Hello everyone. This content has been added in order to share news and updates in and around Ohio. Please feel free to copy and share this as needed. The content here will be updated as possible. Thanks everyone and be careful!

Realizing that not everyone will have access to and/or  the time to keep up to date on news regarding the Corona-virus and its effect, the following is what has been collected and placed in one document.  This information has been pulled from Facebook posts, emails, news broadcasts and more…

Please know that this document DOES NOT REPRESENT an inclusive end all to helping provide help to those in our society.

For news on the Coronavirus, please feel free to go to: www.coronavirus.ohio.gov and 833-4-ASK-ODH or 833-427-5634.

If you are not able to click on the link, please copy the link and paste it into your browser in order to go to the website.

Please share and edit as needed.  Thanks and be safe!

For Unemployment

For unemployment information for both individuals and businesses, please go to the following link for updates: http://jfs.ohio.gov/ouio/CoronavirusAndUI.stm

For Students That Are Currently At Home

Digital and Audio Resources for Students:

eBooks and eAudiobooks: https://clc.overdrive.com/clc-columbus/content

Digital Magazines: https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?authtype=ip,cpid&custid=columbus&profile=eon&groupid=main

Music, movies and audiobooks: https://www.hoopladigital.com/

Indie films, documentaries, and classic films: https://columbuslibrary.kanopy.com/

Audiobooks: https://columbusmetrooh.rbdigital.com/

For Kids: 

Tumble Book Library: https://www.columbuslibrary.org/proxy/login/3571

Gale Kids Info Bits: https://go-gale-com.webproxy3.columbuslibrary.org/ps/start.do?p=ITKE&u=cmlweb

TrueFlix: https://sdm-tfx-digital-scholastic-com.webproxy3.columbuslibrary.org/?authCtx=U.600022708

For More Learning: 

Creative Bug (Arts and Crafts): https://www-creativebug-com.webproxy3.columbuslibrary.org/lib/columbuslibrary

Lynda.com: https://www.lynda.com/portal/sip?org=columbuslibrary.org

(For more info on Lynda.com, please go here: https://www.columbuslibrary.org/sites/default/files/uploads/docs/Lynda_com_App_Instructions.pdf)

History and Geaneology: https://www.columbuslibrary.org/research/local-history-genealogy

Learn a New Language (Around 70!): https://mangolanguages.com/

Apply for library card here: https://www.columbuslibrary.org/card-application

Internet Access:

If you are in need of wi-fi for your student(s) at home, Spectrum Spectrum is offering free broadband, Wi-Fi to households with students for 60 days

https://www.10tv.com/article/spectrum-offer-free-broadband-wi-fi-households-students-60-days-2020-mar  

Charter Communications says is offering free Spectrum broadband and Wi-Fi access for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students who do not already have a Spectrum broadband subscription at any service level up to 100 Mbps.

Spectrum also will waive installation fees for the offer and open up its Wi-Fi hotspots for public use.

Anyone wanting to enroll for the free offer can call 1-844-488-8395.

The offer begins Monday, March 16. For more information, please click here.

Comcast is offering Free Wi-Fi https://www.wxyz.com/news/national/coronavirus/comcast-offering-internet-essentials-package-free-for-60-months-during-coronavirus-outbreakComcast offering ‘Internet Essentials’ package free for low-income customers for 60 days

Comcast announced Thursday that it will be increasing speeds for the Internet Essentials program, and making the program free to new customers for two months, amid the corona virus outbreak.

Below is a guide to low-income internet options and affordable internet plans

https://www.allconnect.com/blog/low-income-internet-guide

Within the article, states as follows:  

Once you’ve determined your qualification, you can choose an internet or phone company near you and request an application. You will need to provide your full legal name, date of birth, last four digits of your Social Security Number (or Tribal identification number) and address on your application. You may also be required to show an unexpired ID, a Social Security card, a Medicaid card, or other documents to prove your identity.

Xfinity WiFi Free for Everyone (HotSpots):

Please note this may not be a viable option with social distancing recommendations and closures.

https://www.fox2detroit.com/news/media-companies-to-offer-free-internet-to-low-income-families-during-coronavirus-crisis   

Within the article, states as follows: 

Xfinity WiFi Free For Everyone: Xfinity WiFi hotspots across the country will be available to anyone who needs them for free – including non-Xfinity Internet subscribers. For a map of Xfinity WiFi hotspots, visit www.xfinity.com/wifi. Once at a hotspot, consumers should select the “xfinitywifi” network name in the list of available hotspots and then launch a browser.

 

Listing of Internet Services Providers in Gahanna, Ohio

https://broadbandnow.com/Ohio/Gahanna

Enter your zip code to find providers in your neighborhood.

For Those Who May Be Concerned About Their Electric Bill…

For those that are concerned about their electric bill, please see the following: https://www.nbc4i.com/community/health/coronavirus/aep-temporarily-suspends-non-payment-disconnections-during-coronavirus-outbreak/

On March 13, 2020, AEP stated on their Twitter feed, “AEP Ohio is temporarily suspending all disconnections for non-payment as the coronavirus continues to spread in our communities. We know our customers are concerned about their families and ensuring they have reliable electric service allows them to focus on staying healthy.

Small Business Assistance Help

For businesses that may need assistance, please go to: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance

For those who may be in need of someone to speak to, please see the following, as it was pulled from: https://www.mentalhelp.net/anxiety/hotline/

Free Crisis Hotline Numbers

If you or someone you love is experiencing a debilitating anxiety attack, help is just a phone call (or click) away. Free anxiety attack helplines and resources that are available include:

The staff at NAMI are well-trained to answer questions on a wide range of mental health issues, including anxiety. Available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST, this organization provides free information and referrals to treatment programs, support groups, and educational programs. NAMI also offers help for family members, information about jobs programs, and connections to legal representation in your area.

If severe anxiety is causing you to experience suicidal thoughts, don’t hesitate to call this free, 24-hour crisis intervention hotline. Counselors can help you ease your anxiety and get to the clear headspace you need to seek help. There are separate hotline numbers for Spanish speakers: 1-888-628-9454; the hard of hearing: 1-800-799-4889; and veterans: 1-800-273-8255. You can also chat with a crisis volunteer live on their website.

If you’re not in danger of harming yourself or others, but are ready to seek medical care for your anxiety, SAMHSA’s treatment locator service can help you find a mental health facility near your that specializes in anxiety. The service is available in both English and Spanish 24 hours a day and can also point you to support groups, substance abuse treatment programs, and community-based organizations.

Anxiety in teenagers is becoming more common as they face the mounting pressures of schoolwork, college preparation, first jobs, social activities, and becoming an adult, on top of any issues they may face with their families at home. Both children and parents can call this hotline 24/7 for free crisis intervention services, plus information and referrals to valuable mental health resources. Email, text, and online chat-based services are also available.

  • Teen Line: 1-310-855-HOPE (4673) or 1-800-TLC-TEEN (852-8336)

Another valuable resource for young adults facing anxiety, Teen Line offers teen-to-teen counseling services available between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. PST. Callers can talk to one of their peers about what they’re going through and learn strategies that have helped other young people just like them. The service is also available by texting “TEEN” to 839863, as well as via email and message boards. 

For local news updates, please feel free to go to:

https://www.nbc4i.com/

https://abc6onyourside.com/

https://www.10tv.com/