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Lansing, MI 48917

COVID-19 Resources


Listed below are resources to help you stay informed, connected, and healthy.  This list is updated regularly, so continue to check back.  We’re also sharing resources on our Facebook page.

Browse the page or click on the links below to jump to specific resources:


COVID-19 Information

Vaccine Information
Michigan’s COVID-19 Vaccine page – includes vaccine roll-out plan, FAQs, and information
Michigan COVID-19 Hotline - call 888-535-6136, available Monday-Friday from 8 am-5 pm, for information about vaccine eligibility, safety information, and clinic locations
211 - call 2-1-1 for information about vaccination clinics and testing sites
COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs – frequently asked questions about the COVID-19 vaccines. The information in this document will change frequently as more is learned about COVID-19 vaccines (from MDHHS)
COVID-19 Vaccination Dashboard – Vaccination data will be updated Monday-Saturday from the Michigan Care Improvement Registry (MCIR)
Barry-Eaton District Health Department – county-specific vaccination information
Ingham County Health Department - county-specific vaccination information
CDC's COVID-19 Vaccine page - includes a variety of information about the vaccines
Free transportation for vaccine appointments - CATA (517-394-2282), Eatran (517-543-4087), and Clinton Transit (989-224-8127) are all offering free rides for people with appointments at a vaccination clinic (proof of appointment required), call the numbers listed to reserve a ride
How mRNA Vaccines Work – from MDHHS
APIC – understanding herd immunity and the COVID vaccine
WHO – myths and misconceptions about vaccines
NLM’s Medlineplus resource – continually updated with information on COVID vaccines, as well as articles and tutorials on evaluating Internet health information
Vaccines & US - resources from The Smithsonian, to help you make an informed decision about COVID‑19 vaccines 

Testing
COVIDtests.gov - Get free at-home COVID-19 tests (4 per household)
Project ACT - free, rapid, at-home COVID-19 test kits to residents of eligible communities while supplies last (local zip codes include 48821, 48813, 48917, 48911)
Michigan Coronavirus Testing Sites – information about where and how to get tested
Insurance Reimbursement for At-Home Tests - learn more about how your health insurance company will pay you back for 8 at-⁠home tests per month for each person on the plan
Community Pop-Up Rapid Antigen Testing Events - find dates, times, and locations for pop-up testing events in Michigan

Masks
Mask Up, Michigan - information on why and how to wear a mask, and how to get free masks
Types of Masks and Respirators - information from the CDC
Face Masks for Children - recommendations from American Academy of Pediatrics
How to Choose a Mask That's Best for You - updated recommendations for Omicron, from Bridge Michigan

General
CDC Guidelines for Isolation & Quarantine - what to do if you have tested positive or been exposed to COVID-19
COVID-19 Symptom Checker – from the CDC
Top Questions About COVID-19 and Vaccines - questions and answers from CNN
COVID-19 Transmission Map - check the level of COVID-19 transmission where you live, from NPR
Ready.gov – Pandemic preparedness for your family and your community
AARP Coronavirus Tele-Town Hall – what you need to know about treatments and vaccines
COVID-19 Consumer Warnings and Safety Tips – tips to avoid fraud and scams from the FCC
How to Coronavirus-Proof Your Home – from CNN Health

Local
Hospital information from McLaren and Sparrow
Health Department information for Eaton/Barry CountyIngham County, or Find Your Local Health Department
Lansing State Journal – keep up to date on local news
COVID-19 Tri-County Wellness Checklist – provides resources for many of the concerns students and families may be facing during this COVID-19 crisis

State
Michigan statewide hotline: 1-888-535-6136 – will be open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Michigan.gov – what’s happening in our state, including information on unemployment, resources for small businesses, food & services assistance, volunteering, and more
MDHHS Warmline – a statewide, peer-run warmline for Michiganders living with persistent mental health conditions during the COVID19 pandemic. The warmline will operate seven days a week from 10 a.m. – 2 a.m. at 888-733-7753.
MI COVID Alert App – a free app for your mobile phone. It will help us to notify each other and slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan.
Ongoing Response to COVID-19 Cycle - infographic from MDHHS outlining three phases: Response, Recovery, Readiness

