COVID-19 RESPONSE

The Blue Card’s commitment to the health and safety of Holocaust survivors is our top priority!

In light of the recent global crisis, we have been especially proactive in ensuring that Holocaust survivors, nationwide, know that they are taken care of.

Over 2,500 Holocaust survivors in 20 states, received essential supplies such as:

Toilet paper
Tissues
Gloves
Bleach and bleach items such as wipes
Soap
Face masks
Hand sanitizer
Prepared meals and non-perishables, but most importantly supplies of water.

In addition to our 12 core programs, nearly $200,000 in financial aid has been made to provide urgent care.

There has been a drastic increase in requests for The Blue Card’s Telephone Emergency Response System units – buttons which are worn either around the neck or wrist and are activated in times of emergency. As survivors are home alone, they fear any falls or accidents and are reaching out to us to have them set up with a unit. To date, an additional 1,500 Holocaust survivors received this lifesaving unit.

Furthermore, the TERS providers who we have enlisted, have spent countless of hours, calling our survivors and their families, ensuring these individuals are not just safe, but have all that they need. For those in need of supplies and additional financial assistance, The Blue Card staff members reach out to directly to understand what the need is and quickly respond by mailing supplies, as well as financial assistance.

All in-person classes, groups, and other opportunities for socializing and connection are now not possible due to closures, social distancing and the physical vulnerabilities of our survivors. The effects of this on the mental health of our survivors is profound as many are reporting that the isolation, they are experiencing, is causing them to become extremely lonely and significantly depressed. Therefore, The Blue Card is supporting survivors by providing therapy sessions via teleconferencing. These sessions and other opportunities for connection for our survivors is especially crucial at this time.

Lastly to ensure our survivors are engaging in social distancing, we are working with their local pharmacies to arrange timely drop offs of their medication. We are paying for survivors’ medication co-pays, as well as for deliveries where needed.

We are incredibly grateful to all of our supporters for making our critical efforts possible and ask you, humbly, to please continue supporting our work in keeping survivors safe and healthy during this difficult time.

Here are some posts you might enjoy:

• NY State Vaccine Sites Guide (New York State)

• NYC Vaccine Sites Guide (New York City)

• NY Pharmacies (Pharmacies list with local follow-up posts to come)

• Vaccine PTO – go! (new executive order from Gov. Cuomo)

• Virtual Game Night (Zoom ideas for friends and family)