Resources

What would you do if you had the flu?

COVID-19 is about as infectious as the flu virus. Learn more about how to stay healthy and safe at www.tpchd.org/coronavirus. Provided by the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department..

"CDC is responding to an outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel (new) coronavirus that was first detected in China and which has now been detected in almost 90 locations internationally, including in the United States. The virus has been named “SARS-CoV-2” and the disease it causes has been named “coronavirus disease 2019” (abbreviated “COVID-19”)." https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/summary.html

• Safer Drug Use During the COVID-19 Outbreak  
  Provided by Harm Reduction Coalition

• Coronavirus Outbreak (COVID-19)  
  The Washington State Department of Health has established a call center to address questions from the public. If you have questions about what is happening in Washington, or how the virus is spread, please call 1-800-525-0127.
• COVID-19 Infographic  
• Human Coronavirus  
  If you visited an affected area in the last 14 days, contact your healthcare provider if you have these symptoms: Fever, Cough, or Shortness of breath. This link is resources provided by Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department.
• Never Use Alone  
  If you have no choice but to use alone, call Never Use Alone! You will be asked for your location, about any allergies, or medical conditions. An operator will then stay on the line with you while you use. If you do not respond after a set amount of time after you have used, the operator will notify emergency services of your location, allergies/conditions, and possible overdose.
• Share Facts About COVID-19 (English)  
  Know the facts about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
• Share Facts About COVID-19 (Spanish)  
  Know the facts about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
• What to do if you are sick (English)  
• What to do if you are sick (Spanish)  

Domestic violence often occurs when the abusive partner believes that abuse is an entitlement, acceptable, justified, or unlikely to be reported. 

Domestic violence can be defined as a pattern of behavior in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner. 

Abuse can range anywhere from physical to sexual, emotional, economic or psychological actions or threats of actions that influence another person. 

Do you:

• feel afraid of your partner much of the time?
• avoid certain topics out of fear of angering your partner?
• feel that you can’t do anything right for your partner?
• believe that you deserve to be hurt or mistreated?
• wonder if you’re the one who is crazy?
• feel emotionally numb or helpless?

Does your partner:

• humiliate or yell at you?
• criticize you and put you down?
• treat you so badly that you’re embarrassed for your friends or family to see?
• ignore or put down your opinions or accomplishments?
• blame you for their own abusive behavior?
• see you as property or a sex object, rather than as a person?
• have a bad and unpredictable temper?
• hurt you, or threaten to hurt or kill you?
• threaten to take your children away or harm them?
• threaten to commit suicide if you leave?
• force you to have sex?
• destroy your belongings?
• act excessively jealous and possessive?
• control where you go or what you do?
• keep you from seeing your friends or family?
• limit your access to money, the phone, or the car?
• constantly check up on you?

Women Specific Services In the U.S.: Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE).

LGBT National Hotline: Call The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) National Hotline at 1-888-843-4564

Men Specific Services In the U.S. and Canada: Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

Love is Respect Teen Hotline: Call 1-866-331-9474 or Text LOVEIS to 22522 

• Healthy Relationship Quiz  
  This quiz and information is courtesy of Love is Respect. Everyone deserves to be in a safe and healthy relationship. Do you know if your relationship is healthy? Answer Yes or No to the following questions to find out. Make sure to check the boxes to record your responses. At the end, you'll find out how to score your answers. 
• How Would You Help Quiz  
  This quiz and information is courtesy of Love is Respect. Please remember that it is difficult and scary to leave an unhealthy relationship. Take this quiz to find out how ready and willing you are to help. 
• Types of Abuse  
  There are many types of abuse (not just physical) and they are all difficult to experience. Download, "Types of Abuse" designed and developed courtesy of Love is Respect.Remember, every type of abuse is serious and no one deserves to experience any form of it.
• Relationship Rights  
  Provided by Love is Respect. You have rights in your relationship. Everyone does, and those rights can help you set boundaries that should be respected by both partners in a healthy relationship.
• Power and Control Wheel (in Spanish)  
  This wheel was adapted by Asesoria Capacitación y Asistencia en Salud A.C.The Power and Control Wheel is a tool that helps explain the different ways an abusive partner can use power and control to manipulate a relationship.
• LGBTQ Power and Control Wheel (EEL)
  The Power and Control Wheel is a tool that helps explain the different ways an abusive partner can use power and control to manipulate a relationship. The follwoing information and Power and Control Wheel are provided by The National Domestic Violence Hotline. Abusive partners in LGBTQ relationships use all the same tactics to gain power and control as abusive partners in heterosexual relationships — physical, sexual or emotional abuse, financial control, isolation and more.
• Power and Control Wheel (in English) (JPG)
  Provided by The National Domestic Violence Hotline. The Power and Control Wheel is a tool that helps explain the different ways an abusive partner can use power and control to manipulate a relationship.

