The following resources will help you stay informed, keep you connected with your neighbors, and help others:
- Looking Out for Each Other in Montgomery County
- Citizens Alert – Receive up to date information from Town of Blacksburg
- Next Door – Online platform where neighbors exchange information
- NRV Timebank – A neighbor-to-neighbor platform to exchange services
United Way
United Way of the New River Valley is cataloging nonprofit volunteer needs and wish-lists as they help serve those affected by Covid 19.
Medical Reserve Corps
Non-medical MRC volunteers are needed to assist with support services at call centers, health screenings at vaccination or other clinics, plus public health outreach and training, administrative services, transportation and more. Contact Mary Lou Legg at 540-585-3306 or nearswmrc@vdh.virginia.gov..
Medical Resources
If you think you are ill, DO NOT GO to the hospital emergency room. Call your doctor or the New River Health District hotline.
New River Health District Hotline for COVID-19 Information
Call 540-267-8240
Hotline Hours:
Monday – Friday – 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Saturday – 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Sunday – 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Community Health Center of the New River Valley
215 Roanoke Street
Christiansburg, VA 24073
Phone: 540.381.0820
https://chcnrv.org/
The Community Health Center of the New River Valley is a non-profit healthcare organization that serves uninsured individuals, as well as people who are insured with Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance like Anthem. The CHCNRV does not yet have the test for this virus so they are asking patients to call before coming to the Center if you are experiencing symptoms. Over the phone, they will be able to determine the best course of action and treatment for your symptoms.
The Montgomery County Public Health Task Force
COVID-19 Video and Podcast from the Montgomery County Public Health Task Force
Comprised of local government, public safety, education and health agencies working to proactively provide local residents and communities with accurate, up to date and effective information about COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. www.montva.com/coronavirus. For Blacksburg specific updates visit www.blacksburg.gov/coronavirus.
Other Medical Resources where you can learn more about the COVID-19
- Virginia Department of Health
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- World Health Organization
- About Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Food Access Organizations
NRV Elderly (including disabled and immunocompromised)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/296569054655306/
Blacksburg Interfaith Food Pantry
706 Harding Ave Blacksburg, 24060newrivercommunityaction.org/IFP
540-951-8134/ bburgifp@gmail.com.
They can accept donations Mondays from 4-6 and Tuesdays through Fridays from 10-12.
The Giving Tree Food Pantry
2455 Peppers Ferry Rd
NW Christiansburg 24073
thegivingtreefoodpantry.org
Providing food Friday’s from 4:30-7pm via drive thru service. Please stay in your cars. A volunteer will be there to provide instructions.
NRCA, Montgomery County Emergency Assistance Program
110 Roanoke St. Christiansburg, 24073
540-382-6186/ 381-1561
www.newrivercommunityaction.org
The office is closed, but still providing food assistance. Please call the office.
Montgomery County Public Schools
School buses will be delivering free breakfast and lunch to any child who wants them at their regular bus stop, four hours after their regular morning pick up time. The children must be present to receive the meal. You can look up your bus time by visiting www.mcps.org/bus. For more information: https://www.facebook.com/mcpsinfo/
Spiritual Roots Food Bank
Dwelling Place Church
3325 N. Franklin St. Christiansburg, VA 24073
Providing food Tuesdays & Wednesdays 4pm-6pm, bring ID, can only provide food once per person every 30 days.
Emergency Assistance Organizations
New River Community Action
Provides a range of emergency assistance services and food pantries. All clients who need services are required to call to do an intake over the phone (no in-person paperwork will be accepted). Staff will prepare food boxes for pick up. Call to make an appointment for phone screening: 540.382.6186
Mental Health Resources
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Resources
New River Valley Community Services
Our agency offers an array of programs for both children and adults who are living with mental illness, developmental disabilities and/or substance use disorders. They are screening all visitors to their facilities, using practices recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This practice will remain in place at all NRVCS clinics, offices and residential programs until further notice. For crisis/emergencies, call 540-961-8400; All other calls: 540- 961-8300
- Taking Care of Your Behavioral Health: Tips for Social Distancing, Quarantine, and Isolation During an Infectious Disease Outbreak– brochure from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
- Coping With Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks– information from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
- Coronavirus and Emerging Infectious Disease Outbreaks Response – factsheets from the Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress – Fact sheets for health care clinicians, mental health guidelines, and taking care of your family, among others
- Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19– guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on managing mental health stressors during this time
- Montgomery County Coronavirus web page
If you are struggling, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (5233) or the Crisis Text Line (Text “START” to 741-741).
Facing Unemployment
Guidance for workers from the Governor’s Office on how to navigate this public health crisis as they work to keep their families both healthy and financially stable.
Trouble Paying Utility Bills
Electricity/Natural Gas: The State Corporation Commission issued anemergency order stating that no public energy utilities will be permitted to cut off electricity or for 60 days starting on March 16. This order covers AEP/APCO and ATMOS Natural Gas. Virginia Tech Electric is not governed by the SCC and not subject to this order, nevertheless, they have voluntarily agreed to adopt a similar stance. Important note: At this time, the emergency order does not waive or forgive utility bills – it only means that customers will not have their heat/electricity cut off at this time for non-payment.
- Water/Sewer: The Town of Blacksburg has also elected to suspend late fees at this time for unpaid water/sewer bills and is adopting a similar policy to stop disconnections for non-payment.
- Internet: The internet is essential for getting information, communicating, and continuing work/education for a population observing social distancing guidelines. For vulnerable populations it is a critical lifeline. At this time, Comcast/Xfinity will be adopting similar practices and will not be disconnecting customers who are unable to pay due to a loss of income. Follow this link torequest a delay of payment. We do not have information about other internet service providers in the area at this time.
