Friends, we're all adjusting to a new normal in these times of uncertainty. Coronavirus has created serious health and economic challenges for our community, and we know we've only just begun to see the extent of the damage. Texas has the highest rate of uninsured people in the country. Since 2010, 20 rural hospitals have closed in Texas, the most of any state. In TX-23 alone, 18 of the 29 counties have three or less doctors; three counties have no doctors.

Now more than ever, it's important to elect competent public servants committed to the health and safety of everyone in this country. We need leaders who will fight for access to lower-cost health care, paid sick leave for all workers, and a $15 federal minimum wage. No one should have to choose between feeding their family and getting the lifesaving health care they need.

My team is working hard to connect South and West Texans to the resources they need to take care of themselves and their families during this difficult time.

Below is a shortlist of some of the resources we've identified. Please share with your family, friends, and neighbors, and make sure to follow us on FACEBOOK and TWITTER as we post updates.

What should I do if I’m feeling sick?

If you are feeling sick or have questions about getting tested for COVID-19, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission has a guide for accessing resources, even if you're uninsured. It includes suggestions like calling "211" if you don’t have access to a doctor. They can help connect you to free or low-cost providers near you: https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/coronavirus/#test

What if I’ve been laid off?

Workers who have been affected — either laid off or have had hours reduced — are encouraged to apply for unemployment online here.

The Texas Workforce Commission also has resources for employers who have been impacted here.

Local organizations such as the Workforce Solutions Borderplex in El Paso are also valuable local resources that can provide support remotely. Watch this YouTube video for more information.

¿Hay recursos en español?

There are many resources in Spanish, such as this PSA from Dr. Hector Ocaranza that you can find here.

The CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/spanish/index.html) and Texas HHSC (https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/Spanish.aspx) both offer their websites in Spanish.

What if I need help buying food?

Websites like https://findhelp.org/ are also great places to find resources in your area if you’re trying to find food aid, financial assistance, and more.

We must come together now

We need to be supporting each other in these tough times. I’ll keep posting information and resources that may be of service. If you’ve found resources that have been helpful to you, please reply, and I'll share those, too.

Take care of yourself and your loved ones. We will get through this.

I’m here for you. My campaign is here for you. And together, we will weather this storm.

In service,

Gina Ortiz Jones

Paid for by Gina Ortiz Jones for Congress

Gina Ortiz Jones was a member of the United States Air Force. Use of her military rank, job titles, and photographs in uniform does not imply endorsement by the Department of Defense.