Governor Polis has closed schools until April 17th and suspended "non-essential" medical procedures.

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

With 61 new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday confirmed cases in Colorado have increased to 277 with 4 deathsNow is the most important time to limit the spread of this deadly virus. 


Our seniors should be able to shop safely at a grocery store and pharmacy. Thankfully, stores have begun dedicating certain hours for seniors.  It is important that we respect this time for seniors and vulnerable populations. Click  here  for a full list of participating chains and share this resource with your loved ones.

Given the increased risk, seniors are more likely to be in complete isolation right now, and many will face elevated levels of anxiety and stress There are many ways to show the seniors in your life some love and support during this time, while maintaining  social distancing. Click here for suggestions on how to support your loved one (provided by AARP). 


We will get through these extraordinary times together.

Boldly Forward,

 
P.S. In an attempt to keep folks informed, I will be sending more frequent updates.  As always, follow me on facebook , twitter and instagram for updates on COVID-19. 
Stay Informed . Reliable, up-to-date information on COVID19. For general questions, call (303) 389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911. For written answers in English, Spanish (Español), Mandarin (普通话), and more, email [email protected].

For information on COVID19 en Español  click here (Provided by Denver Health). 
Additional COVID-19 Updates

Governor Polis has taken the following executive actions: 

Suspending all "nonessential" surgeries and medical procedures, to free up equipment, including ventilators and personal protection items for medical staff.

Closing hair salons, nail salons, spas, tattoo parlors and massage parlors, and extending the statewide restaurant and bar closure to April 30th.


Mayor Hancock announced the creation of a $4 million relief fund which will offer cash grants up to $7,500 for Denver businesses hurt by closures and other social distancing measures. Apply here.

Past Newsletters

Paying Rent & Utilities

Denver's Temporary Rental and Utility Assistance (TRUA) program can help you pay utility bills and up to 80% of your rent. (Denver residents only). 

Xcel Energy, Denver Water and Comcast / Xfinity Wifi have suspended utility shut-offs for non-payment.
Small Business & Workers

Colorado small businesses impacted by COVID-19 can seek individual small business loans up to $2 million as part of the Small Business Administration's Economic Injury Disaster Loan program.

If you have been laid off due to a business closure related to COVID-19, are experiencing wage reductions or are working fewer hours, you can file a claim here

Employee resources from the Colorado Department of Labor & Employment, including information on paid sick leave.

Business and employee resources from the Colorado Restaurant Association.
Mental Health

Mental Health Colorado has updated its resource page with useful information for those who are struggling with mental health or substance use challenges.  

Colorado Crisis Services. If you are more seriously concerned about your own mental health or that of someone close to you, you can call the Colorado Crisis Services at 1-844-493-8255 or text "TALK" to 38255.

National Crisis Text Line. Text SHARE to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor. It's completely free, confidential and available 24/7.

Maria Droste Counseling Center. Providers are now able to connect virtually with their clients in their homes, using a secure video platform.
Food Assistance for Students  and Families

Denver Public School students and family members  can receive free meals at twelve sites in a "grab-and-go" system. Breakfast is available from 8-9 a.m., and lunch is available from 12-1 p.m.

The locations are: 
  • Abraham Lincoln High School, 2285 S Federal Blvd
  • Valverde Elementary School, 2030 W Alameda Ave
  • Joe Shoemaker School, 3333 S Havana St.
  • Place Bridge Academy, 7125 Cherry Creek N Dr.
  • Cowell Elementary School, 4540 W 10th Ave
  • North High School, 2960 Speer Blvd
  • STRIVE Prep - Sunnyside, 4735 N Pecos St
  • Bruce Randolph School, 3955 Steele St
  • Denver Center for International Studies - Baker, 574 W 6th Ave
  • Manual High School, 1700 E 28th Ave
  • The Evie Dennis Campus, 4800 Telluride St
  • The Montbello Campus, 5000 Crown Blvd
In addition, Food for Thought Denver  will be providing Powersacks at all twelve locations, every Friday starting March 20 until circumstances change. Each Powersack will contain enough food for a family of four for two days. They are available for anyone in need, not just DPS students.

Hunger Free Colorado has set up a Food Resource Hotline for anyone who needs help locating food. Call 855-855-4626, M - F (8 am - 4:30 pm) to find school meals, food pantries, and SNAP and WIC enrollment.

Students who do not live in Denver can find nearby locations to pick up breakfast and lunch  here.
Childcare and Resources for Parents

If you are a health care professional or work in public safety, and need childcare, you may be eligible to receive it through the  Emergency Childcare Collaborative . To apply, click here . If you are a provider, click here

How to talk to your child about COVID.
Help Colorado Now : If you would like to donate or volunteer in the fight against COVID-19, head to www.HelpColoradoNow.org

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough, and shortness of breath. 

If you are experiencing these symptoms please first call your health care provider's office to ask if you need to be evaluated in person. If it is necessary, your health care provider will order testing.

If you feel sick, you can call the Denver Health Nurse Line at (303) 739-1211.

For more information visit the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment's website.

Paid for by Leslie Herod for Colorado. Contributions are limited to $400 every 2 year election cycle from individuals, sole proprietorships, LLPs, LLCs and state PACS and $5,350 from small donor committees. Contributions from corporations, labor unions, foreign governments and non-US citizens are prohibited. Contributions are not tax deductible. Donations from registered Colorado lobbyists or principals of lobbyists are prohibited during the legislative session running from January 8th to May 6th, 2020 and any email or donation page from this campaign is not soliciting a contribution from lobbyists or principals of lobbyists. 

Leslie Herod for Colorado
303-866-2959
200 E. Colfax Ave., Rm. 322
Denver, CO 80203