Get Help During COVID-19
For Individuals
If you are in need of assistance, contact 211 for referral to the best local resources to fill your need. There are three ways to connect:
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Dial 2-1-1 (due to high call volumes please anticipate a wait time)
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Text your zip code to 898-211
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Search the online database at www.uwp.org/211gethelp
For Nonprofits
Nonprofits serving Franklin County residents impacted by the pandemic may:
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Submit your volunteer and donation needs to be added to our volunteer page.
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Request an application for support from our Crisis Fund by emailing office@uwfcpa.org.
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Visit our Nonprofit COVID-19 page for more resources.
COVID-19 Information & Resources
Table of Contents
(click to jump to section)
Key Information
If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your primary care provider. If you are not experiencing symptoms but have been in close contact (15 minutes or more and within 6 feet in distance) with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, you may need a test. Please call your primary care provider.
If you do not have a primary care provider, contact Wellspan Online Urgent Care or Keystone Health.
COVID-19 Information
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Explore the COVID-19 early warning monitoring dashboard for a county-by-county breakdown of incidence rates and confirmed cases
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Call 1-877-PA-HEALTH to report a Public Health Emergency or AN IMMEDIATELY NOTIFIABLE CONDITION such as COVID-19
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See up-to-date COVID-19 vaccine information
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We are currently in Phase 1A, which vaccinates select populations of healthcare personnel, residents of long-term care facilities, people aged 65 and older, and those aged 16-64 with an eligible health risk
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Please do not go to hospitals asking for a vaccine at this time
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COVID-19 vaccine FAQs covers questions that the general public may have
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Download the COVID Alert PA app from the PA Dept. of Health, to get exposure alerts without compromising your privacy or personal information
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Text PACOVID to 898-211 to stay informed with updates on breaking news, relief legislation, and resources to help you meet your basic needs during the crisis
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If you have lost a loved one to COVID-19, reach out to the American Red Cross Virtual Family Assistance Center or call 833-492-0094
Communication from the Commonwealth
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See current mitigation orders
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View the current masking order
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The Proclamation of Disaster Emergency for the COVID-19 pandemic was renewed for 90 days on Nov. 24
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The PA Department of Education has provided resources for school communities during COVID-19, including guidance on reopening for the 2020-2021 academic year
Housing
Search PA 211’s housing resources (choose a category and change search filters to refine by zip code)
Renters
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The eviction and foreclosure moratorium for properties with FHFA-backed loans has been extended to March 31
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PA has received funds for another round of emergency rental assistance, but the program has yet to be opened
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If you were unable to get CARES rent relief or other rental assistance, learn more about the CDC’s national eviction moratorium for nonpayment of rent
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If you qualify, submit the necessary declaration to your landlord so that you can claim protection from eviction
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Rental assistance is available through HUD
Homeowners
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The eviction and foreclosure moratorium for properties with FHFA-backed loans has been extended to Jan. 31
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Homeowners impacted by COVID-19 are eligible for a mortgage forbearance for up to 12 months (if mortgage is through Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac)
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See CFPB guidelines for COVID-19 mortgage relief options
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Hotline for VA-Backed Home Loans: 1-877-827-3702
Utilities
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LIHEAP assists eligible people with heating and cooling expenses, and home weatherization
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Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) helps eligible people with home weatherization, to increase energy efficiency
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The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission has consumer protections in place to safeguard families and small businesses who are struggling financially as a result of the pandemic.
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If you are having trouble paying your utility bills, PUC suggests reaching out to your provider before the bill becomes past-due, because there are programs in place to help.
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Search PA 211 (change search filters to refine by zip code) for:
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electric service payment assistance resources
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water service payment assistance resources
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telephone service payment assistance resources
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internet service payment assistance resources
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Food
For local food pantries and other nutrition resources, check out Franklin County Food Resources Nutrition Map
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Temporary SNAP benefits are available, and work requirements have been suspended
- Through June 30, 2021:
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Benefits will increase by 15%
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SNAP eligibility will extend to college students
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Unemployment benefits will be excluded from income calculations for SNAP
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Learn more about the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program for students who are eligible for free or reduced-price meals at school
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This program has been extended through Sep. 2021
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SNAP benefits may now be used to purchase groceries online on Amazon, Walmart, ShopRite, and Fresh Grocer (check participating locations)
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If you already access SNAP benefits, you may get extra benefits on your EBT card
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SNAP renewal due dates have been extended
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When applying for SNAP benefits, it is recommended to use the website rather than the app on mobile devices
- Through June 30, 2021:
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PA Department of Agriculture guidelines for accessing emergency food assistance
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County Assistance Offices will continue to process applications for benefits such as SNAP and maintain existing cases
Financial Assistance
Check your eligibility for coronavirus resources from the government: unemployment, food, healthcare, and business loans.