• DAWN (425) 656-7867  
  ​If you need help and support to deal with an abusive situation, call the 24 Hour Advocacy & Support line. You will be connected to a trained, caring advocate who can help. DAWN can offer a safe place to stay, access to legal advocacy, information, or just someone to listen.
• KWA Cares (253) 359-0470  
  Supportive services are available to any and all survivors, regardless of gender, age, race/ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or other cultural identities. Supportive services are provided at a separate location from the confidential shelter. Please call the 24/7 hotline for further details.
• The Crystal Judson Family Justice Center (253) 798-4166  
  Established in 2005 through an agreement between Pierce County and the City of Tacoma, the Crystal Judson Family Justice Center (FJC) serves the needs of domestic violence victims and their children by providing comprehensive victim services in one, central, safe location in downtown Tacoma.
• The Family Renewal Shelter (253) 475-9010  
  Since 1986 through our confidential shelters and programs, we have offered the necessities of safety and life to domestic violence victims who are at highest risk. At first contact, we do whatever it takes to get the victims and their children out of harm’s way.
• The Northwest Network (206) 568-7777  
  The NW Network of Bi, Trans, Lesbian and Gay Survivors of Abuse works to end violence and abuse by building loving and equitable relationships in our community and across the country.
• Turning Pointe (360) 522-7648  
  Turning Pointe operates one of the largest DV shelters in the state. We are a 60-bed shelter that is pet-friendly.
• YWCA King County (206) 461-4882  
  Confidential emergency shelter and advocacy for women and children facing domestic violence, with locations serving King County. YWCA offers safe and confidential housing for women and families who are experiencing domestic violence (DV). This is a short-term emergency shelter program for women and children only.
• YWCA Pierce County (253) 383-2593  
  If you or someone you care about is feeling afraid of or controlled by their spouse or intimate partner, YWCA Pierce County is here to help. If it is time to overcome the hurt and frustration of an abusive relationship, you can get support from people who are knowledgeable and understanding. If you have ever wished for a place where you had the safety and freedom to be yourself and explore your dreams for the future, YWCA Pierce County is that place.
• Gay Men's Domestic Violence Project 24 Hour Hotline (800) 832-1901  
  Gay Men’s Domestic Violence Project provides crisis intervention, support and resources for victims and survivors of domestic abuse.

Video 2 in a 5 part series, provided by ANKORS on safer injecting. This video covers planning and things individuals may want to educate themselves on. Scroll to 2:45 for vein care injection information.

Vein Care aims to decrease the damage done to veins for individuals who inject drugs by providing them with tools and education.

• Femoral Injecting  
  In the Groin, Third Edition is Provided by Exchange Supplies find this and more on exchangesupplies.org
• Finding a Vein  
  Provided by Merchants Quay Ireland (MQI). More information can be found at www.mqi.ie
• Sharp Shooters Booklet  
  This booklet provided by CATIE (2008) covers topics from Vein Care to Avoiding Infections. Vein Care specifics can be found on page 6.
• The Safer Injecting Handbook  
  The Safer Injecting Handbook is provided by Exchange Supplies it is the complete handbook to the risks associated with injecting and how to avoid them. This and more can be found on the following website exchangesupplies.org
• Vein Care for Injection Drug Users  
  Provided by BC Harm Reduction Strategies and Services (HRSS).

