Speaking to media in an open lot Aug. 26, state administration officials described measures taken and resources being made available to aid Pennsylvanians in these difficult times.

Human Services Secretary Teresa Miller began with a personal anecdote out of solidarity with her fellow residents, as continued fear for loved ones takes a collective toll. More than 7,500 Pennsylvanians have died in the pandemic, and the repercussions are far-reaching.

She said she doesn’t have answers to her own four-year-old daughter’s question, “Mommy, am I going to get sick?” or for students who miss their friends and were unable to enjoy their graduations, or how to tell children of any age that their mommy or daddy lost their job.

Miller said frankly, “The effects of this virus have been cruel. We are going to make it through this crisis, and things are going to get better. I’m here with my colleagues to tell Pennsylvanian families that we see you and hear you.

“I’m extremely proud to serve in an administration that fights every day to meet government’s most important responsibility – protect the lives, health and safety of people,” Miller said, adding the administration has resources available to help.

Miller said the Medicaid, SNAP, CHIM, TANF and LIHEAP programs are available, serving 3.3 million residents even before the coronavirus compounded the economic crisis, some of which accept applications at any time, and she encourages those who have lost health coverage to do so. “These programs are there to help – there’s no shame in reaching out for help when you need it.”

Miller said the toll of pandemic and economic burdens is weighing heavily on many residents, and help assistance with anxiety and mental health – or simply everyday stress – can be aided at the state’s professionally-staffed Helpline at 1-855-284-2494.

Additionally, she noted a large drop in child abuse cases in recent months, because about 30 percent of new reports are made by school employees and counselors at summer camps. “With so many schools starting the 2020-21 school year with an entirely virtual or hybrid learning model, this reduced interaction between children and educators remains a concern. If you suspect that a child is being abused or neglected, please call Childline.”

New childcare options, such as relaxed restrictions to create family-based learning pods and part-day programs, are also being tested to help guardians retain work while their school-aged children are home. “We want children to be in situations where they are safe and supervised by trusted adults.”