Updated: Thursday, October 21, 2021 11:30 AM
The health and safety of our community is a priority of United Way of Hernando County. Due to the uncertainty of COVID-19, now more than ever it is important that the information we share is correct, accurate, and appropriate. Please feel confident relying on and referencing the on-going information updated on this local resource page.
Please remember that decisions about community measures will be made by local and state officials based on the scope of the outbreak and the severity of illness.
To reduce the spread of COVID-19, CDC recommends mask wearing in public settings when around people outside of their household. The spread of COVID-19 can be reduced when cloth face coverings are used along with other preventive measures, including social distancing, frequent handwashing, and cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.
*19* COVID-19 QUARANTINE BOREDOM-BUSTERS!
GIVE
With global attention on the COVID-19 outbreak, each day brings more uncertainty for individuals, families, and businesses within our Hernando community. Please consider contributing to United Way of Hernando County's Disaster Relief Fund during this difficult time.
All financial support directed to this fund will be used to provide relief for individuals and families' basic needs and ALICE households in Hernando County through United Way of Hernando County and Partner Agencies & programs. Funds will help provide flexible resources to identified unmet needs (immediate, mid-term, and long-term) for those impacted and most vulnerable.
- Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
- Find a vaccine
- Florida Department of Health
- Hernando County Department of Health
- 211 Resource and Referral Hotline
- Hernando County Emergency Management
- Hernando County Government
- Hernando County Schools
- "COMMUNITY PARTNER COVID-19 IMPACT SURVEY"
- United Way Hernando Partner Programs
- Florida Governor Ron DeSantis
- Florida Department of State (elections, corporations, historical and cultural resources, libraries)
- Florida Department of Children and Families
- Florida Department of Elder Affairs
HEALTH
GET VACCINATED AGAINST COVID-19
For more information, visit CDC.gov. For information on where to find vaccines, click here.
- COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective.
- Everyone 12 years of age and older is now eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccination.
- Learn about the different vaccines available.
- Search vaccines.gov, text your zip code to 438829, or call 1-800-232-0233 to find COVID-19 vaccine locations near you.
- For homebound individuals who need a vaccine, please email homeboundvaccine@em.myflorida.com
COVID-19 Cases in Hernando County
- Total: 28,373 (as of 10/19)
- See current dashboard COVID-19 information for Florida here.
COVID-19 Resources
- COVID-19 Call Center 24/7: 1-866-779-6121 COVID-19@flhealth.gov
- COVID-19 Testing
-Click here for current COVID-19 testing sites: www.floridahealthcovid19.gov/testing-sites
-FLDOH and Nomi Health are offering free testing at the Hernando County Fairgrounds. Visit here for more information and appointment availability: testing.nomihealth.com/signup/fl
-Customer Service number: 904-295-0562
COVID-19 Vaccine Information
- DOH Vaccine in Florida
- Governor DeSantis' Statement on the COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution in FL
- Stay up-to-date on who is eligible and where vaccines are available here
- COVID-19 Vaccine Sites in Hernando County as of 4/5/21
- For homebound individuals who need a vaccine, please email homeboundvaccine@em.myflorida.com
All vaccinations are by appointment only. To make an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccine, please visit the links below.
As of 4/12/21, everyone 12 years of age and older is eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccination.
-Florida Department of Health: To book the first dose of the vaccine at a FL Department of Health location, please call 352-540-6800 and choose option 7. Appointments can be requested on Mondays and Tuesdays for an appointment that week.
-Select Publix pharmacies: www.publix.com/covid-vaccine/florida
-Walmart Pharmacy / Sams Club Pharmacy
-Pinebrook Pharmacy in Brooksville
-For more information on the vaccine, visit Hernando Department of Health's website.
Health Information
- Bayfront Health Brooksville
- Bayfront Health Spring Hill
- Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
- Florida Department of Health
- Hernando County Department of Health
- HCA, Oak Hill Hospital
- LifeSouth Community Blood Centers: Accepting all blood donations.
- Premier Community Health Care:
-To schedule an appointment or request a Telehealth appointment, call 352-518-2000 or request an appointment online here.
