Emergency Assistance

Schenectady County COVID-19 Emergency Response

Website:https://www.schenectadycounty.com/covid19help?fbclid=IwAR0pwzlAApVXnTZXqR_xqVAFeRSDSLG4bs7eKfD7nYyZ_vflQa4xIPlRbX8

Hotline: (518) 621-3536

• The Coalition operates a hotline out of the new Boys and Girls Clubhouse in Mont Pleasant to help address coronavirus-related non-medical issues; and ensure those who are quarantined or isolated, seniors, and other at-risk individuals get the basic supplies they need while they remain at home.

• Schenectady County residents in need of supplies should call (518) 621-3536. Staff will work with callers to identify their needs, including any dietary or allergy restrictions, and set up a drop-off time. Representatives from the County Department of Social Services will also be on hand to assist with shelter, temporary assistance programs and Medicaid issues. Staff will also have information about resources available to address other identified needs.

Catholic Charities Emergency Assistance 

Website: http://www.ccrcda.org/

• Assists individuals and families in accessing necessary resources related to food, clothing, shelter, transportation, health care coverage, prescriptions, etc. Open to all individuals and families in need of crisis related basic assistance 

• Columbia and Greene Counties: Please call ahead of time. Hudson: (518) 828-8660. Catskill: (518) 943-1462

• Delaware, Otsego, Schoharie Counties: Please call ahead of time.  (518) 234-3581

• Fulton and Montgomery Counties: Open Thursday 1-4 for general public. Open Tuesdays 12-1 for seniors 60 and up.

• Herkimer County: Please call 315-894-9917 ext. 248

Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless

Website: https://www.interfaithpartnership.com/2020/03/agency-changes-in-response-to-covid-19/

• Basic necessities like food and shelter are still in demand. IPH will continue to make sure those resources are accessible to all who need them. If someone you know is in need of support or services, please call 518-434-8021 to navigate the best course of action.

Herkimer County Information Line - (315) 867-1351

• This number is information for the COVID19-Corona Virus and is open 8am-4pm Monday Through Friday 

Legal Aid of Northeastern New York - (833) 628-0087

A comprehensive COVID-19 Legal Response to support low-income families in 16 counties 

Financial Support

General Support:

• If you need assistance finding food, paying housing bills, accessing free childcare, or other essential services, use the website below or dial 211 to speak to someone who can help during the COVID-19 Pandemic

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Unemployment

• NYS is waiving the 7-day waiting period for Unemployment Insurance benefits for people who are out of work due to the Coronavirus closures or quarantines

• How to apply? You can file online or on the telephone. https://applications.labor.ny.gov/IndividualReg/

• TCC toll-free at (888) 209-8124 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday

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Worried about paying your utilities?

• National Grid has temporarily paused service disconnections due to inability to pay, to lessen any financial hardship caused the COVID-19: https://www.nationalgridus.com/COVID-19

• National Grid also has many different options to help you with a payment plan: https://www.nationalgridus.com/Upstate-NY-Home/Bill-Help/Help-Making-Payments 

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Banks, Credit Cards, Student Loans

• Many of these providers are offering assistance for anyone financially impacted by the coronavirus and are having difficulty making payments. Contact your company for options to reduce or postpone payments

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Mortgage

• 90 day mortgage relief was signed by Gov. Cuomo.

• Do NOT – just not make a payment- you MUST call you mortgage lender and discuss with them directly

• You will not have a compounded payment after 90 days- the additional payments will go on the back end of your mortgage essentially extending your loan by up to 3 months.

Medical Insurance

Contact your insurance company for updates for telehealth, co-pay costs related to COVID-19, general questions and additional support

Medicare
Website: https://www.medicare.gov/medicare-coronavirus

• Specialized information about coverage, telehealth, and assistance related to COVID-19.

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United Health Care

Website: https://www.uhc.com/health-and-wellness/health-topics/covid-19

• Specialized information about expanded access to care, support, and resources related to COVID-19. 

• Offering emotional support: Call our emotional support line any time at 866-342-6892. 

