COVID-19 Resources
Recent Updates
The Omicron variant is now the predominant strain of COVID-19 in Colorado and across the country. Current vaccines are expected to protect against severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths due to infection with the Omicron variant. However, breakthrough infections even with people who are fully vaccinated are likely to occur.
You can now order 4 free COVID-19 tests for your household. Order your tests now so you have them when you need them.
Vaccine Information
Vaccines and booster shots are widely available to the general public, including children ages 5 and up.
Visit the state’s COVID-19 website for the most up to date information on vaccine availability.
The map below shows all of the active sites offering vaccinations in Colorado:
Resources in Senate District 18
CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES
Boulder County has set up a website with local resources here.
Colorado Works (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) provides qualifying families with cash assistance to strengthen their family’s economic and social stability.
Apply for Health First Colorado through Colorado PEAK or through the MyCOBenefits mobile app.
The Boulder County Abuse and Neglect Hotline is available 24 hours a day, every day, at 303-441-1309. Anyone witnessing a child in a life-threatening situation should call 911 immediately.
MENTAL HEALTH
Mental Health Colorado has updated its resource page with useful information for those who are struggling with mental health of 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 you can text TALK to 38255.
Mental Health Partners is still taking new clients, using telehealth sessions for assessments and evaluations. Please call 303-443-8500 to access those services.
RENT AND UTILITIES
Emergency Family Assistance Association (EFAA) provides financial assistance for utilities, rent, or mortgages for Boulder and southern mountain residents.
Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) assists low-income families and individuals with their heating costs (ends April 30th).
Energy Outreach Colorado is a statewide nonprofit organization that helps Coloradans pay their utility bills during hardship.
UNEMPLOYMENT
Anyone who has lost their job or had their hours cut due this pandemic may be eligible for unemployment insurance benefits.
For employers looking to avoid layoffs, CDLE’s Work-Share Program allows eligible employees to work fewer hours and collect partial unemployment benefits.
State Response
In March 2021, the Colorado Legislature unveiled the Colorado Recovery Plan. It’s a $700 million stimulus package that will: take care of our small businesses, revitalize our infrastructure, support hardworking Colorado families, and make investments in our workforce and rural Colorado. These dollars will be allocated through dozens of bills this legislative session.
Federal Response
President Biden signed the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan on March 11, 2021. This sweeping stimulus package will provide direct relief to most Americans, funding to safely reopen schools, investments in COVID-19 testing and tracing, and it will effectively cut child poverty in half. In more detail:
The relief package provided a 3rd round of direct payments for most Americans of up to $1,400 per adult and the same amount per dependent (regardless of age).
The $300-per-week boost to unemployment benefits was extended for over 6 months.
The bill temporarily expanded the Child Tax Credit. Under the legislation, the tax credit rose to as much as $3,600 for children up to age 5 and as much as $3,000 for children 6 to 17.
$350 billion went to states, local governments, territories and tribal governments.
About $130 billion went to safely reopening schools.
It also included funding for colleges and universities, transit agencies, housing aid, child care providers and food assistance.