National & International
CDC – national information and guidelines
WHO – international updates
New York Times – updates and news about the pandemic
Washington Post – updates and news about the pandemic

Resources for Kids & Parents
Family Well-Being Guide – resources for supporting child and family well-being during the COVID-19 emergency
Communicating with Children During the COVID-19 Outbreak – toolkit from Michigan.gov
Talking to Children About COVID-19: A Parent Resource – National Association of School Psychologists
How to Talk to Your Kids About Coronavirus – from PBS Kids
Helping Young Kids Through the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Crisis – from Zero to Thrive
COVID-19 Time Capsule – worksheets for families to keep a record of their experiences during this time, from Long Creations
Teaching our World: The Coronavirus – free resources from Scholastic to help ease children’s fears and empower them with age-appropriate information
Helping Children Understand Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – video made by Dr. Stephanie Grant, a Michigan-based developmental psychologist who focuses on infants and children
Free eBooks for Children about COVID-19 – a compiled list from the NYC School Library System


Ways to Help

Michigan.gov – learn how you can make a difference to fight and slow the spread of COVID-19 in Michigan
Greater Lansing Food Bank
 – financial support of any amount will allow them to use your gift to meet the greatest needs
American Red Cross – giving blood and other volunteer opportunities
Washington Post – list of nonprofit organizations that could use your time and money to make sure vulnerable populations are cared for during the pandemic
New York Times – charities to help victims of coronavirus
COVID-19: Save Your Story – The Library of Michigan is collecting stories of our daily lives during the crisis to provide future historians, researchers, and students with information and data on life in Michigan communities during the Pandemic.


Internet Access & Technology Help

Low-Cost Internet Access for Qualified Households
Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) - helps low-income households pay for broadband service and internet connected devices
Michigan Wi-Fi Hotspot Map – statewide map of free public hot spots
Comcast Internet Essentials
 – 2-months free for new users
Access from AT&T
FCC’s Lifeline Program – Put in your zip code and find low-cost options from providers in your area
EveryoneOn – Low-Cost Internet Service Programs Tool Kit
Xfinity Hot Spots – Xfinity WiFi Hotspots in out-of-home locations are available for free to anyone who needs them to support communities through this challenging time.
Mobile Hotspots from DTDL – borrow a mobile hotspot for free with carside pickup, or check out a Laptop Kit, which pairs a mobile hotspot with a Chromebook.

Technology Help
GetSetUp – a partnership with the Aging & Adult Services Agency with MDHHS, provides free online classes for Michiganders 60+ to learn how to navigate technology such as videoconferencing and telemedicine


Financial, Food & Social Services Assistance

General
Michigan 211: visit website or call 211 to connect with thousands of nonprofit and government resources in your area
MDHHS by County Map – available to provide assistance including food, emergency relief, and housing services
Eatran – updates on public transportation
MI Bridges – apply for health insurance, food and other assistance
Tri-County Office on Aging – provides a variety of services to seniors 60 & over, including wellbeing checks
COVID Emergency Rental Assistance (CERA) - can provide rental and utility assistance for eligible renter households so that they retain their housing stability, visit the website or call 517-541-1180 for assistance in Eaton County.
Michigan Homeowner Assistance Fund - provides funds to prevent homeowner mortgage delinquencies, defaults, foreclosure, loss of utilities or home energy services and displacements of homeowners experiencing financial hardship associated with the coronavirus pandemic 

Unemployment & Employment Skills
Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency – learn more and file for unemployment benefits
COVID-19 and Unemployment Benefits – FAQ for Michigan employees
Free LinkedIn Learning Courses – links and more information on following free “learning paths” to help job seekers, educators, remote workers and more
Michigan Reconnect - scholarship program that pays for you to attend your in-district community college tuition-free

Food
Meals on Wheels
Greater Lansing Food Bank – food assistance programs
Michigan Dept. of Education Meet Up & Eat Up Map – find locations where meals are being provided for students outside of school hours
Grab & Go Meal Kits - DTDL offers free meal kits from the Lansing Food Bank to ages 18 & under. See pickup times here or request kits at the Youth Desk or for carside pickup anytime. DTDL also has two Little Free Pantries outside the entrance filled with free food and personal care items. 


