Connecting You to Resources – COVID-19
PerformCare resources
Our Member Services staff is here to serve you and to answer your questions 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call anytime at the phone number for your county listed below.
Cumberland-Perry, Dauphin, Lancaster, and Lebanon counties
- Member Services: 1-888-722-8646
- Member Services TTY: 1-800-654-5984 or PA Relay 711
Franklin and Fulton counties
- Member Services (Franklin-Fulton): 1-866-773-7917
- Member Services TTY: 1-800-654-5984 or PA Relay 711
General resources
- COVID-19 and tobacco use
Smoking could increase your risk of complications due to COVID-19 by weakening your immune system. This makes it harder for you to fight infections. Vaping can also harm your lung health and lessen your ability to fight the virus. The best time to quit smoking and vaping is now. For help, please check out the PA Free Quitline. - Pennsylvania Department of Health COVID-19 website.
- Guide: Responding to COVID-19 in Pennsylvania.
- United Way of Pennsylvania coronavirus resources.
- Utility information
Utility companies may not shut off your service while the governor’s coronavirus disaster declaration is in effect, except in the event of a safety emergency. Visit the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission’s website for more information. - Information on school closings and meal access.
- Senator Casey's office: Coronavirus resources for Pennsylvanians
Food resources
- Emergency food assistance information.
- Central Pennsylvania Food Bank.
- Feeding Pennsylvania.
- Pennsylvania food bank locator.
Mental health resources
COVID-19 can cause stress and anxiety for you and your loved ones. During this period of social isolation, maintain ties with friends and family by talking on the phone or via video chat. Get support from either of these resources:
- Mental Health/Warmline
This 24/7 mental health and crisis support line can help you deal with anxiety or other difficult emotions. You will be able to speak with staff who will listen, assess your needs, and refer you to local supports and professionals as needed. The Mental Health Support Line can be reached toll-free, 24/7 at 1-855-284-2494. - Crisis text line
Feeling anxious about the coronavirus?: Text HOME to 741741.
- Caring for children in a disaster
- Helping children cope with stress during the COVID-19 outbreak (PDF)
- Pennsylvania Mental Health Consumers’ Association (PMHCA): information on virtual support groups (PDF).
- Mental Health Association (MHA) COVID-19 resources.
For more tips on managing anxiety and stress, visit:
Additional phone numbers for support:
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Nacional de Prevención del Suicidio: 1-888-628-9454
- Veteran Crisis Line: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990
- Get Help Now Hotline (for substance use disorders): 1-800-662-4357
- United Way of Pennsylvania: Text your ZIP code to 898211 for resources and information in your community.
County resources
Cumberland County
Dauphin County
- Food pantries
Visit FoodPantries.org to find locations in the Harrisburg area. - Coronavirus and emergency information is available on the Dauphin County website.
Franklin and Fulton counties
- Franklin County COVID-19 Resource Guide (PDF)
- The Fulton County Food Basket
- MHA of Franklin and Fulton Counties HelpLine
Just feeling anxious? Need reassurance? Call the HelpLine at 1-717-264-2916. It is staffed by trained certified peer specialists and call specialists. - MHA Senior Reach
Senior Reach helps to connect seniors to others as a powerful means of reducing stress and preventing loneliness and depression. Prior consent required. For more information, contact 1-717-264-4301.
Lancaster County
- Transportation
The South Central Transit Authority, a company that includes the Lancaster-based Red Rose Transit Authority, is offering fare-free bus rides. - Mental health support
Visit the MHA of Lancaster County website for event updates and other information on programs and services. The support groups will continue to meet at their regular dates and times, but as conference call meetings for social distancing. Visit the conference call support groups page for information on connecting.
Lebanon County
Lebanon School District is offering free lunch and snacks to students. Contact the Food Service Department at 1-717-270-6739 or kedinger@lebanon.k12.pa.us.
Perry County
Perry County Literacy Council is providing social services by telephone and has a system for providing physical resources (gas cards, etc.). Adult Education continues through distance learning.
Head Start Family Support Specialists continue to be available to the families served.
Children and Youth continues family preservation efforts.
All school districts are distributing food for students.
Information on waivers for child care centers that serve families of essential personnel:
- Childcare providers who take care of children whose parents are still working and considered essential are eligible to turn in a waiver to the state to stay open amidst the closures.
- There is no fee for the waiver.
- The process is simple, just send an e-mail to RA-PWDRACERT@pa.gov. Make sure the subject line reads “Waiver Request – [insert county name]”.
- In the body of your email, state your center name and a contact person.
- Also include the number of children you take care of whose parents are still working due to being in an essential field.