[NFBNJ] Updates For Consideration-Overview GreenDrop Newsline COVID Info

[joe ruffalo]

Greetings to all!


Hope all are finding things to do as we continue to work through COVID-19.

Judy and I are targeting one room a week to rearrange, clean and organize 
items for the GreenDrop program.

We have won the battle in the basement and dining room.  We finally tackled 
two file cabinets that we had planned to organize probably ten years ago.

Next battle, the living room and then  the kitchen.

We are saving my office and the bedroom for the final battle of the 
household war!

If you have items for GreenDrop, during COVID, GreenDrop will inform on the 
dates GreenDrop will be reinstated to resume Green Drop pick up and drop off 
procedures.  Please call 1 888 610 4632 to arrange for a pickup.

Please mark each bag or box with NFB in order for the NFB to receive credit 
for the items.

Please visit the GreenDrop website to learn of the return of the pick up and 
drop off procedure and acceptable and nonacceptable items.

GreenDrop website:

www.nfbpickup.com <http://www.nfbpickup.com



If we make lemonade out of lemons, we will get through this period.

Read a book,the Braille Monitor, items on Newsline,  watch that movie that 
you wanted to see or watch a movie favorite of yours.

I have been watching one of my favorite television shows, Little House on 
the Prairie .



As I receive  emails to forward, I will do so.

Please share with others as we continue to educate, motivate and inspire 
each other with love, hope and determination.



We have heard and know the importance of washing hands with soap and plenty 
of lather.

Washing hands for 20 to 30 seconds will help to assist with battling 
COVID-19.

Instead of singing happy birthday, I have provided the one minute speech 
that takes 20 seconds and the NFB pledge that takes 10 seconds.

With this said, wash your hands for 30 seconds and learn the elevator speech 
and the NFB pledge.



The National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey

knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your 
future.

Every day we raise the expectations of blind people,

because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our 
dreams.

You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back.



                               ----------



                                 NFB Pledge



I pledge to participate actively

in the efforts of the National Federation of the Blind

to achieve equality, opportunity, and security for the blind;

to support the policies and programs of the Federation;

and to abide by its constitution.





For those with Newsline, Scott White has provided an important opportunity 
by providing updates on Newsline highlighting COVID-19

If interested in obtaining Newsline, you need to apply, please contact Jane 
Degenshein, NFBNJ Coordinator for assistance.

Her phone number is 973 736 5785 and or email, jdegen16 at comcast.net



From: Scott White
Subject: Access Breaking News For COVID-19 Updates on NFB-NEWSLINE
In response to the current situation with the coronavirus (COVID-19), the 
National Federation of the Blind has decided to provide up-to-date 
information to all eligible subscribers of the service.

COVID-19 updates are available in the Breaking News Online category of 
NFB-NEWSLINE. This information is being obtained by the system searching the 
thirty-four publications in the Breaking News Online category for 
"coronavirus" and displaying the results. This information will also be 
available for those few states that are currently not sponsored for the next 
sixty days starting Monday, March 16th.

Access the coronavirus COVID-19 information using the telephone by pressing 
5 from the main menu, then press 1 for the Breaking News Online category, 
followed by pressing the 1 key which will bring you to the virus 
information. If you are using the NFB-NEWSLINE Mobile IOS app, look for the 
virus information under the "All Publications" section. The content can be 
accessed with Braille devices such as note-takers and refreshable Braille 
displays.

Thank you.

Scott White

410-659-9314 ext. 2231
swhite at nfb.org



****



Mental Health Telephone Support Available During COVID-19 Outbreak

The NJ Mental Health Cares Helpline Offers Support to Individuals 
Experiencing Anxiety and Worry Related to the Coronavirus Pandemic



March 23, 2020



(TRENTON) – New Jerseyans feeling the emotional and mental toll of COVID-19 
can get support from a special helpline.

NJ Mental Health Cares, the state’s behavioral health information and 
referral service, will now also offer help to people dealing with anxiety 
and worry related to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. New 
Jerseyans can call 1-866-202-HELP (4357) for free, confidential support.  NJ 
Mental Health Cares will be answered from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week 
by live trained specialists.

NJ Human Services’ Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services provides 
support to the Mental Health Association of New Jersey (MHANJ) to operate 
the line.

“This is a very challenging time for so many of us,” said Carole Johnson, 
Commissioner of NJ Human Services. “We want to make sure that New Jerseyans 
have a safe space to talk to someone about their worries and concerns. The 
thoughtful and caring team at NJ Mental Health Cares are here – at the other 
end of the phone line – to help.”

“Talking to others and staying connected with friends and family can help 
reduce anxiety and make people feel more in control,” DMHAS Assistant 
Commissioner Valerie Mielke said. “The trained specialists answering these 
phones can help callers take care of their mental health during this 
difficult time.”

“In times of crisis, it is important to pay as much attention to your mental 
health as your physical health,” said Mental Health Association of New 
Jersey President and CEO Carolyn Beauchamp. “Life has shifted drastically 
and quickly – this causes us to feel that we are not in control, which adds 
to the intensity of these emotions.”

NJ Human Services’ Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services has 
previously partnered with the Mental Health Association of New Jersey to 
operate the state’s mental health call line following Superstorm Sandy and 
9/11.

Along with providing help for mental health issues related to COVID-19, the 
NJ Mental Health Cares helpline will also continue to offer general mental 
health support and referral. It does not provide any medical or financial 
advice or referrals.

For the latest medical information, including mental health guidance and 
tips, visit the Centers for Disease Control’s website: 
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/managing-stress-anxiety.html.

For the latest information about the COVID-19 outbreak in New Jersey, go to 
the NJ Department of Health’s website: nj.gov/health/cd/topics/ncov.shtml.

For the latest COVID-19 guidance and information for individuals, families 
and providers, visit NJ Human Services’ website: 
nj.gov/humanservices/coronavirus.html.



****

Keep well, Keep safe, keep positive thoughts!



Warmly,

Joe



We care. We share. We grow. We make a difference
Joe Ruffalo, President
National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey
973 743 0075
nfbnj1 at verizon.net
www.nfbnj.org
Raising Expectations To Live The Life You Want!
Your old car keys can be keys to literacy for the blind.
Donate your unwanted vehicle to us by clicking
www.carshelpingtheblind.org
or call 855 659 9314
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