• CRA - Better Vein Care and Safer Injection Guide  
  Chicago Recovery Alliance (CRA) offers an in-depth guide (complete with images) to better vein care and safer injection. Available in 5 different languages and as a download, poster, or set of cards which can be ordered directly on Chicago Recovery Alliances website.
• HRC - Finding the Vein  
  Provided by Harm Reduction Coalition (HRC). Find that Vein informs you of the levels of risk for where you may be injecting.
• HRC - If the Shot Hurts: Pull Out!  
  Provided by Harm Reduction Coalition (HRC). If the Shot Hurts: Pull Out! Avoiding Arties and Nerves When You Want a Vein.
• HRC - Taking Care of your Veins  
  Provided by Harm Reduction Coalition (HRC). Taking Care of your Veins reminds injection drug users to rotate your spot to allow healing time.

Examples of Harm Reduction:

• Designated Drivers
• Needle Exchange Programs
• Seat Belts
• Speed Limits
• All Forms of Birth Control
• Sunscreen
• Naloxone/Narcan

• What are Syringe Service Programs?  
  Provided by Washington State Department of Health

• Harm Reduction in the USA: The Research Perspective and an Archive to David Purchase  
• Two Decades of Positive Change: A Brief History of the Harm Reduction Coalition  

7 Steps to Effective Wound Care Management

This video is provided by Cardinal Health. Please note this video is intended for educational purposes only and it is always best practice to visit medical professional or wound care specialist for wound care management.

If you are experiencing any of the following signs or symptoms due to wound care-related issues please seek medical attention:

• Fever or Chills
• Diarrhea
• Little to no Urination
• Odor from Wound
• Nausea or Vomiting
• Swelling of Limbs
• Non-Healing after 2 Weeks 

It is important to remember abscesses do not go away on their own. If you are unsure how to get care talk to someone about your best option. If left untreated it could turn into a serious medical condition. 

• Abscess 101  
  Provided by BC Harm Reduction Strategies and Services (HRSS)
• How to Change a Bandage  
  Provided by Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department and The CDC

Find practitioners authorized to treat opioid dependency with buprenorphine by state. https://www.samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment/practitioner-program-data/treatment-practitioner-locator

• Find a MAT Provider near you  
  The Washington Recovery Help Line is a program of Crisis Connections. We offer an anonymous, confidential 24-hour help line for Washington State residents. This help line is for those experiencing substance use disorder, problem gambling, and/or a mental health challenge.
• Medication and Counseling Treatment  
  Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is the use of medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat substance use disorders and prevent opioid overdose.
• Information about Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)  
  Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is the use of medications in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, which is effective in the treatment of opioid use disorders (OUD) and can help some people to sustain recovery.
• Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)  
  Medication-assisted treatment (MAT), including opioid treatment programs (OTPs), combines behavioral therapy and medications to treat substance use disorders.
• Medication-Assisted Treatment Improves Outcomes for Patients With Opioid Use Disorder  
  Combination of behavioral health interventions and FDA-approved drugs can help reduce illicit opioid use.

Below are some helpful links, downloads, and educational tools from friends far and wide. 

• Coping with Triggers  
  Coping with Triggers provided by BC Harm Reduction Strategies and Services (HRSS) 2011
• Fentanyl Testing to Prevent Overdose  
  Provided by Office of AIDS and The California Department of Public Health
• Hepatitis C Infographic  
  Provided by the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department
• Management of Common Health Problems of Drug Users  
  This manual is provided by The World Health Organization.
• Safer Injecting and Other Helpful Tools  
  Provided by BC Harm Reduction Strategies and Services (HRSS)
• Safer Smoking  
  Safer Smoking tips provided by BC Harm Reduction Strategies and Services (HRSS) 2011
• Syringe Service Programs in the Community  
  Provided by the Center for Disease Control

