Health Briefs

By: 
Press Staff Writer

Social Security recipients needn’t file tax returns to get stimulus
        The Department of the Treasury (Treasury) announced on April 1 that Social Security beneficiaries who are not typically required to file tax returns will not need to file an abbreviated tax return to receive an economic impact payment. The IRS will use the information on the Form SSA-1099 to generate $1,200 economic impact payments to Social Security beneficiaries who did not file tax returns in 2018 or 2019.
        Treasury, not Social Security, will make automatic payments to Social Security beneficiaries. Beneficiaries will receive these payments by direct deposit or by paper check, just as they would normally receive their Social Security benefits.
        For updates from the IRS, visit www.irs.gov/coronavirus.
 
TeleHealth appointments
        Fremont-based Community Health Services (CHS) is now offering TeleHealth medical and behavioral health appointments.
        This service provides patients access to their medical or behavioral health provider via telephone from the comfort of their home.
        CHS developed this option in response to growing concerns about exposure to COVID-19 – including patients’ hesitation to see their provider and providing the safest possible environment for patients and staff. Through this new program, patients can complete an appointment via telephone for issues such as routine visits for chronic health conditions, prescription refill, sick visits, and re-checks. While some appointments can’t be completed via TeleHealth, the vast majority can be managed through this program. Behavioral Health patients can schedule sessions with their counselor via telephone.
        New patients are welcome. No one is turned away due to insurance or ability to pay. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 419-334-3869 or visit www.CHSOhio.com.
 
Reporting child abuse
        Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine noted that since Ohio's stay at home order began on March 22, Ohio has seen approximately a 50 percent drop in child abuse and neglect cases because those who typically report suspicions of abuse, such as teachers, coaches, childcare providers, and school counselors and nurses, aren’t seeing children every day.
        DeWine urged anyone suspecting abuse or neglect to call 855-OH-CHILD.
 
AT&T donates $20,000 to Ohio Assn. of Foodbanks
        The Ohio Association of Foodbanks received a $20,000 contribution from the AT&T Foundation to support hunger relief efforts amid the novel coronavirus outbreak.
        The funding will be used to purchase much-needed food and resources to benefit vulnerable Ohio children, adults and seniors who are struggling to make ends meet during this challenging time.
        “We deeply appreciate the generosity of the AT&T Foundation and other organizations who have stepped up to help during this public health crisis,” said Lisa Hamler-Fugitt, executive director of the Ohio Association of Foodbanks. “That being said, there is still immense need for donations and support as the COVID-19 pandemic is causing mass layoffs, reduced wages, lost school meals, and significant financial pain for millions of Ohioans, which is forcing many into our food lines – often for the very first time.”
        “We’re committed to being there when Ohioans need us most,” said Adam Grzybicki, president of AT&T Ohio and AT&T Great Lakes States. “Thank you to the foodbanks and their employees across the state who are working every day to help hungry people in this new world.”
        In addition to the AT&T Foundation, ProMedica and Sodexo recently donated take-home containers and to-go bags, valued at $7,400, which will allow foodbank staff and volunteers to continue serving Ohioans in need while minimizing person-to-person contact.
        “Philanthropy has an important role to play now and going forward, and I encourage the philanthropic community to be as flexible and responsive as possible to help support our community and the challenges we face ahead,” Hamler-Fugitt said. “However, philanthropic donations cannot replace the critical role a strong and sustained response from the public sector provides. Our foodbanks have heightened needs right now and every contribution makes a difference.”
        Since COVID-19 first started impacting Ohio, the association’s network of hunger relief providers has seen an enormous increase in demand statewide. The association is asking for more support from both the public and private sectors to help the network respond to short-term needs and the long-term needs to keep foodbank doors open for the millions of Ohioans that need help putting food on the table.
        Ohioans and corporations looking to donate or volunteer, or seeking help with food, can visit ohiofoodbanks.org/coronavirus for more information.
 
 
 
 
 
 

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