We want to make sure our patrons have access to reputable and up to date information during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here you will find lists of: trustworthy information sources regarding COVID-19, mental health support, things to keep busy or learn from home, donation and volunteer opportunities, and local updates and resources.
Public Health Information and Advice
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): United States COVID-19 information
Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center: U.S. focused map features county-level infection and population data. Find specific, up-to-date information about the outbreak and how it is affecting communities across the nation.
WCVB, Massachusetts COVID-19 map and numbers
MA Attorney General's Office Multilingual COVID-19 Publications: Find publications in العَرَبِيَّة (Arabic), Kriolu (Cape Verdean Creole), 中文 (Chinese), English, Français (French), Kreyòl ayisyen (Haitian Creole), Português (Portuguese), русский (Russian), Español (Spanish), and Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese).
World Health Organization (WHO): Global COVID-19 information.
Massachusetts Department of Public Health Youtube Page: Videos with information about COVID-19.
Face Mask Guides
CDC Cloth Face Covers guide: information on how to properly wear masks and tutorials on how to make them
Massachusetts Governor Baker's Executive Order requiring face masks to be worn in public
A User's Guide to Face Masks from The New York Times.
Avoiding Misinformation
Factitious: Pandemic Edition - Test your knowledge on how to spot fake versus real news sources with this interactive quiz.
Fake News Can Be Deadly. Here's How to Spot It. from NPR
General myth busters from World Health Organization
This is a time where many people are experiencing heightened stress, anxiety, and depression. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Here are some resources to assist you in taking care of your mental health.
General Resources
Mass 2-1-1: Mass 211 is an easy to remember telephone number that connects callers to information about critical health and human services available in their community. It serves as a resource for finding government benefits and services, nonprofit organizations, support groups, volunteer opportunities, donation programs, and other local resources. Always a confidential call, Mass 211 maintains the integrity of the 9-1-1 system saving that vital community resource for life and death emergencies.
Family Resource Centers: Massachusetts Family Resource Centers (FRCs) are a statewide network of community-based providers offering multi-cultural parenting programs, support groups, early childhood services, information and referral resources and education for families whose children range in age from birth to 18 years of age.
Network of Care Massachusetts COVID-19 Info Hub: Find resources and services in your community for children and adults with mental health and substance use needs. This hub is curated for assisting the community during the pandemic.
Suicide Prevention Lifeline: If you’re in crisis, there are options available to help you cope. You can also call the Lifeline at any time to speak to someone and get support. For confidential support available 24/7 for everyone in the United States, call 1-800-273-8255.
Taking Care of Your Mental Health
CDC Stress and Coping information: Tips on how to deal with the stresses associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and how to make yourself and your community stronger.
Collective Grief
Grief and COVID-19: Mourning our bygone lives from the American Psychological Association
Grief and Finding Meaning podcast episode from Brené Brown with David Kessler
How to Help Out
- Volunteer opportunities for health professionals
- Volunteer for the new Community Tracing Collaborative by visiting the PIH Ma-Response page or the DIRECT link to recruiter web.
- Apply for Jobs at COVID-19 Temporary Care Sites
Give Blood
To schedule a new blood drive contact Bill Forsyth at (617) 699-3808 or email William.Forsyth@redcross.org.
Those who are healthy, feeling well and eligible to give blood or platelets, are urged to make an appointment to donate as soon as possible by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Acton Food Pantry
Offering non-perishable items, fresh produce, dairy and frozen meals to those in need. You do not need to be a registered client at this time to receive food. The pantry is open on Wednesday from 10 am to 7 pm, and on Thursdays 9:30 am to 11:30 am.
Acton-Boxborough Regional School District
Acton-Boxborough Food Services in conjunction with the Acton Neighbor Brigade is offering Free Curbside Meal Kit pick up. Each bag includes 7 breakfasts and 7 lunches. Also, fresh produce boxes are available each week while supplies last.
Pick up is on Wednesday from 3:30 - 5:00 PM at A-B Hayward Road entrance
If you can’t pick up your bagged meals, please call the toll-free number (866) 896-3599 (leave voicemail) or send an email to abqualifiedlunch@neighborbrigade.com. If you communicate in a language other than English, please use email and your information will be translated.
Massachusetts P-EBT
The Pandemic - Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) Program provides additional money for families to buy food while schools are closed due to COVID-19. Families with children who receive free or reduced-price school meals under the National School Lunch Program will receive P-EBT funds.