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Aetna
Website: https://www.aetna.com/individuals-families/member-rights-resources/need-to-know-coronavirus.html#acc_link_content_section_responsivegrid_copy_responsivegrid_accordion_944053872_1

• Specialized information about expanded access to care, support, and resources related to COVID-19. 

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CDPHP
Website: https://www.cdphp.com/members/wellness/common-health-topics/cold-and-flu/corona-virus/coverage

• Specialized information about expanded access to care, coverage support, and resources related to COVID-19. 

• The CDPHP Behavioral Health Access Center - CDPHP offers you personal assistance and a variety of resources for coping with mental health issues. Call the CDPHP Behavioral Health Access Center toll-free at 1-888-320-9584 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. If you require urgent after-hours support, please call the crisis hotline at 1-855-293-0785.

Medicaid & Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
Website: https://www.medicaid.gov/state-resource-center/disaster-response-toolkit/covid19/index.html
FAQ’s:  https://www.medicaid.gov/state-resource-center/downloads/covid-19-faqs.pdf

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MVP Health Care
Website: https://www.mvphealthcare.com/covid19/

• Specialized information about expanded access to care, support, and resources related to COVID-19. 

Resources for Food

Meals on Wheels

Requirements: generally, 60 or older, homebound, unable to prepare meals or have access to food *availability of meal delivery may change daily due to changing precautions, call for updates*

Albany 

Office of the Aging

Website: https://www.albanycounty.com/departments/aging/home-delivered-meals

Call NY Connects for Intake: (518) 447-7177

Feed Albany-COVID-19 Relief

www.feedalbany.com 

(518) 261-2754

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Meals on Wheels through Life Path

$8 per meal, private pay. 

Website: https://lifepathny.com/programs/dining-options/meals-on-wheels/

Phone:(518) 465-3322 for more information. 

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Schenectady 

Catholic Charities

Suggested donation of $3.50

Website: https://www.ccseniorservices.org/meals-on-wheels-program

Phone: (518) 688-0051

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Rensselaer County

Office of the Aging

5 senior center locations

Suggested donation is $3 per meal

Website: http://www.rensco.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Aging_Home_Delivered_Meals.pdf

Phone: 518-270-2739

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Saratoga County

Office of the Aging

Suggested donation $2 per meal

15 senior locations

Emergency packs 12 meals per client today and may offer again:  half shelf half freezer items

Website: https://www.saratogacountyny.gov/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/HDM-Brochure-2020.pdf

Phone: 518-363-4020

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Columbia County 

https://www.columbiacountynyhealth.com/

Phone: (518) 828-4258

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Fulton County 

Office of the Aging

Call for assessment

Website: https://www.fcofa.org/services.html#meals

Phone: 518-736-5650

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Greene County

Office of the Aging

No charge, donation. Call for assessment and home visit. 

Website: https://www.greenegovernment.com/departments/human-services/elderly/nutrition

Phone: 518-719-3555

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Herkimer County

Office of the Aging

Meals served throughout the County-from the Old Forge area, south to West Winfield, and Dolgeville/Salisbury to the Utica city line. Some geographic pockets are not served due to low population and distance from the meal site. Meals are prepared by different kitchens; all meals must be served within a 2-hour time frame after they are prepared.

A $3.00 donation per meal is suggested

Website: https://www.herkimercounty.org/services-and-departments/office-for-the-aging/nutrition-services.php

Phone: (315) 867-1112 

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Montgomery County

Office of the Aging

Home-delivered meals: Will be delivered once a week on Monday as frozen, noon time meals rather than daily hot, noon time meals.

Website: https://officeforaging.com/

Phone: 518-843-2300

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Food Pantries

Food Pantries for the Capital District

Serving: Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga, and Schenectady Counites

To find a food pantry in your neighborhood call the number below 

Website: http://www.thefoodpantries.org/community-resources.html

Phone: 518-458-1167

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Catholic Charities Food Pantries

Columbia & Greene Counties:

Hudson Food Pantry- Open Monday 9-12 to the general public. Guests are asked to follow the new traffic pattern to allow for social distancing. Open Monday 1-2 to seniors only. 

