We mobilize the caring power of our communities by encouraging individuals to give, advocate, and volunteer. However, we have another way for you to help your community and mitigate the impact of COVID-19. Stay home! We know this might be tough, but it has proven to be one of the most effective ways to make a difference in this emergency. Even if you are young and healthy, you can still carry the virus, so limiting your contact with others could save lives.
Oftentimes when we feel we've been impacted by a force outside of our control, we want to fix it immediately. This is completely understandable, but the circumstances surrounding the spread of COVID-19 are unique and we urge you to help us flatten the curve. #flattenthecurve The best way to do this is to limit your contact with medium to large groups of people and practice social distance. Keep reading to learn more about how you can help. Greater Gallatin United Way serves as a hub and connector for services across Gallatin, Meagher, Madison, and Park Counties. If you are absolutely determined to volunteer, we ask that you go to VolunteerMT.org to set up an account and learn about the needs in our community. This will ensure efforts are not duplicated and resources will go where they are most needed.
If you need to talk to someone immediately and this is not a medical emergency, please call 2-1-1 or go to Montana211.org. This is a 24-hour hotline that can connect you to local, state, and national services, referrals, and resources. In case of medical emergency, call 9-1-1.
Not Feeling Well?
- If you are sick due to COVID-19, suspect that you have been exposed, or are taking care of someone that is sick, please follow these instructions.
Save Lives by Slowing the Spread
- Stay home. Even though this isn't that fun, staying home will save lives.
- Avoid all non-essential travel.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water.
- Cancel events and large-group gatherings.
- Practice social distancing, or keeping a radius of about 6 feet from other individuals.
- Click here to learn more about how to protect yourself and others.
Provide Mental and Emotional Support
- Are you or is someone you know in distress? For a complete list of Gallatin County Mental Health and Social Service resources, click here.
- Connect with friends and family through text, calling, social media, and more. Sending a funny meme, a colorful e-card, or sharing your favorite Spotify playlist are fun ways to connect and practice social distancing.
- Check in on the mental health of your network. Encourage your friends and family to rest, have fun, and take care of themselves and one another. Cooking, reading, watching movies, going on short walks, playing board games, and playing music are all great ways to find calm and joy. For more resources for parents and families, check out our Facebook page.
- It is normal to feel anxious, nervous, or scared in times of uncertainty. However, it's extra important not to get swept away by these emotions and find ways to stay grounded. Sharing what you are grateful for, taking deep breaths, and investing time in activities to de-stress is very important.
Ways to Provide Direct Support
- For now, the best thing to do is to practice social distance and support your personal networks.
- However, if you want to get more involved and/or would like to be notified to help with disaster relief, please create an account through org. It only takes a couple of minutes to create an account and you can indicate whether you would like to be contacted in a disaster, what skills you have, and what agencies or needs you would like to serve. If you are an agency with needs, please create an account. Contact Tia at tia@greatergallatinunitedway.org if you have questions or call 406-545-2244.
- Please refrain from creating another mutual aid group. In the interest of streamlining and coordinating our community's efforts, we urge you to reach out to pre-existing organizations as they will indicate their volunteer needs.
Summary of Links and Resources
Flatten the Curve - What's that all about?
For Those Not Feeling Well
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html
For Help Finding and Navigating Services
A List of Local Mental Health and Social Services
https://www.greatergallatinunitedway.org/gallatin-county-mental-health-resource-guide
To Learn More About Greater Gallatin United Way
https://www.greatergallatinunitedway.org/
Fun Ideas and Activities for Parents
https://www.facebook.com/GallatinECCC/
To Post Agency Needs or Volunteer
Why Cancelling Events Works
Coping in Quarantine
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/coping.html
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(20)30460-8/fulltext
US COVID-19 Live Updates