• Drug Policy Alliance Harm Reduction 101  
  Harm reduction is a set of ideas and interventions that seek to reduce the harms associated with both drug use and ineffective, racialized drug policies. Harm reduction stands in stark contrast to a punitive approach to problematic drug use—it is based on acknowledging the dignity and humanity of people who use drugs and bringing them into a community of care in order to minimize negative consequences and promote optimal health and social inclusion. Please contact Drug Policy Alliance for more information on topics discussed in this video at contact@drugpolicy.org
• Getting Off Right Safety Manual  
  Courtesy of Harm Reduction Coalition, Getting Off Right provides injection drug users with an easy-to-read document of need to know information. Please contact Harm Reduction Coalition for more information on topics discussed in this manual at hrc@harmreduction.org
• Transgender Health Injection Guide  
  Courtesy of Fenway Health, Transgender Health Injection Guide. Please contact Fenway Health for more information on topics discussed in this guide at transhealth@fenwayhealth.org

Local Hot Meals

• Tacoma Rescue Mission, Good Neighbor Cafe

(253) 383-4493

425 South Tacoma Way

Tacoma, WA 98402

Drop-in Breakfast Daily: 7am-8am

Drop-in Dinner Daily: 5pm-6pm

• Urban Grace (The Downtown Church)

(253) 272-2184

902 Market Street

Tacoma, WA 98402

Every Sunday: 8:30am Community Breakfast

• Guadalupe House

(740) 954-0776

1417 South G Street

Tacoma, WA 98405

Every Tuesday: Doors open at 5pm

• My Sister's Pantry

(253) 627-1186

621 Tacoma Avenue S.

Tacoma, WA 98402

Open the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month: 5pm to 7pm

4th Saturday of each month: 10:30am to 12:30pm

• Community Dinner

(253) 584-6143

St. Joseph-St. John Episcopal Church

11111 Military Rd. Southwest

​Lakewood, WA 98498

Community Meal served every Wednesday at 6pm

• The Issaquah Meal Program

(425) 679-0342

180 East Sunset Way (next to the fire department)

Issaquah, WA 98207

Meals served Monday-Friday: 5pm

• Seeds of Change Community Meal

(253) 826-4329

3607 122nd Avenue East, Suite A

Edgewood, WA 98372

Meals served every Thursday from 5pm to 6pm

• Feed the Hungry 

(360) 637-8563 Ext. 117

Monday-Friday at 12pm at:

