City of Columbia Missouri Community Relations

P.O. BOX 6015 COLUMBIA, MO 65205

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 25, 2020

CONTACT: Steven Sapp
Director of Community Relations
City of Columbia
[email protected]

City of Columbia coronavirus (COVID-19) update - new positive cases, mental health resources - Wednesday, March 25 at 5 p.m.

(COLUMBIA, MO) - Wednesday, March 25 summary
The number of positive cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) has increased in Boone County. At the time of publishing, there were 24 total cases. The topic for Wednesday’s Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services Facebook Live video was mental health resources. See some of the information discussed in the video below. The City has canceled the sale of compost through April.

Cases in Boone County
Total positive cases Deaths
24 1
*Numbers current as of March 25 at 5 p.m.

Ages:
15-24: 4 cases
25-44: 8 cases
45-64 : 9 cases
65+: 3 cases

Transmission:
Travel-related: 16 cases
Contact to a confirmed case: 2 cases
Community transmission: 3 cases
Pending investigation: 3 case

Health message
Officials at Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services want to make sure residents maintain good mental health while staying home during the Stay at Home Order. Below are a few suggestions:
  • Make a list of enjoyable activities you can still do.
  • Make a list of activities or projects you’d feel good about completing.
  • Make a list of things you can still do everyday that help you feel good.
  • Focus on what you can control.
  • Identify activities to limit.
  • Breathe.
  • If homebound with family, identify ways family might enjoy time together.
  • Exercise at home.
  • Practice gratitude.
  • Socialize on virtual platforms.
  • Let yourself off the hook.
  • Reach out for help.

If needed, officials suggest reaching out to one of the many available options listed below for mental health services.

Burrell Behavioral Health Crisis Assist Team provides immediate 24/7 response to individuals who have a mental health crisis or are having thoughts of suicide. They can be reached at 800.395.2132.

Compass Health Network - Behavioral Health Services can provide a mental health assessment and recommendations. Their centralized number is 884.853.8937 or call 888.237.4567 for immediate access to services.

United Health Care (UHC) is making available a free support line for anyone experiencing emotional stress or anxiety related to COVID-19, even for non-UHC members. It‘s available 24/7, free, and confidential. They can be reached at 886.342.6892.

FACE of Boone County serves Boone County children/youth 19 years old or younger and their families. FACE can help families narrow their options of services based on their top needs. Services are free through the Boone County Children’s Services Fund. They can be reached at 573.771.3223.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) Disaster Distress Helpline offers free mental health support 24/7. They can be reached at 800.985.5990 or text TalkWithUs or Hablanos to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.

Changes to City services
The City’s compost site near the Bioreactor Landfill will not be selling compost through April. 

As a reminder, the Stay at Home Order and FAQ can be found here: CoMo.gov/Coronavirus/Official-Documents.

Please direct all reports of non-compliance to the City’s Contact Center at 573.874.CITY (2489) or email [email protected]


Official information from the City of Columbia and Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services (PHHS) can be found at CoMo.gov/Coronavirus. The City will also be utilizing City and PHHS official social media accounts to post updates. They can be found at @CoMoGov on Facebook and Twitter and @CoMoHealthDept on Facebook and @CoMo_HealthDept on Twitter.


City of Columbia Vision
Columbia is the best place for everyone to live, work, learn and play.

City of Columbia Mission
To serve the public equitably through democratic, transparent and efficient government.

-30-