-COVID-19-related updates can be found at PremierHC.org/services/covid19/
-Assisting clients with Medicaid, Food Stamps, Health Insurance Marketplace, Florida Kid Care, & Unemployment applications. Also provide information about resources in the community as well. For more information call 352-518 2000 ext 9710 - FamilyWize Discount Prescription Card
Mental Health Services
- Baycare Behavioral Health Brooksville: recovery services to help adults and children make informed, healthy choices that support their physical and emotional well-being.
- Crescent Community Clinic
- Dawn Center Outreach Services
- Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 or TEXT "TalkWithUs" to 66746 to connect with a trained counselor.
- Hernando Cares: a behavioral health guide for residents in need of mental health and substance abuse services, as well as additional support services.
- Hernando County Sheriff's Office: established a "CARE LINE" program for the security and well-being of those people living alone who would like daily contact with someone who cares. Call 352-754-6830, ext. 53660 for more information.
- LifeStream Behavioral Health Center
- NAMI Helpline: 1-800-950-NAMI or TEXT "NAMI" to 741741
- NAMI Hernando: Individual support available by phone at (352) 684-0004, from 9am-3pm M-F. After-hours assistance/support call (352) 316-7783.
-Sign up for Wellness Care Call Checks by emailing hope@namihernando.org.
-Online support groups available using Zoom. Visit NAMI's Facebook for days and times. - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA):
-Virtual Recovery Resources
-COVID-19 Specific Resources
EDUCATION
- Florida Department of Education
- Hernando County Schools
-Beginning 2021-2022 school year, Hernando schools will be fully in person or through Hernando eSchool. - Hernando Adult Ed (SunTech)
-Find information on upcoming programs and classes. Call 352-797-7018 for more information. - Pandemic EBT (P-EBT): Frequently Asked Questions.
- Pasco Hernando State College
- Students and Families in Transition (McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act):
-List of services provided for students experiencing homelessness.
-Contact Shanika Figueroa Rodriguez at 352-797-7070 x 132 or by email at figueroa_s@hcsb.k12.fl.us. - UF-IFAS Hernando Extension
- Updates on COVID-19 impact on Florida Schools
- US Department of Education, COVID-19 Guidance
Childcare
- Boys & Girls Club Hernando:
-School programs now open. Visit www.bgchernando.org for more information. - Early Learning Coalition of Pasco/Hernando (ELC):
-Now enrolling for services. Visit www.PHELC.org
-Apply for VPK voucher here. - Mid Florida Community Services Head Start/Early Head Start:
-currently enrolling for the 21-22 school year. Visit their website for more information. - YMCA Hernando County Branch:
-Enrolling for before and after school care. Click here for more information.
FINANCIAL STABILITY
- Filing for unemployment ("Reemployment Assistance Benefits")
-Unemployment COVID-19 related FAQ
-Apply for Reemployment Assistance Benefits here.
-Reemployment Assistance Resource Guide- COVID-19 - EmployFlorida.com
- Spherion Staffing Services: Visit www.spherion.com, text "JOBS" to 352-796-6000 OR "WAREHOUSE to 352-796-6465
- CareerSource Pasco Hernando: Offices are open Monday-Friday 8am-5pm by appointment only. Call 352-200-3020 ext 3023 to make an appointment.
- COVID-19 rental and utility relief funds are available through DCF. See if you qualify at www.OURFlorida.com.
- Pandemic EBT (P-EBT): Frequently Asked Questions.
- Economic Impact Payment: What You Need to Know (courtesy of the IRS)
-Third round of $1,400 EIC (Economic Impact Payments) have been dispersed. Please click here for more information. (3/30/2021)
-If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness and expecting to receive the Economic Impact Payment, read this flyer for more information on how to ensure you receive the funds in a timely manner. - Federal Eviction Moratorium: The Supreme Court ruled on August 26 to end the temporary stay on a lower court ruling seeking to overturn the federal eviction moratorium issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In doing so, the Supreme Court’s ruling invalidates the federal eviction moratorium. For more information, click here: nlihc.org/federal-moratoriums
-www.floridahousingsearch.org- A free, state resource for renters and property managers in Florida. Search options can help you find available rental housing to fit needs and income, as well as additional resources.
-Community Legal Services of Mid Florida: assisting residents with navigating renter rights. Call Help Line at 1-800-405-1417 for more information. - Hernando County Health & Human Services
- -Access Florida Enrollment 352-540-4338 or 866-762-2237.
