Resources
From mental health and substance abuse, to student loans and unemployment compensations, you can find help here.
As always, if you are experiencing a medical emergency call 9-1-1 or go to your nearest emergency room.
PA 2-1-1
PA 2-1-1- Southwest is part of the national 2-1-1 Call Centers initiative. For everyday needs and in crisis situations and for a full list, you can search your topic at on the site or call 2-1-1. COVID-19 specific information.
United Way of Pennsylvania and PA 211 are making it easier for Pennsylvanians to connect to resources to help households struggling with a loss of income due to the coronavirus outbreak. In addition to calling PA 211, Pennsylvanians can now text PACOVID to 898-211 to opt into a text message campaign with links to vetted sources of factual information.
Apply and Manage Services in Pennsylvania
COMPASS is an online tool for Pennsylvanians to apply for many health and human service programs and manage benefit information.
Mental Health Crisis
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please call the Crisis Hotline: 1-800-836-6010.
Crisis Mobile referrals are still being accepted; however, requests are being prioritized at this time. Please continue to call and discuss your concerns with the Crisis Hotline staff.
The Disaster Distress Hotline
The Disaster Distress Hotline can provide immediate counseling to anyone who is seeking help in coping with the mental or emotional effects caused by the #CoronaVirusPandemic
1-800-985-5990
Text “TalkWithUs” to 66746
Live Another Day
This resource lists the top treatment centers based on online reviews and accreditations, and provides extensive information for people of color *and* their allies. Live another day features culturally competent resources for people of color and an editorially curated list of the top-rated rehab centers in Pennsylvania.
1-678-366-4290
Crisis Text Line service is free, available 24/7, and connects texters to trained crisis counselors
United States: Text HOME to 741741
PA: Text PA to 741-741
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Trevor Project LifeLine for LGBQT+ youth
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Call 1-866-488-7386
Text START to 678678 for TrevorText
TrevorChat available on the Trevor Project LifeLine website
Medicare Resources for Mental Health Care
Medicare Patient Resource Center
Assisted Living for People with Mental Health Disorders
Domestic Violence
Blackburn Center Hotline
24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-888-832-2272 or 724-836-1122. Their hotline is always free of charge, confidential, and can be anonymous.
Abuse can come in many forms — from emotional to physical to sexual — and it can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, sexuality, religion, race or income level. Remember that each type of abuse is serious, and that no one deserves to experience it in any form.
USDA – Food & Nutrition Services
USDA FNS has created a new coronavirus website, which houses information pertaining to their coronavirus response and various stakeholder resources, including a list of national waivers to nutrition programs.
USDA has also created an email address where stakeholders can voice ideas, questions, and concerns as they relate to nutrition programs: feedingkids@usda.gov.
Housing Assistance
Allegheny County Housing Authority
412-355-8940
Applications are still being accepted and phone calls are being answered/returned as quickly as possible.
Housing Authority City of Pittsburgh HACP Hotline 412-456-5111
Assisted Living for People with Mental Health Disorders
Unemployment Compensation
Pennsylvania unemployment compensation website
Employees impacted by COVID-19
Employment Opportunities
PA CareerLink lists more than 16,000 job openings for Allegheny County.
Workplace Tips, Guidance for Employers
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce provides up-to-date information and resources to prevent the spread of the virus and prepare businesses for the near and long-term impact.
Medicaid—Medical Assistance
1-866-550-4355
Medicaid—Long Term Care Programs
Pennsylvania Medicaid Long Term Care website
Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) for kids and teens
Children’s Health Insurance Program website
SNAP Benefits
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps Pennsylvanians buy food.
Veteran’s Crisis Line
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
TTY: 1-800-799-4889
Veteran’s resources can be found by just typing in your zip code on the Make the Connection website.
Substance Abuse
If you need assistance in finding a treatment provider or funding for addiction treatment, please call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or contact your local county drug and alcohol office.
FREE app to help people in recovery
SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)
Catholic Charities
Forbearance on Student Loans
Student-loan borrowers may be eligible to temporarily stop making payments on their loans. For details, see the U.S. Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid office.
Exercise and Sleep
American Heart Association
Resources to maintain a healthy lifestyle during COVID-19 outbreak
Society of Health and Physical Educators
COVID-19 resources for health and physical education
Follow Along Dances
Follow-along dances for physical education
Down Dog App
Yoga, HIIT, Barre, and 7-minute workout apps free for students and teachers through July 1: Down Dog App
Sleep
Anxiety and Stress
Coping with Stress (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Mental Health and Psychosocial Considerations During the COVID-19 Outbreak (World Health Organization)
Keeping your Distance to Stay Safe (American Psychological Association)
COVID-19 Information and Resources Guide (PDF) (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
Taking Care of Your Behavioral Health: Tips for Social Distancing, Quarantine, and Isolation During an Infectious Disease Outbreak (PDF) (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)