St. Mary's Catholic Church 

306 East 3rd Street

Aberdeen, WA 98520

• Bonney Lake Food Bank (253) 863-4043  
  Homelessness and Poverty contribute to economic challenges resulting in food insecurity for individuals and families within Bonney Lake and the surrounding areas. Many homeless children face the possibility of going to bed hungry. The Bonney Lake Food Bank offers food from every nutritional group, as well as baby items, personal care products and pet food.
• Bounty Food Bank (253) 475-7098  
  We are open every Monday from 9:30am to 11:30am The Bounty Food Bank opens it's doors to those in need of food. We serve anyone who is in the door by 11:30am. We provide enough food for an average family to make 3 days worth of meals and we do our best to offer healthy choices. In addition to our food service, we have tables of clean and washed clothing that are available to our patrons should they see an item they desire.
• Buckley Kiwanis Food Bank (253) 266-7309  
  Community food bank serving families within the White River School District boundaries.
• Des Moines Area Food Bank (206) 878-2660  
  Our mission is to provide emergency food service to those who need in the cities of Des Moines, most of SeaTac, and the West Hill of Kent, Washington. No one is turned away.
• Eloise's Cooking Pot (253) 212-2778  
  Eloise’s Cooking Pot Food Bank provides quality food to the communities of East and South Tacoma, Washington. Ahndrea, our founder, was concerned about the children in these communities who were not eating on a regular basis due to their families experiencing economic hardship. Without government assistance, Ahndrea began delivering food to her tenants in this area.This is how the foundation for Eloise’s Cooking Pot Food Bank began. The food bank is named after Ahndrea’s grandmother Eloise. Eloise was a woman of humble means, but would generously share whatever food she had by providing a hot meal to anyone who was in need.
• Families Unlimited Network (253) 460-3134  
  When a family doesn't have enough food, stability in other areas is impossible. Families Unlimited Network's Food Assistance program offers a safe and welcoming environment where you will be able to get fresh, healthy food – including fresh produce, meat, bread, soup, pasta, peanut butter, rice, canned fruits and vegetables, beans, tuna and refrigerated dairy items. Once registered, you will be able to visit our food bank once a month. The amount of food you will be able to receive will be based on the size of your family.
• Gig Harbor Peninsula FISH Food Bank (253) 858-6179  
  GHP FISH offers self-shopping, which enables food bank clients to select the foods their family enjoys. Both perishable and non-perishable foods are provided, as well as other grocery items when available. The amount and selection varies depending on donations and supplemental purchases. Please arrive at least 45 minutes prior to closing to shop for yourself. After that time, there is no self-shopping; pre-packed bags of foods will be provided.
• Graham Food Bank (253) 383-3164  
  This food bank location is at the Holy Disciples Catholic Church. Walk in Mondays and Fridays at the following times: Monday: 10am to 1:30pm Wednesday: 2pm to 6pm
• Harvest House Food Pantry (360) 893-6842  
  Through the generosity of donors in our community, we are able to stock the shelves of our food pantry with nutritious, well-balanced food items. We give our neighbors the opportunity to select their own groceries based on the quantity we have available.
• Jackson Street Food Bank (253) 564-4402  
  The Jackson Street Food Bank has been in operation since 2002 and is in partnership with our neighborhood synagogue, Temple Beth El. We gather and sort food and provide the people-power to run the food bank at St. Andrew’s. We serve approximately 70-80 families per month (over 400 individuals). Food bank is open on the last Wednesday of the month from 5 to 7 pm. Volunteers also help set up that morning, and run other errands to pick up donated food.
• Multi-Service Center of Federal Way (253) 838-6810  
  Multi-Service Center offers supplemental and emergency food to individuals and families who live in the bounds of the Federal Way School District (zip codes: 98003, 98023, parts of 98001, 98032, 98422). Customers may visit the food bank once per week. Multi-Service Center also offers new and gently used clothing to residents of all South King County cities and unincorporated areas through our clothing bank. We also may have housewares such as towels, blankets, or sheets. Customers may visit the clothing bank once a month. The quantity each customer is allowed through the food and clothing bank is based on family size.
• My Sister's Pantry (253) 627-1186  
  At My Sister's Pantry, you can get a hot meal, stock up on groceries and fresh food, and "shop" for clothing. We know that crisis and financial difficulties can strike anyone. We also understand how difficult it can be to ask for help. That's why we welcome everyone with compassion and kindness. Our hours: We're open the 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month from 5-7 pm and the 4th Saturday of the month from 10:30 am-12:30 pm.
• Nourish Pierce County (253) 383-3164  
  Nourish Pierce County provides nutritious food and support services to people in need with compassion, dignity, and respect. Through our network of seven food banks and two mobile food banks serving eighteen additional sites, we provide food directly to people in need across Pierce County, Washington. Formerly known as Fish Food Banks of Pierce County, Nourish is the oldest, largest food bank network directly serving people in Pierce County.
• Orting Food Bank (360) 893-0095  
  The Orting Food Bank was started in 2007 by a handful of volunteers to meet the growing needs of the hungry in Orting. Our mission is to assist those in need in our community by providing food and referral services. We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
• Puget Sound Pet Food Bank (253) 250-5078  
  Our mission at Puget Sound Pet Food Bank is to provide food, treats & supplies for pets in need. As of December 2012, there were approximately 1,850 homeless in Pierce County, along with 120,000 residents below the Poverty Level, and for many of these families, the love from their fuzzy friends is an important source of love and stability. To save families from having to give up their loyal companions, we stand here with open arms ready to help families make sure that their animals get the necessities that they need.
• Puyallup Food Bank (253) 848-5240  
  The food bank’s mission is to provide food to those in need with dignity, to utilize food surpluses, and to increase public awareness on issues of hunger in our community. As a distribution center, we save countless dollars for other food banks, nonprofits and charitable agencies by providing an efficient and centralized location for collecting and distributing food.
• St. Leo's Food Bank (253) 383-5048  
  From humble beginnings in a garage, the St. Leo Food Bank has become one of the largest emergency food pantries in Pierce County. Our goal is to offer each of our clients at least three days of food for each member of their household. The open hours for the St. Leo Food Bank can change depending on holidays and “closure weeks” which happen throughout the year. We do our best to include unusual schedules on our home page.
• Tenino Food Bank (360) 264-5505  
  The Tenino Community Service Center provides food to a growing number of families throughout the Tenino-Bucoda area. The Food Bank hours are 9:00am to 11:00am on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 224 Sussex East in Tenino. The Food Bank offers extended hours before the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays but is closed on all major holidays.
• The Auburn Food Bank (253) 833-8925  
  The Auburn Food Bank is a volunteer directed organization that provides food, referrals, and emergency assistance to those in need. These services, which are provided year around by a coordinated and systematic approach to the collection and distribution of resources in a responsible and a caring way, will be extended to those living within the Auburn School District #408 boundaries which includes the cities of Algona, Pacific, and the newly annexed areas of Lake Tapps and Kent.
• The Nourish Food Bank (253) 759-3539  
  The Nourish Food Bank is located at Mason United Methodist Church every Wednesday and Saturday afternoon. Please call for more information.
• Vashon Community Food Bank (206) 463-6332  
  The Food Bank offers four weekly grocery distributions on-site at Sunrise Ridge, behind Neighborcare Health. We provide a welcoming atmosphere and a positive shopping experience for customers. Customers choose from an array of items including fresh fruits and vegetables; protein sources such as chicken, fish, tofu and dairy; cereals/grains, canned goods, coffee/tea, fresh bread, and pastries. We also offer personal hygiene supplies, diapers, and pet food.