-Florida is participating in the Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) program. Find out more here. - Florida Master Money Mentor's BLOG: budgeting advice for this "new normal"
- Housing Education Alliance: Home Buyer Education Classes now online
BASIC NEEDS
- Find available food pantries on UnitedWayHernando.org/211
- -NOTE: COVID-19 may affect hours of operation. Please call beforehand for availability and required documents.
- List of available food pantries HERE. (8/20/21)
- Feeding Tampa Bay Mobile Food Pantry distribution at Community Center of Ridge Manor, last Wednesday of the month from 10:30am-12pm.
- Jericho Road Ministries:
-Thrift stores open M-F 9-5pm
-Food Barn open Tuesdays and Fridays from 9am-12pm. Food donations accepted at all Thrift store locations during operating hours. - Mid Florida Community Services:
-Summer Food Distribution schedule
-Meals on Wheels for HC seniors 60+ are still delivering, but now have a waitlist. Interested individuals would have to contact 352-796-1426 to schedule an assessment.
-Apply online for Emergency Support Services here. - People Helping People:
-Feeding Tampa Bay free food distribution- Last Wednesday of the month at 10:30am. - St. Vincent de Paul:
-Food pantry will reopen as a drive-thru service.
-9am-1pm Mon thru Sat; 6pm-7pm Thurs
-The Kass Circle Thrift Store is open. - Mid Florida Homeless Coalition: Additional guidance from the CDC for homeless shelters & service providers.
- TheBus- Hernando Transportation
- Community Legal Services of Mid Florida: assisting residents with navigating renter rights. Call Help Line at 1-800-405-1417 for more information.
- Pandemic EBT (P-EBT): Frequently Asked Questions.
- 211 Hernando*
- A New Generation:
-Offices open Monday-Thursday 10am-4pm.
-Call (352) 544-0911 to coordinate an appointment for pick-up of diapers, wipes, or formula if you are in need. - Boys and Girl's Club Hernando*:
-School programs now open. Visit www.bgchernando.org for more information. - Catholic Charities* (Foundations of Life Pregnancy Center)
-Call the office at 352-686-9897 ext. 506 or text 727-401-1326 anytime for additional information.
-Pregnancy testing is available and appropriate referrals will be provided.
-Donations still accepted- diapers, wipes, and new or gently used clothing (size newborn to 3T). - Dawn Center of Hernando*:
-24/7 Hotline: (352) 686-8430 call OR text available 24/7. Web chat available 24/7 at www.DawnCenter.org - Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services*:
-Offices open M-Th 9am-4pm. Call either 727-853-1010, 352-398-4711 or 727-359-0548 for assistance or appointment.
-Call 727-853-1010 to leave a message for assistance. - Early Learning Coalition*:
-To apply for services, click here. - Jericho Road Ministries:
-Food Barn open Tuesdays and Fridays from 9am-12pm. Food donations accepted at all Thrift store locations during operating hours.
-Shelter now open. Men's shelter intake from 4-6pm. Women's shelter intake from 3-4pm.
-Call (352) 799-2912 for more information. - Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind*:
-Open Monday-Thursday 9am-4pm
-Many classes, services, & groups are being modified to continue serving by phone & online.
-Call (352) 754-1132 for services. - Mid-Florida Community Services*:
-Meals on Wheels still in operation for ages 60+. Visit this site for qualifications and how to get on the waitlist.
-Head Start/Early Head Start: Enrolling for 2021-22 school year. Visit website for more information.
-Children's Advocacy Center: Still accepting and seeing clients as needed - Mid-Florida Homeless Coalition*:
-Serving Citrus, Hernando, Lake, and Sumter counties.
-Outreach currently operational and reaching out to homeless population.
-Call (352) 860-2308 for assistance or an assessment by phone. - NAMI Hernando*:
-Offices currently holding classes and support groups in person. (7/25)
-Online support groups available using Zoom. Visit NAMI's Facebook for days and times. - People Helping People in Hernando County*:
-Tuesdays & Fridays, the shower facilities at the Help Center are open from 10am-1pm. Please call 352-686-4466 for an appointment.
-Sunday Blessings will be seating in the Help Center at a limited capacity. Every Sunday at 3:30pm at the Help Center. - St. Vincent de Paul Society*:
-Thrift stores open.
-Food pantry will reopen as a drive-thru service. - Youth and Family Alternatives New Beginnings Youth Shelter
-Shelter is still in operation while diligently practicing social distancing and proper sanitation.