Small Business Resources

Resources to Guide Your Business through COVID-19 – from the Michigan Small Business Development Center
U.S. Small Business Administration – COVID-19 relief options
Resources for Michigan Businesses During COVID-19 – from Michigan Economic Development Corporation
Emergency Small Business Relief – from LEAP


Homebound Activities & Entertainment

Digital Entertainment
DTDL’s Digital Resources – digital materials for reading, watching & listening, creative classes, language learning
Michigan eLibrary’s eResources – includes educational resources, free ebooks, and more
Free Digital Stories, Books & Readalouds & Free Video & Film Resources
Audible Stories – free streaming collection of stories for kids, including titles across six different languages
Scribd – digital books, audiobooks, magazines, and more (free 30-day trial)
International Children’s Digital Library – access to over 4,000 titles in 59 languages representing some of the best children’s books from cultures around the world
Unite for Literacy – free ebooks for young children
LSO at Home – enjoy audio and video from the Lansing Symphony Orchestra’s new series, including previous concerts from the LSO catalog
The Folger Shakespeare – audio recordings of seven Shakespeare plays performed by the professional actors of Folger Theatre
Netflix Documentaries – free selection of Netflix’s educational documentary features and series available on their YouTube channel
StoryPlace – children’s digital learning library

Virtual Tours & Live Streams
Virtual Museum Tour – tour 12 famous museums
Detroit Zoo – offering educational videos and live streams on their social media channels
Cincinnati Zoo Home Safari – videos highlighting their amazing animals and an activity
San Diego Zoo – live cams and animal videos
Explore.org – live cams of all different kinds of animals
20 Virtual Field Trips to Take with Your Kids – from Adventures in Familyhood
Museums, Theater, Symphonies, and Other Culture to Consume From Home – from Glamour
Cirque du Soleil – watch performances from home

Virtual Storytimes, Sing-Alongs & Drawing Sessions from Authors, Actors & Librarians
Virtual Storytimes with DTDL Youth Staff – watch anytime on YouTube
Mo Willems’ Lunch Doodles – all of the episodes and activities are archived for anytime viewing
Peter Reynolds – read and draw sessions archived on his facebook page
Jarrett J. Krosoczka – art & drawing videos
Mac Barnett – Mac’s Book Club Show
James Dean – drawing lessons & readings from the creator of Pete the Cat
#WritewithKate – past writing lessons from author Kate DiCamillo
Write. Right. Rite. – Jason Reynolds, author and National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, shares his passion for storytelling and discusses topics like creativity, connection, and imagination, with writing prompts
Read-Along with PBS Kids – readings of favorite picture books with celebrities, authors, and more, including Michelle Obama
KidTime StoryTime – Eileen the Storyteller hosts bilingual Spanish/English read-alouds with puppets
Making Space – author/illustrator Christian Robinson hosts Instagram videos featuring special themes (gratitude, friendship, perseverance, caregivers), an art activity and sometimes a special guest
James and the Giant Peach with Taika and Friends – Roald Dahl’s classic is read over 10 YouTube episodes by filmmaker Taika Waititi and a variety of famous celebrities.
Mr. Jon & Friends – livestream music for toddlers & preschoolers, mornings at 10:30 am

