Health briefs

Aid available for COVID-19 impacts
        Sandusky County residents may now reach out to Great Lakes Community Action Partnership (GLCAP) for rent, mortgage, and water and sewer utility assistance available for households that have been impacted by COVID-19.             GLCAP now has COVID-19 relief funds to help county households that are at or below 200 percent of federal poverty guidelines (e.g. $25,520 annual income/household of one) and need assistance. Residents may be eligible for assistance if they have missed or fallen behind on rent, mortgage or water/sewer payments for reasons related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
        GLCAP’s funding is available now until Dec. 23 and is part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) Act stimulus package. Applicants are advised to reach out early to seek assistance.
        Those who need help may visit glcap.org/ covidrelief or call GLCAP at 1-800-775-9767.
 
Ability Center offers info and assistance
        The Ability Center of Greater Toledo staff is available to help answer disability-related questions or help secure needed community resources.
        For instance, do you have a disability and need a COVID-19 test? Are you looking for additional masks or cleaning supplies?
        Call The Ability Center at 419-885-5733 or visit www.abilitycenter.org for info.
 
Magruder bill-paying info
        During this time of no visitors at Magruder Hospital, hospital officials encourage those looking to pay a bill to:
        • Mail payment in. Indicate if you need a receipt sent to you, and one will be mailed.
        • Call the hospital’s financial counselors at 419-732-4005 to make a payment, or to make arrangements for payment.
        Call 419-732-4005 with billing questions or concerns.
 
Virtual Alzheimer’s programs
        The Alzheimer’s Association Northwest Ohio Chapter will present several virtual educational programs to help the community and families impacted by the disease.
        These presentations, offered via videoconferencing, cover a variety of topics and occur at different times during the day and evening to allow individuals to participate in the convenience of their homes. They will discuss topics such as an overview of Alzheimer’s and dementia, the common warning signs of the disease, and how to better communicate and have difficult conversations. The Legal and Financial program covers all the things a family needs to know in planning for the future.
        The programs are designed to be helpful for anyone experiencing signs of memory loss, their family members who may be concerned, and community members looking for more education.
        All programs are free and open to the public. Registration is required. Sign up by calling 800-272-3900.
        The schedule includes:
        • Dec. 14, 3 p.m. – 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s.  
        • Dec. 15, 6:30 p.m. –Effective Communication Strategies.           
        • Dec. 16, 11 a.m. – Dementia Conversations.
        • Dec. 17, 4 p.m. – Understanding Alzheimer’s & Dementia.
        • Dec. 22, 2 p.m. – 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s.
• Dec. 29, 10 a.m. – Effective Communication Strategies.