The 2019 Novel Coronavirus, (COVID-19), has been elevated to pandemic by the World Health Organization. The Northland Shepherd’s Center cares for some of the most vulnerable patrons with regard to this health emergency.

The Northland Shepherd’s Center building is closed to the general public and is developing plans to slowly reopen our facilities in a manner that protects the health and wellbeing our staff, volunteers and clients.

All in-facility programs are suspended, including:

  • Break Time Club at the 5601 NE Antioch Rd location
  • Break Time Club at the 427 E Kansas location
  • Learning & Laughter
  • LIFT and PEPPI exercise classes

When programming starts again, the clients and participants who regularly attend will be notified by phone and by mail. We will post updates on our Facebook page and NSC website.

The Meals on Wheels program is continuing normal operations.

NSC staff continues to monitor the phone messages and providing limited services. For information on services or if you have a question please call center at 816.452.4536 and leave your name and number and a staff member will return your call.

God Bless and stay safe!

VIEW OUR COVID19 RESPONSE IN ACTION

COVID-19 Vaccines

In accordance with Missouri’s COVID-19 Vaccination Plan, adults aged 65 and older (Phase 1B-Tier 2) are now eligible for vaccination. Currently, to get an appointment you must get on a wait list. Bear in mind that there have been over 70,000 people sign up on the Clay County site to date so patience is critical. We recommend starting with your county health department unless you need a ride or are homebound then contact our local Area Agency on Aging at:

Mid-America Regional Council AAA (1-800-593-7948)

  • Register for a vaccine, if you have not yet registered
  • Coordinate round-trip transportation
  • Be reminded when it’s time for your second dose

Clay County Public Health Center: Operation Safe specifically supports the needs of Clay County residents aged 65 and older (Phase 1B-Tier 2) for COVID19 vaccination. Register by clicking the button below:

Clay County Vaccine Registration

Anyone who needs assistance signing up for the vaccine should call us 816-595-4200.  Press 6 and leave a message. 

Platte County Health Department

Platte County Vaccine Registration

Be Aware of Scams toward Seniors

There are scammers out there, even in some of the most trying times. If you or your loved one gets a call threatening lock down in exchange for your name and Medicare number, this is a scam. Always remember that government entities will NOT CALL they send written communications so NEVER give personal information over the phone unless you initiate the conversation!

Be on the lookout for COVID-19 Vaccine Scams. Do not respond to unsolicited calls, texts, or emails about vaccines or treatments. Contact your medical provider before purchasing or using any treatment.

Visit the CDC for the latest information on COVID-19 Vaccines:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.html

Visit the FDA for more information on COVID-19 Vaccine Scams:
https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/covid-19-vaccines

Resources for You or Your Loved Ones

Free Drive-Thru COVID-19 Testing

Clay County Public Health Center is now offering free, drive-thru COVID-19 testing for Clay County residents. Any resident, whether they have symptoms or not, is welcome to request an appointment by filling out the testing questionnaire on our website at clayhealth.com/test. However, we do have a limited number of tests so not everyone who fills out the questionnaire will be able to be scheduled for an appointment.

Evergy Utility Resources

In response to the pandemic, Evergy announced in March that we will not disconnect electric service for non-payment and are waiving late fees for residential and small business customers. Customers who were previously disconnected may reestablish service by paying one-twelfth of their balance due to set up a payment arrangement. These special coronavirus policies have been extended through June 1. Evergy customer service representatives are available at 1-888-471-5275. Evergy’s COVID-19-related updates can be found at Evergy.com/COVID19.

Drive Thru Food Pantries

In As Much Ministry
2050 Plumbers Way #190, Liberty, MO 64068
Thursday 10 am – 12 pm*
*Need ID for proof of Clay county resident 

Vineyard Church
12300 NW Arrowhead Trafficway, Kansas City, MO
Monday, Wednesday, Saturday’s 9:00-11:30am

North Kansas City School District 

Hotlines & Contact Information

As we stay at home in the midst of a worldwide pandemic, we are being inundated not only with a storm of anxiety-inducing news but with an onslaught of suggestions for “making the most” of our extra time. If the isolation and our “new normal” has you feeling overwhelmed with negative emotions and fears, please visit the Disaster Distress Helpline website or call 1-800-985-5990.

Have questions about COVID-19? Call the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) hotline at 1-877-435-8411. The hotline is being operated by medical professionals and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Compassionate Ear
1-866-927-6327
913-281-2251
Hours: 4:00pm-10:00pm, 365 days- including holidays

NAMI Missouri
1-800-374-2138
573-634-7727
Hours: 9:00am-5:00pm, Monday-Friday

Becky Franklin, LPC
Behavioral Health Therapist and Educator, Tri-County Mental Health
Phone: (816) 678-3036
Fax: (816) 479-2903

Dianna Englander, MPH
Community Aging Specialist
Northland Shepherd’s Center
816-256-8096

Northland GrandFamilies
Joedi Forquer
Northland Grandfamilies Coordinator
816-407-3496
forquerj@missouri.edu

Things to Remember

1. Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.

2. Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs.

3. Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.

4. Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feel.

From Clay County Public Health Department

The COVID-19 virus continues to spread in the Kansas City area and is a threat to the health of all of us, regardless of age or health condition. In response to this threat, Clay County Public Health Center has issued public health emergency orders for all who live and work in Clay County to “stay at home” except for essential activities. These orders will be in place from Tuesday, March 24 through Friday, April 24, 2020.

The COVID-19 virus is spread when someone who is infected, whether they know it yet or not, coughs or sneezes and shares respiratory droplets with others that they are in close contact with. By dramatically limiting the amount of physical contact we have with others, we can reduce the number of people who become sick and need immediate medical attention. As the health care system works hard to limit the spread of COVID-19, everyday life challenges still happen. They still work to provide care for heart attacks, stroke and many other life-threatening conditions. By practicing social distancing, you can help prevent our health care system and workers from being overwhelmed and help save lives.

What CAN I do?

  • Go to the grocery store or pharmacy
  • Visit a health care provider if you are sick or have an emergency medical need
  • Enjoy the outdoors while practicing social distancing
  • Perform your job that is essential to the health and safety of the community
  • Perform your job or communicate through phone calls, video calls online or through other channels that are not in-person
  • Take care of elderly relatives, young children, those with medical needs or pets

What can I NOT do?

  • Dine in a restaurant or drink at a bar
  • Go to a nail/hair salon, clothing store, gym, fitness studio or get a massage
  • Go to a movie, concert, sporting event or worship service
  • Attend a wedding or funeral
  • Visit friends and family who do not live with you, especially those who are at high risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19

What should I ALWAYS do?

  • Keep physical distance between yourself and others, about six feet
  • Wash your hands often, for at least 20 seconds
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
  • Stay home and away from others when you’re sick, cough or sneeze into your elbow or always cover sneezes and coughs with a tissue that is promptly thrown away
  • Stay calm and follow trustworthy local officials for updates and guidance

Learn more at Clay County Health Department