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In the face of the coronavirus pandemic, Nevada is providing information and resources to help older Nevadans and those caring for them protect themselves from the virus and help prevent it from spreading to others.
Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak declared a state emergency and urged all Nevadans to stay home under self-quarantine on March 12. Since then, the governor has issued a total of nine emergency declarations including closing all of Nevada's non-essential businesses including casinos, hotels, schools, and other private businesses.
Just this week, Governor Sisolak extended our Phase 2 reopening until the end of July.
If you have coronavirus symptoms, call your health care provider or local public health department to figure out if you could — and should — get tested. Signs of the virus are a dry cough, fever and shortness of breath. (Read more about coronavirus and how to stay safe.)
To keep up with the latest COVID-19 information, testing locations, and other information, visit the Southern Nevada Health District or the Washoe County Health District. If you're in rural Nevada, check your County health district website for more information
Up-to-date state and local health information:
- The Nevada COVID-19 Aging Network (Nevada CAN) is led by a partnership among the state Aging and Disability Services Division; the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine's Sanford Center for Aging; the UNR School of Community Health Sciences' Dementia Engagement, Education and Research (DEER) program; Nevada Senior Services and Nevada 2-1-1. The Nevada CAN site is available at https://www.nevada211.org/seniors-covid19-resources/
- The State of Nevada Department of Health and Human Services, offers prevention tips, resources, and contact information for all Nevadans.
- For Las Vegans and those in Southern Nevada, the Southern Nevada Health District is keeping the community informed on the latest information, test sites, and prevention tips.
- For Reno, Lake Tahoe, Carson City, and Northern Nevada residents, the Washoe County Health District has special COVID-19 information and resource page for residents.
- RENO: There is a desperate need for blood donations and St. Mary's Hospice and Home Care will hold a blood drive on August 7th from 8am to 3pm. The location is the Bloodmobile at 6490 S. McCarran Blvd, Reno 89509.
- For medical, food and recovery services and information, call your local 211.
Mental health resources:
- Call the toll-free, 24-hour hotline of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) to be connected to a trained counselor at a suicide crisis center nearest you. https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
- COVID-19 Disaster Distress Helpline (from Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA’s)): 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746. (TTY 1-800-846-8517).
Food assistance resources:
- If the financial difficulty is a barrier to food, there are several food banks in the Southern Nevada including Three Square, and Food Bank of Northern Nevada.
- Local Meals on Wheels programs are also available for food assistance and the best way to find a program close to you is to call your local 211.
- For Clark County School District children home due to the COVID-19 closures, school meal distribution sites can be found here.
- For Washoe County School District school meal information, visit this page.
Utility Information
- Having trouble paying your energy bill? You DO NOT have to worry about your power being shut off. NV Energy is helping those impacted by COVID-19. For help and information, visit nvenergy.com/covidhelp or call 702-402-5555.
Fraud and Elder Protection Information:
- DOJ’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline - If you are a victim of fraud involving COVID-19 call 1-866-720-5721 or visit: justice.gov/DisasterComplaintForm
- DOJ’s Elder Justice Initiative, If you are a victim of elder fraud or abuse 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311), www.elderjustice.gov
- FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, If you are a victim of online Internet fraud at www.ic3.gov.
- IRS’ Economic Impact Payment - For questions about Economic Impact Payments, commonly referred to as stimulus check, 1-800-919-9835
- An automated message to help answer your questions. Those who need additional assistance will have the option of talking to a representative. www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment
- Nevada Attorney General’s Office - If you are a victim of a crime related to the COVID-19 pandemic www.ag.nv.gov.
Unemployment benefits:
- Are you a 1099 worker who hasn't been eligible for unemployment benefits thus far? If you are a "gig" worker, you are now. Visit State website to apply now.
- If you have lost your job, been furloughed or laid off, you can apply for unemployment insurance from the State here.
- If you're concerned with utility shut-off issues, the Nevada Public Utilities Commission has resources and info on the emergency suspension of shutoff of utilities in the state.
- Here's a story from the Las Vegas Review-Journal about companies hiring in Southern Nevada, if you're looking for employment.
- Employment scams were the #1 riskiest scam in 2018 and 2019, according to the BBB Risk Index, which measures exposure, susceptibility, and monetary loss based on reports to BBB Scam Tracker. Only weeks after the release of the latest BBB Scam Tracker Risk Report in early March, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the shutdown of businesses across North America. Hundreds of thousands who lost their jobs began seeking new jobs via online platforms and other means. In response, BBB launched a new research project to better understand how employment scams are being perpetrated, who is being targeted, the overall impact of these scams, and how to help people avoid losing money to them.
Veterans Resources & Information:
- The Southern Nevada Veterans Home in Boulder City is in critical need for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE); Items include gowns, gloves, face masks, N-95 masks, and goggles. If you or anyone you know can help please contact Evan Rush at 702-486-8041.Other Helpful Veterans related links:
- VA Beneficiaries to Receive $1,200 Stimulus Payments Automatically – NOTE: Story Details How Veterans Still Must File for Extra $500 per Child (Posted on 04/17/20 on aarp.org/veterans): https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2020/beneficiaries-stimulus-checks.html?intcmp=AE-HF-VC-VET-BB
- VA Updates “Coronavirus FAQs: What Veterans Need to Know” (Updated on VA.gov on 04/17/20): https://www.va.gov/coronavirus-veteran-frequently-asked-questions/
- Coronavirus Death Rate Continues to Climb for Veterans (Posted on 04/21/20 on militarytimes.com): https://www.militarytimes.com/news/2020/04/21/coronavirus-death-rate-among-veterans-continues-to-climb/
- Justice Dept. Anticipates Stimulus Payments Target for Scams, Fraud – NOTE: Veterans angle (Posted on 04/22/20 on washingtonpost.com): https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/coronavirus-stimulus-fraud/2020/04/22/f17d952a-833e-11ea-878a-86477a724bdb_story.html
- Have to How Veterans Can Get Tested for COVID-19 with VA or TRICARE, Co-Pays Now Waived (Updated on 04/15/20 on aarp.org/veterans): https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2020/veterans-coronavirus-testing.html?intcmp=AE-HF-VC-VET-BB
Grocery stores to know about:
- Here's the latest listing of stores in the Las Vegas Valley with special store hours for seniors in the area.
- Here's a list for the Reno area from Washoe County.in
Health assistance resources:
- Caring for loved ones with memory issues (Alzheimer's & dementia) is also difficult during these times. Connect to the Alzheimer's Association for help or you can call their hotline at 1-800-272-3900.
- For Nevadans in rural counties, here are links to helpful resources for you.
*We will update this list throughout this crisis so check back for updates. Last update 7:17 am, January 6, 2021.
More on Coronavirus
Please stay in touch! Here's how to contact us:
AARP Nevada - 5820 S. Eastern Avenue #190, Las Vegas, NV 89119
Call: 866-389-5652
Email: aarpnv@aarp.org
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Please be aware that AARP Nevada staff members serve the entire state and are often working in the community. To ensure we can best serve your specific needs, please call 866-389-5652 in advance of your visit to make an appointment with the appropriate staffer.
The AARP Foundation WorkSearch/Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) operates from separate locations in southern and northern Nevada. For information about this program, please contact 702-648-3356 (Las Vegas) or 775-323-2243 (Reno)
Members of the press only: Media inquiries should be directed to Erin Neff, (702) 938-3237 / eneff@aarp.org