Catskill Food Pantry- Open Tuesday 9-10 to seniors only. Open Tuesday 10-12 for the general public. 

Delaware, Otsego, and Schoharie Counites

Food Pantries: Remain open. Guest should call ahead of time. (518) 234-3581

Fulton and Montgomery Counties 

Food Pantry: Open Mondays 9-12, Thursdays 1-4 for general public. Open Tuesday 12-1 for ages 60 and up.

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Curbside Meals for Children and Families

Website: https://wnyt.com/coronavirus/schools-across-the-capital-region-offer-free-meals-during-coronavirus-closures/5676300/

• Includes Albany County, Rensselaer County, Saratoga County, Schenectady County, Schoharie County, Warren County, and Washington County. 

• School districts in the Capital Region are providing free meals to students during school closures. All schools in the state are closed through the end of March. Below is information for many school districts in the Capital Region - including the time and locations for meals

• Montgomery County: 

Breakfast and lunch will be distributed between 10 a.m. and Noon.

Meals will be distributed via a grab-and-go, curbside method at designated sites.

Website: https://www.co.montgomery.ny.us/web/sites/municipal/schools.asp

• Herkimer County: Meals are distributed to students’ homes and are distributed at the following sites: Dolgeville Fire Department, Salisbury Town Hall and the Stratford Methodist Church from 11-1130am. 

Website: https://www.herkimercsd.org/

Ulster County Project Resilience

• This temporary program provides meals 3x weekly to residents impacted by COVID-19 via Local Distribution Centers.

• NOTE: This service is not for individuals or households with a Mandatory or Precautionary Quarantine in place. There is another meal service available for these cases. Please call the Ulster County COVID19 Hotline at 845-443-8888 to make arrangements if there is an official quarantine in place.

To request food assistance visit: https://covid19.ulstercountyny.gov/project-resilience/

Meditation and Mindfulness

Virtual Resources and Apps

10percenthappier.com

Created by the news anchor, Dan Harris. This app is meant for people who are interested in meditation, but are a bit unsure. The content is very practical. Free. Premium version provides many more videos and content.

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Buddhify.com 

Gives users access to over 11 hours of custom meditation programs. The meditations are geared towards various aspects of your life. There is a check-in system which allows users to evaluate their progress over time. No annual subscription

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Calm.com

Offers guided meditations to help people add relaxation into their lives. The app offers meditations that range from 3-minute to 25-minutes. Also features Daily Calm, a 10-minute program you can practice at the beginning or end of your day. Also offers unguided meditations, soothing sounds to help improve your sleep, and breathing exercises. Free trial. More premium features with a subscription. 

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Colorfy.net

App that provides lots of coloring options. Free. Premium subscription options available. ______________________________________________________________________________

Mindbody App

This app helps manage your exercise routine. You can search and book a large variety of fitness classes, including Pilates and yoga. An exercise tracker is available, along with a section where you can access discounts on exercise classes. Free. ______________________________________________________________________________

Greatergood.Berkeley.edu

Online Magazine that provides scientific -based articles about well-being. Free. More availability to various resources with a membership.

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Headspace.com

This a great resource for beginners to mindfulness. You can start with a free trial that includes 10 exercises that are focused on beginners. This app offers a personalized progress page, reward system to promote continued practice, and a buddy system. The animations add a fun element to meditation. Free with a trial. More premium features with a subscription. ______________________________________________________________________________

Insighttimer.com

Offers thousands of free guided meditations from a variety of meditation practitioners. Also provides access to hundreds of meditation music tracks. You can customize your meditation with different intervals and background sounds that work for you. Free if you listen online. You can listen offline by purchasing a monthly subscription.

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John Kabat-Zinn-mindfulnesscds.com

John Kabat-Zinn is considered to have been a major player in bringing mindfulness into Western mainstream culture. You can purchase several of his mindfulness programs on this website. There is also an up-to-date calendar of various mindfulness events around the country. His books are listed on the book resources handout.

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The Mindfulness App

Provides meditation reminders and five-minute meditations. This app can be integrated with other health apps. Free with trial. You can purchase more features with a premium subscription. 

