LSF COVID-19 Updates • Lutheran Services Florida

The COVID-19 Call Center is available 24/7 . Call 1 (866) 779-6121 if you are experiencing symptoms.

Message from Sam

LSF President & CEO

As Florida moves into Phase 1 of reopening the economy and the safer-at-home orders begin to rescind, more and more people will return to a semblance of their routines pre-quarantine. We are glad to see the economy attempt to reopen, but we want to assure our employees that these changes do not affect our approach to maintaining safe working environments at LSF. We are asking staff to listen to their leadership to understand expectations around returning to the office. For now, all programs and administrative offices will continue to operate as we have over the last month – remotely where possible, and cautiously where not.

Until we are confident there is adequate testing available, new cases and hospitalizations are indeed dropping, and the reopening of the economy doesn’t create a second wave of infections, we do not expect nor will we ask people to return to their offices.
Head Start centers will remain closed through the school year and will continue operating the virtual classrooms that they are doing now.
LSF Health Systems will continue remote working, with some adjustments as appropriate based on discussions with their leadership team.
Legacy programs will continue to operate as they are today – leveraging tele-visit where possible, reducing time in the office where possible, and maintaining a safe environment in our residential programs.
Administrative and central services staff will continue the working patterns they are currently in – working from home where possible, minimizing time in the office where not possible, and using masks to promote a safe environment.

LSF COVID-19 Response

Help LSF programs and families during COVID-19 crisis

LSF in the News

04/07 Family Crisis Counseling Available to Southwest Families

03/30 With schools shifting to virtual learning, most Southwest Florida school resource officers being reassigned

03/27 Mental Healthcare Amid Coronavirus: Starting Point Launches Telehealth Program; 24-Hour Crisis Hotlines

03/25 Pandemic suicide spike? Signs to watch for, how you can help

03/25 Increase in rates of suicide

03/19 Coronavirus: Hillsborough and Pinellas Head Start centers closing through mid-April

03/19 Coronavirus: Head Start programs shut down through at least April 15

03/18 Substance abuse increase during Covid-19 outbreak

03/18 Managing Mental Health During Coronavirus

LSF Announcements

COVID-19 induced insomnia | Blog

Connecting in a Time of Isolation | Blog

Social Distancing and Alcohol/Substance Abuse | Blog

LSF April 2020 | Newsletter

LSF Brings TeleHealth to Clients Through Truist Grant | Press Release

COVID-19 Measures | Letter

LSF Event Updates

03/19/2020 Wine and Appetizers at The Villages – Postponed

04/16/2020 LSF Sarasota Open House & Sponsorship Opportunity – Postponed

Handling the Unforeseen During COVID-19

What you need to know now about COVID-19 in Florida

Adults 60 and older and those with underlying medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes and lung disease are more likely to develop serious illness. Here’s what you can do right now.

Call before you go

Call your health care provider if you have a fever, cough or shortness of breath and returned from international travel or a cruise in the last 14 days.

Wash for 20 sec.

Wash hands often with soap and water – 20 seconds or longer (or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol).

Avoid touching your face

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands or after touching surfaces.

Practice social distancing

If you are around other people, keep 6 feet between you when possible. Avoid hugs, handshakes, large gatherings and close quarters.

The COVID-19 Call Center is available 24/7 | 1 (866) 779-6121 |