Kids Ask Authors with Grace Lin 
Storyline Online – streams videos featuring celebrated actors reading children’s books
Authors Everywhere! – YouTube videos from youth authors offering read alouds, book talks, art demos, etc.
Story Time from Space – books read in space by astronauts
#SaveWithStories – live picture book readings from celebrities
Voice Actors Read – all of your favorite animated characters come to life with book readings from your favorite voice actors and a few other special guests
KidLit TV – discover great children’s books and connect with the people that create them

Circle Round Podcast – adapts carefully-selected folktales from around the world into sound- and music-rich radio plays for kids ages 4 to 10.
Story Pirates Podcast – a story podcast for kids, by kids, with famous special guests
Storytime Seedlings – podcast to grow young readers from newborn to five, featuring books, fingerplays, rhymes, stories and songs for a screen-free storytime experience, anytime
The Story Seeds Podcast – pairs kids ages six to 10 with authors to create short stories aims to spark creativity in its young listeners
DTDL Story Line – call 517-321-4014 and press 8 to hear a new children’s story each week, 24/7
Phone-a-Story – from Denver Public Library, call 720-865-8500 and listen to stories, songs and rhymes in English, Spanish, Amharic and Vietnamese, 24/7

DTDL Storytime Blog – host your own storytime at home using ideas from our past storytimes

Activities for Kids & Families
Lansing Family Fun – list of activity ideas and resources
25 Fun Things to Do With Babies and Toddlers – from The Bump
30 Days of LEGO Play – calendar of fun LEGO challenges from That Brick Life
Notable Children’s Digital Media 2020 – top picks of apps and websites for kids from the Association for Library Service to Children
Dav Pilkey Gives You Reading Superpowers –  free activity kit with a full week’s worth of activities that will inspire your students to work together, be creative, think critically, and find their own superpower
20 Screen-Free Things To Do With Your Kids Indoors – from Saved You a Spot
Go Noodle – free movement and mindfulness videos for kids
Support Guide for Parents Raising Babies and Toddlers Through the Coronavirus Crisis – resources, activities, and reassurance from Quartz
Where’s Waldo? at Home – Waldo-themed videos and activities from Candlewick Press
#DisneyMagicMoments – experience the magic of Disney wherever you may be with stories, videos, and activities to inspire imagination and discovery among kids, fans, and families alike
What Do We Do All Day – books and activities for kids
Wonderopolis – every day, a new “Wonder of the Day” question is posted, and each is designed to get kids and families to read, think, talk, and find learning moments together in everyday life
Magic Tree House Home Adventures – features videos from Mary Pope Osborne, activities, craft ideas, themed recipes, reading challenges, cross-curricular lessons, Family Trivia Night game ideas, and more
Ideas for Reading, Playing, and Singing With Loved Ones Via Video – make the best of family video chats with these tips from School Library Journal

Activities for Adults
Reading Group Choices Book a Day – one new or classic book each day for your reading pleasure and morale, plus free live author chats and interviews.
Sir Patrick Stewart Reads Shakespeare’s Sonnets – see past reads on Twitter
How to Help Librarians and Archivists From Your Living Room – use your free time to decipher handwriting, tag images, and more
100 Books to Read While Stuck at Home During the Coronavirus Crisis – from USA Today


Education at Home

Tips & Resources
MDE COVID-19 Education Information and Resources – resources to assist local school districts, educators, and families from Michigan Dept.of Education
GLPS Academic Resources – additional supplemental resources for GLPS students
Waverly Academic Resources – additional supplemental resources for Waverly Schools students
How Parents Can Help Their Kids While Managing Distance Learning – tips from KQED
Sifting Through the Coronavirus Pandemic – learn the skills to sort fact from fiction on the web (and everything in between)
Tech Tips for Parents During Covid-19 – from Navigating Screens Project (LSTA)
Special Education Resources – from Michigan Alliance for Families
Special Education Mediation Services – resources for families