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Tarabrach.com

Tara Brach is very well known in the world of mindfulness and mediation. Her website offers a plethora of talks and online classes about mindfulness. You can view free mediations on the website at any time. She also offers online courses at cost. Her books are listed on the book resources handout. 

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Soundstrue.com

Website where you can purchase hundreds of books, courses, and music that are focused on well-being.

Transportation

Lyft & Uber

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• Both organizations continue to provide services through their apps. 

• Uber-eats has a “Leave at Door” Delivery, where customers have the option to use delivery notes to communicate how they’d like their orders delivered. They may include a note like “Please leave my order at the door” or “ring my doorbell and leave in the lobby.” You can see these instructions in the app under ‘customer note’ once you arrive at their location.

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CDTA & STAR 

Website with updates: https://www.cdta.org/news/service-changes-begin-march-23/

• CDTA will operate on a modified weekday schedule beginning on Monday, March 23. The modified schedule will resemble CDTA’s Saturday service. This schedule will be in place for all regular route services. STAR (paratransit), which is a critical transportation option for people getting to medical and other urgent appointments, will continue to operate on a full weekday schedule. Northway Xpress will operate a weekday schedule. Service levels are being evaluated on a continuous basis and may be modified further as appropriate.

• All service changes will be updated on the link provided above. 

Exercise

Planet Fitness 

• Free live home exercises, 20 minutes

• https://www.facebook.com/planetfitness/

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Yoga for Beginners

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=yoga+for+beginners

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ZUMBA

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQkaczRlyBjl3UKBH59W3XQ/videos

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Les Mills (weight lifting, cardio, yoga/bodyflow)

https://watch.lesmillsondemand.com/at-home-workouts

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Virtual YMCA classes

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOGt_IpceP_xQhhCMCrut_A/videos

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Medical QiGong

• Warm Ups:  https://youtu.be/FhmcPM0U9e0  

• 8 Brocades of Silk:  https://youtu.be/8q1PVbh2ysM
   

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Memorial Sloan Kettering Virtual Exercise

• Virtual exercise geared towards individuals with cancer.

• https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=mskcc+exercise+

Small Business Resource

Relief Package information for Small Businesses - US Chamber 

https://www.uschamber.com/co/small-business-coronavirus

Working From Home

Tips for Working from Home

Website: https://gtm.com/business/working-from-home-during-the-covid-19-outbreak/

Resources for Working Remotely 

Website: https://learning.linkedin.com/blog/productivity-tips/new-to-working-remotely--these-resources-can-help

• Learn skills to work effectively from home, including how to use video conferencing programs, relieve stress, manage time, etc.

Virtual  Mental Health and Emotional Support

Better Help
Online therapy platform with licensed therapists- monthly subscription fee
Website:  www.betterhelp.com

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TalkSpace
Online therapy platform with licensed therapists- monthly subscription fee
Website:

• Promotional code for 100$ off 1004U

•  Free therapist led support group on facebook- search “Free Public Support Group to Manage Coronavirus Anxiety”

•   link specifically for COVID-19 related concerns and programs

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Online AA Support for Alcohol/ Narcotic Addiction Support
Website: http://aa-intergroup.org/directory.php

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Substance Abuse and Mental health Services Administrations Disaster Distress Hotline
Phone: 1800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746

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Office of Mental Health

COVID-19 Emotional Support
OMH Emotional Support Line: 1-844-863-9314

• The Emotional Support Line provides free and confidential support, helping callers experiencing increased anxiety due to the coronavirus emergency. The Help Line is staffed by volunteers, including mental health professionals, who have received training in crisis counseling. 

