www.dpi.nc.gov/covid-19-response-resources
Schools will now be closed through May 15th. The NC Department of Public Instruction has remote learning resources for school-aged children in addition to resources for parents from birth to grade 2. There is also a map for internet service offerings now that our students are learning remotely. Click here to view the map.
Local
New Hanover County Public Health Department
To learn more information, visit New Hanover County Public Health Department’s website by clicking here.
Phone: (910) 798-6800
Food Delivery for Children
Delivery options are available for school-aged kids in New Hanover County schools. Get more information and apply for deliveries by clicking here and submitting the form.
Food Assistance
For those who receive Food and Nutrition Services (Food Stamps) with a certification period ending March 31 or April 30, you will receive an extension of 6 or 12 months. The extension length varies depending on case requirements. (Note: this does not include Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients.)
To apply for Food and Nutrition Services, click here to learn how. In New Hanover County, people can contact the county’s Department of Social Services at (910) 798-3500.
Cape Fear Food Council
If you or someone you know needs food assistance, click here to view/download to learn more information.
PDF Download: PDF Download: New Hanover Co. Food Assistance Resource Guide
Q&A
Answers to some common questions
about Coronavirus/COVID-19.
Is it safe to travel?
The State Department has issued a Global Level 4 Health Advisory instructing you not to travel internationally at this time. US citizens located overseas are encouraged to arrange for an immediate return unless they are willing to stay abroad indefinitely. If you are traveling or trapped abroad, please enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and emergency guidance.
What if I don’t have insurance?
If you aren’t feeling well and are uninsured, there are still options. Get more information on the New Hanover County DHHS website (click here).
Is our water supply at risk?
To date, COVID-19 has not been detected in drinking water supplies. The risk of threat to drinking water from the virus is currently considered low. Learn more information here: www.EPA.gov/coronavirus-and-drinking-water
Which disinfectants work best?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers guidance, which is available on their website (click here to visit).
What if I need a COVID-19 test?
if possible, please call ahead of seeking healthcare if you have symptoms or are concerned about Coronavirus exposure. The NC Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) has expanded the testing criteria for COVID-19. Learn more information here: www.NCDHHS.gov/if-you-think-you-need-a-covid-19-test
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In New Hanover County, you can call the county health department for guidance or learn more here: www.NHCGov.com/coronavirus-symptoms
Which disinfectants work best?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers guidance, which is available on their website (click here to visit).
Is my food safe to eat?
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