General Learning Collections & Platforms
Amazing Educational Resources – huge list of education companies offering free subscriptions
Resources for Learning @ Home – resources to keep students engaged and learning
K5 Learning – offers free worksheets in a variety of subject areas
Khan Academy & Khan Academy Kids App – free online practice exercises, instructional videos, and a personalized learning dashboard
PBS Learning Media & PBS Kids Apps– FREE, curated standards-aligned videos, interactives, lesson plans
WKAR’s At-Home Learning – expanded educational programming for grades K-12
Smart Fun for Kids – online resources and fun ideas from the Library of Congress
GreatSchools – resources to help your child learn from home including worksheets by grade level
Sesame Street App
Resources for Pre-K Learning and Fun at Home – from School Library Journal
The Learning Network – teach and learn with The New York Times
SCWBI Digital Directory for Remote Learning Resources – online materials that entertain, instruct, and inspire children and young people, including book readings & discussions, mini art & history lessons, craft projects, and more from creators of children’s books
The Kids Should See This – collection of 4,500+ kid-friendly videos, curated for teachers and parents, including STEAM, history, and culture-focused content

Reading & Language
9 Fun Sight Word Games for New Readers – from Book Riot
Publisher Online Resources – fun and educational resources, activities, discussion guides, teacher guides and more from book publishers
Mango Languages – learn from over 70 languages, free with a DTDL library card
Home Reading Helper – resource for parents to elevate children’s reading at home provided by Read Charlotte
KidLit at Home – “Netflix for Kid Lit” which offers access to the myriad of online storytime, drawing and writing tutorials, STEM and STEAM video content being offered across the web

STEM
Code.org – free program for learning computer science and how to code
Wow in the World – NPR podcast that guides curious kids on a journey into the wonders of the world around them
Nuclear Science at MSU – YouTube videos from the FRIB at MSU
Online Science Classes – daily 2-hour show featuring science and math lessons, crafts and games, hosted by Science Mom and Math Dad
Imagineering in a Box – free online program that brings together the diverse talents of Disney Imagineers around the world for a one-of-a-kind learning experience
NatGeo@Home – at-home education resources from National Geographic
Bedtime Math – fun daily math activities
Smithsonian Science Education Center – K-8 distance learning resources

History & Social Studies
Michigan History for Kids – written for third and fourth graders, this magazine goes beyond the textbooks, exploring the history and heritage of all Michigan’s peoples.

Art
Art for Kids Hub – YouTube art videos teaching drawing and other art lessons
Deep Space Sparkle – short and fun art videos
Creating Comics activities – from Jarrett Lerner
Live Cartooning Classes – from internationally syndicated cartoonist Joe Wos of MazeToons
12 YouTube Channels with Free Art Lessons – from Homeschool Hideout
50 Process Art Activities for Preschoolers – from Meri Cherry Art Studio


Mental Health & Managing Stress for Adults & Kids

Stay Well Counseling Line – If you're feeling emotional distress due to the COVID-19 pandemic, get free, confidential support from a Michigan Stay Well counselor. Dial 1-888-535-6136 and press "8" - available 24/7.
Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 – from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, provides 24/7, 365-day-a-year crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters
Anxiety and Depression Association of America – helpful tips and strategies from  mental health professionals to help you or a loved one struggling with anxiety around the coronavirus or with general health anxiety concerns
Taking Care of Your Mental Health in the Face of Uncertainty – American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
That Discomfort You’re Feeling is Grief – from Harvard Business Review
Action for Happiness – take action to look after ourselves and each other as we face this global crisis
Headspace – special collection for Michiganders of meditation, sleep, and movement exercises designed to help you keep a strong and healthy mind in the midst of this global health crisis
Resources for Talking to Students about Coronavirus & Self-Care for Adults
Stay Well – mental health resources from Michigan.gov
Magination Press – free resources to help children and teens cope with stress and anxiety, and the need for mindfulness brought on by COVID-19 and other life situations, from the American Psychological Association
Eaton County Wellness Resource Directory – find programs, services and providers, available to assist individuals and families dealing with behavioral health issues