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Emergency Mental health/ Emotional Support

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CALL 911 or go to your closest emergency room for life threatening needs

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1- 800-799-7233
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
National Hopeline Network: 1-800-SUICIDE (800-784-2433)
Crisis Text Line: Text "HOME" TO 741-741
Lifeline Crisis Chat (Online live messaging): Self-Harm Hotline: 1-800-DONT CUT (1-800-366-8288)
Family Violence Helpline: 1-800-996-6228
Planned Parenthood Hotline: 1-800-230-PLAN (7526)
American Association of Poison Control Centers: 1-800-222-1222
National Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependency Hope Line: 1-800-622-2255
National Crisis Line - Anorexia and Bulimia: 1-800-233-4357
GLBT Hotline: 1-888-843-4564
TREVOR Crisis Hotline: 1-866-488-7386
AIDS Crisis Line: 1-800-221-7044
Veterans Crisis Line:
TransLifeline: - 877-565-8860
Suicide Prevention: Wiki:

Virtual Support Groups

American Cancer Society
Website: https://www.cancer.org/treatment/support-programs-and-services/online-communities.html

• 24/7 Cancer Helpline: Our trained Cancer Information Specialists are available 24/7 to provide accurate, up-to-date information and find valuable services and resources. Contact us by phone at 1-800-227-2345

• Cancer Survivors Network: online community by and for people with cancer and their families. Find and connect with others through our member search, discussion boards, chat rooms, and private CSN e-mail.

• Belong – Beating Cancer Together app that provides people with cancer and their families a unique and innovative personalized solution to help manage cancer.

• Springboard Beyond Cancer: online tool for survivors during and after treatment created by the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute helps them create personalized Action Decks. These collections of selected information help survivors better communicate with caregivers and their care teams to manage their physical and emotional care after a cancer diagnosis

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Cancercare.org
Webiste:

• Online Support Groups: Online support groups take place using a password-protected message board format (not live chat) and are led by professional oncology social workers who offer support and guidance. Groups are held for 15 weeks at a time, and group members must register to join. After completing the registration process (which can take up to 2-3 business days), members can participate by posting in the groups 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

• Telephone Support Groups: Connect with other people from across the country who share similar concerns in weekly, regularly scheduled, one-hour sessions.

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Cancer and Careers
Website: www.cancerandcareers.org

• Find information for working women with cancer.

Cancer Support Community (formerly Gilda’s Club Worldwide and The Wellness Community)
Website: www.cancersupportcommunity.org
Phone: 1-888-793-9355

• Offers in-person, online and telephone support for people diagnosed with breast cancer and their loved ones.

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CaringBridge
Website: www.caringbridge.org

• Offers personal, protected sites with multiple privacy settings where people can stay connected during any type of health event. An online planner can help family and friends coordinate care and helpful tasks.

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Imerman Angels
Website:

• Offers online support programs for women and men living with cancer and their caregivers.

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Mautner Project of Whitman-Walker Health
Website:

• Offers online and telephone support programs for lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals living with cancer, and their partners.

• 1-866-MAUTNER (1-866-628-8637)

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Lymphoma and Leukemia Society
Website: https://www.lls.org/support/online-chats

• Caregivers, Young Adult, Multiple Myeloma, CLL, CML, ALL, Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

SHARE Cancer Support
Website:

• Offers telephone support groups for women newly diagnosed with breast cancer and women who have lymphedema.

• 1-844-ASK-SHARE (1-844-275-7427)

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Young Survival Coalition
Website:

• Provides support programs (online and telephone) for young women diagnosed with breast cancer, and a resource kit for young women newly diagnosed with breast cancer.

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To Life!
Website:

• Providing information, education, consultation and support and support groups remotely Contact:

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Here for the Girls
Website:

• Offers online and in-person support for young women affected by breast cancer. 

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4th Angel
Website: https://4thangel.ccf.org/ 

• The 4th Angel Mentoring Program is a cancer patient peer-mentoring matches patients or caregivers with trained volunteer mentors who have undergone similar situations. 1-866-520-3197

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After Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Website:

• Match Mentoring, provides FREE reliable and personalized information and one-to-one support for people affected by breast cancer – patients, families, and friends.

• 1.800.977.4121

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Living Beyond Breast Cancer
Website:

• Find information on breast cancer support and care.

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ALZConnected 

Website: https://www.alzconnected.org/

• Through the Alzheimer’s Association; for caregivers and individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

Grief.Net

Website: http://www.griefnet.org/

• An internet community of persons dealing with grief, death, trauma and major loss.