Senior Center News - Oct. 22, 2021

Havre Daily News Oct. 25-29

The senior center is now open

Menu

Monday — Hamburgers with buns, french fries, baked beans, fruit

Tuesday — Salad, spaghetti with meat sauce, garlic bread, green beans, pineapple cake

Wednesday — Chicken pepper steak, rice, vegetables, dessert

Thursday — Ham and scalloped potato casserole, carrots, cookies

Friday — Soup, chef’s choice, dessert

Keeping Up with the Pandemic: As of Oct. 20, there were 26 new COVID-19 cases, 12 recovered, reported for Hill County, 13 cases currently in the hospital, one case discharged. Total cases for all of Hill County 3,210, recovered 3031. Deaths at 60. Right now, community transmission might be going down, but everyone should still be wearing a mask. As of now we are 53% vaccinated in Hill county.

Bingo: For a good time, come to Havre Senior Center at 1 p.m. Tuesdays.

Do vaccines prevent deaths? COVID-19 vaccines are a key tool in fighting the pandemic. They slow the spread of the virus. They’ve also been shown to reduce COVID-19 deaths. A study estimated how many deaths were prevented because of the vaccines. Researchers collected data on state vaccination rates and COVID-19 deaths. They used the data to create a statistical model. Based on the model, COVID-19 vaccines saved nearly 140,000 lives in the U.S. through May 2021. Some of the states had more effective vaccine rollouts. They were able to vaccinate more people faster. This led to greater protection of their population. The study found that New York had the greatest reduction in COVID-19 deaths. Researchers estimated that vaccines led to fewer deaths. Hawaii had the smallest reduction. The findings highlight the crucial role of vaccines in saving lives during a pandemic.

Would you like to be a volunteer at the Senior Center? We are very thankful for the many volunteers who help us daily and also during our special events. If you have a little extra time, we could sure use your help. We are finding ourselves a little short on volunteers now that we have opened our doors after closing due to the pandemic. If you would like to share your time and talents, please give us a call at 265-5464 to let us know. There are many different volunteer opportunities, maybe one just right for you, give us a call.

Quarantine procedures in Hill County: Procedures may have changed, but the purpose behind quarantine has not. It is one of the best ways we have to protect our community and stop the spread of diseases before it gets out of hand. Together we can do what’s best for the community, by staying home when we are identified as a contact to protect others around us and interrupt disease transmission. Being here to support others once diagnosed with devastating illness is one of this communities biggest strengths … let’s use that and be here to support others by doing our part to protect them from this illness.

Open enrollment for Medicare: This year, open enrollment starts Oct. 17 and ends Dec. 7. Marci would like you to check your formularies to see if your drugs are still covered under your insurance. You must call for an appointment to see Marci this year. This is something new. You must stop down to pick up a Pre-Enrollment Form and get it completed before your appointment. Remember, to see Marci you must wear a mask. To make sure you are safe, Medicare will never call or visit and will only send information through the U.S. Postal Service. Also, guard your Medicare number like it is a credit card. Don’t give it out to anyone except your doctor or other providers. If you receive an unsolicited call from anyone requesting personal information, hang up immediately. Contact Montana Senior Medicare Patrol if you need assistance with Medicare billing issues or to report Medicare fraud. You can also get help from your family, the Medicare website or your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program.

Available COVID-19 testing in Hill County: Northern Montana Health Care — Testing of contacts call 262-1570 for an appointment. Sick people 16 and under: Call 265-5408 for an appointment. Sick people 17 and over: call 262-1570 for an appointment.

Bullhook Community Health Center: Testing of contacts: register at this link: https://forms.gle/ark5xEKJDFaXZHZ97.

Montana State University-Northern: Staff and students of MSU-Northern only: Call Student Health Services at 265-3599.

Havre Public Schools — Staff and students of Havre Public Schools only: Call Jeri Zorn at 390-2210.

Rocky Boy Health Center: Anyone who is eligible to receive services at Rocky Boy Health Center, or community members that live or work on the reservation: call 395-1712 for an appointment or with questions.

**Testing subject to change based on availability and demand. **

Commodities: If you are interested in receiving commodities, we still have some open slots. You can sign up at the Senior Center, fill out an application and find out if your income falls within the guidelines. If you qualify, you can receive commodities once a month. You do have to come to Senior Center to pick them up.

Silver Sneakers Membership: The Hill County Counsel on Aging, also known as the Senior Center, is excited to say we are working with Down Under Physical Fitness for the seniors and sponsoring a total of 20 Silver Sneaker memberships at Down Under for October. You may already be attending their Silver Sneaker program and still take advantage of this offer. The classes are at 10 a.m. Monday and Wednesday and also 2 p.m. Wednesday. At this point in time, the Wednesday classes will be limited to 10 participants with all COVID-19 safety precautions in place. As a senior wishing to participate, contact Down Under at 406-265-4805 and request the Silver Sneaker membership being sponsored by the Hill county Senior Center. Please call Down Under at 406-265-4805 and schedule your time while requesting one of the memberships.

Important phone numbers

• Montana Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

• RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673

• Tumbleweed Runaway and Family Crisis Program: 259-2558 (local) 1-888-816-4702 (toll free)

• Friendship Line by Institute on Aging — The Friendship Line is both a crisis intervention hotline and a warm-line for non-emergency emotional support calls. It is a 24-hour toll-free line and the only accredited crisis line in the country for people aged 60 years and older, and adults living with disabilities. Toll-Free Line: (800) 971-0016

• For those seniors getting frustrated with staying home and needing someone to talk to you can call 1-877-688-3377 for Montana’s Warm Line.