Listed below are only a few infectious diseases and bloodborne pathogens for more detailed information please visit https://www.cdc.gov/

• Bacterial Meningitis  
  Bacterial Meningitis is an infection of the membranes (meninges) surrounding the spinal cord and the brain. Meningitis can be caused by viral, bacterial, or fungal infections.
• Endocarditis  
  Endocarditis is an infection of the endocardium, the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves. Endocarditis occurs when bacteria, fungi or other germs spread through the bodies bloodstream and attach to damaged areas in the heart.
• Hepatitis A Virus (HAV)  
  Hepatitis A is a liver disease of varying duration and severity, which is acquired by ingesting contaminated fecal matter from an infected individual via contact with contaminated food, drinks or objects.
• Hepatitis B (HBV)  
  Hepatitis B is a liver disease of varying duration and severity. Hepatitis B is contracted through semen, infected blood, or other bodily fluids.
• Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)  
  Hepatitis C causes liver disease of varying duration and severity. Hepatitis C is contracted by coming in contact with infectious fluids and secretions this can include but is not limited to unprotected sex, sharing injection equipment, needle stick injury, and mother-to-child transmission.
• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)  
  Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) attacks the body's immune system, specifically the CD4 cells (T cells), which assist the immune system in fighting off infections. Left untreated, HIV can lead to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
• MRSA  
  Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus generally referred to as MRSA is a bacteria that is resistant to several antibiotics.
• Necrotizing Fasciitis (NF)  
  Necrotizing Fasciitis is commonly referred to as flesh-eating disease and occurs when bacteria enters the body through a break (such as a cut or scratch) in the death of the bodies soft tissue.
• Tuberculosis (TB)  
  Tuberculosis is a disease caused by bacteria referred to as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is a contagious infection (spread from one person to person, directly or indirectly) and generally attacks the lungs, but can damage other parts of the body as well.
• Wound Botulism  
  Wound Botulism occurs when a germ referred to as clostridium botulinum gets into a wound and then makes a toxin.