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People affected by the COVID-19 crisis may be eligible for Unemployment Compensation: the waiting week and work search requirements are temporarily suspended
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Information on UC debit cards
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Enhanced benefits of $300 per week have been extended through March 14
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Individuals experiencing financial hardship should reach out to creditors, utility companies, and landlords to understand what assistance they may be offering or willing to negotiate
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Federal student loans: until Dec. 31, interest will not accumulate, payments are suspended, and garnishment of wages, Social Security benefits, and tax refunds for student loan debt collection is halted
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Under the CARES Act, individuals impacted by coronavirus can access up to $100,000 from their 401(k)s and IRAs with fewer consequences than usual (if you have exhausted most other resources available to you)
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Pennsylvanians can apply for Medicaid, SNAP, CHIP, and other public assistance programs at any time through COMPASS
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For Veterans:
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Veterans can apply for temporary financial assistance for necessities
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Veterans and eligible family members can apply for financial assistance for immediate need
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Employment
Most employees will be guaranteed two weeks of paid sick leave and a subsequent ten weeks of partially paid family leave for care of a child, under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act
Job Postings
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The National Labor Exchange lists essential job postings for PA with immediate hiring during the COVID-19 crisis
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PA CareerLink offers active job openings for life-sustaining businesses, available for immediate hire
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USAJOBS has federal government job listings for positions that help respond to and fight COVID-19 in PA
Unemployment Benefits
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People affected by the COVID-19 crisis may be eligible for Unemployment Compensation: the waiting week and work search requirements are temporarily suspended
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Information on UC debit cards
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Enhanced benefits of $300 per week have been extended through March 14
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The Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program is available for individuals whose regular unemployment benefits have expired or will expire soon
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PEUC was extended for 11 weeks with no retroactivity, through March 14
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If you exhausted regular unemployment compensation and PEUC, you may be eligible for 13 weeks of payments in the Extended Benefits program
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If you’re not eligible for normal UC benefits, you may qualify for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)
Children and Families
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Children, Youth, and Families resources
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Child Abuse Hotline 1-800-932-0313
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Safe2Say Something: 1-844-723-2729 or get the app (kids can use this service to make anonymous tips on anything that makes them uncomfortable)
Child Care
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FAQs from DHS for families in need of child care
Education
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The PA Department of Education has provided resources for school communities during COVID-19, including guidance on reopening for the 2020-2021 academic year
Learning at Home
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Scholastic Learn At Home Projects for Children for pre-K – 12
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Khan Academy for students age 4 – 18
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CommonLit for grades 3 – 12
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Illustrative Mathematics for K – 12
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Zearn Math for K – 5
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Sesame Street for pre-K
Mental Health
View the Mental Health Tips and Resources from Healthy Franklin County, as well as:
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myStrength - Personal Support for You from Wellspan
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Mental Health Resources Guide from the Governor's Office
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Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs resources
Mental Health Hotlines
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National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 800-273-8255
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Mental Health Support Line: 1-855-284-2494
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Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 or text TALKWITHUS to 66746
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Crisis Text Line: text MHA to 741741
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National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or text LOVEIS to 22522
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Substance Use Disorder Hotline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357), text 717-216-0905, or chat
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If you have lost a loved one to COVID-19, reach out to the American Red Cross Virtual Family Assistance Center or call 833-492-0094
Health Care
Local Healthcare providers COVID-19 information:
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Wellspan Health COVID Information Center (including Chambersburg and Waynesboro Hospitals)
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If you think you have COVID-19 symptoms and need tested, contact your primary care provider or make an appointment with Wellspan Online Urgent Care.
