Reading Resources
The following sites are some compiled by BSOA, as research to help better understand how COVID, and other issues, are affecting the Health and Well-Being of African American families and individuals. We will continue to update and introduce new sites as well. Please feel free to email Mckenna@BlackSouthernOregonAlliance.com if you have specific questions, or if there are more specific articles you would like to see included on this site.
INFORMATIONAL ARTICLES
Mental Health
“Stress and the Mental Health of Populations of Color:Advancing Our Understanding of Race-related Stressors”
This article discusses and explains that stressors put on a person due to race can have a great
affect on mental health.
“Black And African American Communities And Mental Health”
This article is a great source for learning more about mental health and African Americans. It includes facts, statistics, and demographics about mental health within our African American communities.
“Addressing The Mental Health Needs of Racial and Ethnic Minority Youth”
This article is meant for practitioners, but the first half is informational enough for both patients and practitioners that it is important to include. It address risk factors for mental illness, things that can combat these risk factors, and determinants of mental health care for African American youth. The second half of the article is solely meant for practitioners.
“Mental and Behavioral Health – African Americans”
Under “adolescents” on this page, there are some great and interesting statistics from the CDC
on mental health for minority youth.
COVID-19
“Benefits of Getting Vaccinated”
The CDC does an awesome job of explaining why getting the vaccine is important, why we
should get it, and what you can do with it
“Ten Reasons to Get Vaccinated”
Ten great reasons to get vaccinated. This isn’t strictly about Covid-19, but all ten reasons still
apply.
“Is the Covid Vaccine Safe?”
This article by Johns Hopkins discussed the safety of the Covid-19 vaccine
RESOURCES
Mental Health
“National Alliance on Mental Illness”
NAMI of Southern Oregon is a resource for people of color affected by mental health. They offer educational opportunities and support groups for people and families affected by mental illness. They also fundraise, advocate for people of color with mental illness, and spread awareness. Located at Medford Resource Library but is temporarily closed for in-person services.
“Ethels Club”
This website forms a community with other people of color in which they can take part in health and wellness activities together. This requires permission from parents.
“Community Resource List”
Complete list of resources in Southern Oregon. This includes housing, food, bills, weatherization, dental, and emergency financial assistance.
“Options for Southern Oregon”
This resource addresses mental health treatment access needs. On their website they note they accept Allcare, Jackson Care Connect, Tricare, and other insurance. They make it clear no one will be turned away because they cannot afford the treatment.
COVID-19 RELEIF
“Access”
For Jackson County residents, Access has many Covid-19 relief resources including emergency food assistance, Covid rent relief programs, energy assistance, and medical equipment loans. These resources can be extremely beneficial, especially if you or family members are experiencing hardship due to Covid.
“Josephine County Covid-19”
This website has crucial Josephine Country Covid information and statistics. This includes risk, incidence of Covid-19, and vaccine appointment requests. Knowing these statistics and facts can help you protect yourself.
“Ashland Emergency Food Bank”
If you are experiencing food insecurity, Ashland Food Bank is open every weekday to the community from 9:30-12:30, every third Saturday of the month, as well as the fourth Wednesday every month from 5-7 PM. Food boxes are semi-customized based on the current food inventory.
“The Maslow Project”
The Maslow Project is a wonderful resource for homeless or at-risk youth. They provide supplies, water, food, clothing, and more to those in need. During these challenging Covid times, they are focusing on personal hygiene and safety measures for those who are at-risk through providing masks, hand sanitizer, they are available in many ways. They can be contacted through phone, chatting on their website, or found in the community (parks, along I-5, or in gathering places) passing out necessities. They are safe and confidential- and will be marked as Maslow Project staff.
“Helping Ashland”
For those who are experiencing housing instability due to Covid, this resource can help find stable housing, along with all other factors that go into finding and maintaining stable housing. They are able to help you with things such as mental health and pet referrals, finding a job, and obtaining health insurance, all things that affect one’s ability to have secure and adequate housing.
“Unemployment Oregon”
Covid-19 has put more financial stress on many and has created a group of people who earn too much to get unemployment, but not enough to support living a healthy lifestyle. If you do not qualify for regular unemployment, Pandemic Unemployment Assistance can aid in financial assistance.
INTERNET RESOURCES
Because Covid-19 have forced us online, more students and faculty require internet connection. Ashland Fiber Network, Ashland Home Net, and Spectrum are offering free and reduced prices, respectively, for households that have students who need an internet connection to attend classes online.
AFN- http://www.ashlandfiber.net/sign-up/ 541-552-222 AHN- 541-488-9207
Spectrum- https://www.spectrum.net/page/covid-19-update 855-243-889