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Keystone Health COVID Information Center
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Keystone Urgent Care, 111 Chambers Hill Dr., is providing testing for symptomatic and asymptomatic patients
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Keystone Pediatrics offices are providing testing to asymptomatic and symptomatic patients of the practice by appointment only
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Chambersburg office: Call 717-709-7950 to schedule an appointment
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Waynesboro office: Call 717-387-8060 to schedule an appointment
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NOTE: COVID-19 testing is free for all Americans, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.
Vaccine
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See up-to-date COVID-19 vaccine information
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COVID-19 vaccine FAQs covers questions that the general public may have
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Vaccination in Franklin County:
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We are currently in Phase 1A, which vaccinates select populations of healthcare personnel, residents of long-term care facilities, people aged 65 and older, and those aged 16-64 with an eligible health risk. If you think you’re eligible, please visit the PA government's vaccination page to take the eligibility quiz.
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If eligible, use the map to find a vaccine provider, and contact the provider directly via their preferred method to schedule an appointment.
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At present, the demand for vaccines is higher than the supply, so wait lists are long, and it will take time to get all eligible people vaccinated.
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View updates on the vaccine from Wellspan Health
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View updates on the vaccine from Keystone Health
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If you have questions about the vaccine or the vaccination process in PA, learn more here.
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You can submit questions and feedback to the PA Department of Health using this Vaccine Feedback Form or call the Pennsylvania Department of Health hotline at 1-877-724-3258 (wait times may be high)
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Prescriptions
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CVS, Walgreens, and other pharmacies are doing free prescription delivery: please contact your local pharmacy for more information
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Download a free prescription discount card from United Way partner, FamilyWize
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Or use these Familywize codes at your pharmacy - BIN: 610194, Card ID: FW100, Group ID: FW100, PCN: FW
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Or, text SAVE to 700700 to download the card to your phone
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Health Insurance
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If you do not have employer-sponsored health insurance, know your health insurance options
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The state will continue to process applications for Medicaid – COVID-19 health emergencies are being prioritized
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Medicare will now cover telehealth services for its beneficiaries
Taxes
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Refundable payroll tax credits for paid sick and family leave are available through March 31
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The IRS is offering relief to taxpayers who owe taxes, but have been financially affected by the COVID-19 crisis
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PA 529 account funds that have been refunded can be returned to the account within 60 days to avoid penalties or taxes
Fraud Protection
Scams
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View CISA’s guidelines on how to avoid scams related to economic impact payments. Regarding individual benefits checks from the federal government:
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The government will never ask you to pay anything up front to get this money
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The government will not call to ask for your Social Security number, bank account, or credit card number
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Anyone who tells you they can get you the money now is a scammer
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Regarding individual benefits checks from the federal government:
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The government will never ask you to pay anything up front to get this money
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The government will not call to ask for your Social Security number, bank account, or credit card number
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Scammers are offering COVID-19 tests to Medicare beneficiaries in exchange for personal details, including Medicare information – these services are unapproved and illegitimate:
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Beneficiaries should be cautious of unsolicited requests for their Medicare or Medicaid numbers
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Be suspicious of any unexpected calls or visitors offering COVID-19 tests or supplies
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Ignore offers or advertisements for COVID-19 testing or treatments on social media sites
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Beware of fake unemployment filing websites designed to steal your personal information: only file for unemployment through the Department of Labor and Industry at www.uc.pa.gov
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Be skeptical of unsolicited or random calls or text messages about public-assistance programs such as P-EBT – especially when the calls or text messages solicit personal information, as these calls may be a scam
Report Fraud
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If you suspect fraud related to the COVID-19 crisis, please report it to the National Center for Disaster Fraud at 1-866-720-5721 or email disaster@leo.gov
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To report suspected price gouging to the Pennsylvania Attorney General: pricegouging@attorneygeneral.gov
How You Can Help
Our communities are in need of volunteers and donations now more than ever. Check out our volunteer page for current local needs. If you’re in a position to give, please consider donating to United Way of Franklin County's 2020 Community Campaign or the COVID-19 response fund.
Other ways to help:
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Individuals or organizations can donate critical medical supplies to PA hospitals
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Blood donation during a pandemic is crucial – schedule your blood donation with The Red Cross
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Share your COVID-19 story: help us show lawmakers how much working folks are struggling, so we can advocate for relief legislation that works for all Pennsylvanians