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Daily Coronavirus Update - March 30, 2020
"Time and time again in the face of challenges, West Virginians - and all Americans, have overcome uncertainty and fear by joining together for a common cause. That same spirit of volunteerism, solidarity and good, old-fashioned American ingenuity, remains as important as ever during this pandemic. Many have already stepped up to the plate and it is my privilege to share that information with you. If you have any good ideas or recommendations for volunteerism you would like to share, please know that I enjoy reading them and try to act on as many as I can. Continue to email them to me at common_sense@manchin.senate.gov. As always, we will overcome this challenge together."
- Joe
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WORKING TOGETHER |
Face Masks |
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MANCHIN COLLABORATES WITH UNITED WAY AND OTHERS TO ENCOURAGE WEST VIRGINIANS TO SEW MEDICAL MASKS
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) announced an enduring collaboration with United Way of West Virginia, West Virginia Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster, Philanthropy WV, Senior Corps, WVU Extension Service, the Robert C. Byrd Institute, the Council of Churches and many others to encourage West Virginians to pitch in and help our doctors, nurses, health care workers and first responders on the front lines of this pandemic. This first collaboration will unite West Virginians in sewing medical masks and gowns. As the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic crisis evolve this collaboration will adapt to provide additional necessary volunteer services throughout West Virginia such as hand sanitizer production and providing mental health resources.
“American ingenuity, work ethic and our ability to overcome any challenge is what will defeat this pandemic. In our greatest times of need – World War II, September 11th – West Virginians came together. Today, we find ourselves facing a new and unchartered challenge and need every West Virginian to step up to do their part to curb the spread of the COVID-19 epidemic. We have heard loud and clear from our medical professionals around the Mountain State that they do not have the masks, gowns and gloves they need to do their jobs safely. With that in mind, I am partnering with United Way of West Virginia and many others to spread the word about how West Virginians can safely construct masks at home and quickly get them in the hands of our medical professionals and first responders. I urge every West Virginian who is able to join this critically important effort,” said Senator Manchin.
For information on how to sew a mask, please click here. Please note that the pattern requires 100% cotton material. If elastic is unavailable for ear loops, it is acceptable for ties to be made from the fabric.
To learn more about the drop off, pick up and distribution process being coordinated by United Way of West Virginia, please click here.
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West Virginia Mask Army
"We are an army of doctors, nurses, hospital administrators and seamstresses coming together as one. We are using innovative materials to provide the best personal protective equipment available for our medical professionals on the front lines of West Virginia' s COVID-19 pandemic. We are a pop-up non-profit developed by resourceful Appalachian women. We are West Virginia strong."
Click here to learn how it works.
New Hub Development
"As we are rushing to get supplies to our existing Hubs, we are working to fill the requests of you amazing volunteers who what to open new hubs. If that's you and you haven't already done so, please click here to complete this quick form at our website."
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From the Charleston Area Medical Center (CAMC):
Calling those who sew! Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE). CAMC is asking volunteers who have the ability to sew to make masks.
Starting Monday, March 23, CAMC will have designated bins for the community to drop off masks and donate supplies. The bins will be available Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the following locations:
1.CAMC Human Resources - 419 Brooks St, Charleston, WV 25301
2. CAMC Women and Children’s Hospital (Physician offices side) - 830 Pennsylvania Ave, Charleston, WV 25302
3. CAMC Breast Center - 3415 MacCorkle Ave SE, Charleston, WV 25304
4. CAMC Teays Valley Human Resources - First Floor, Putnam Plaza, Hurricane, WV 25526
5. Christ Church United Methodist - 1221 Quarrier St, Charleston, WV 25301
6. Elizabeth Memorial United Methodist Church - 108 Oakwood Rd, Charleston, WV 25314
7. Bible Center Church - 100 Bible Center Dr, Charleston, WV 25309
If you would like to use your own fabric, please note that the pattern requires 100% cotton material. If you need materials, CAMC Volunteer Services will make arrangements to provide it to you.
Visit this link for the instructions and materials needed to make the masks: https://www.craftpassion.com/face-mask-sewing-pattern/.
For any questions, please call the CAMC Volunteer services office at (304) 388-7426 or email Kelly Anderson, Volunteer Services Director at kelly.anderson@camc.org. Thank you for supporting your hospital and health care workers! |
Recovery Support Services |
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State Opioid Response Grant
The Alliance for the Economic Development of Southern West Virginia has been awarded a State Opioid Response (SOR) grant from West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR), Bureau for Behavioral Health. The SOR grants are supported by federal SOR funding, which originates from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. These funds will be used to establish a Southern West Virginia Collegiate Peer Recovery Network, offering peer recovery support services, on seven higher education campuses.
During this time of physical distancing, the Southern West Virginia Collegiate Peer Recovery Network is hosting free, public virtual recovery sessions Monday through Friday to support those in recovery. All are welcome.
More on West Virginia Collegiate Recovery Network here: https://www.marshall.edu/crn
 
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Supporting Those on the Front Lines |
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ANHEUSER-BUSCH WILL REDIRECT SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT INVESTMENTS TO SUPPORT THOSE ON THE FRONT LINES OF COVID-19
Anheuser-Busch, the country's largest sponsor of live sports and entertainment, today announced that it will redirect sports and entertainment investments to its non-profit partners to respond to the COVID-19 public health crisis. The company has a longstanding tradition of providing support to its neighbors and communities in their times of need throughout its more than 165 year history.
As part of a $5 million donation to the American Red Cross, Anheuser-Busch alongside its sports partners will identify available arenas and stadiums to be used for temporary blood drive centers. The company’s tour centers in Merrimack, NH, and St. Louis, MO, will also be made available to the Red Cross. As part of the donation, Anheuser-Busch will also donate media air time to the Red Cross in support of their public service announcements. To learn more about how to attend a blood drive, visit RedCross.org.
In addition, Anheuser-Busch announced earlier this week that it will use its supply and logistics network to begin producing and distributing bottles of hand sanitizer to accommodate the growing needs across the United States. The hand sanitizer will be utilized at Red Cross blood donation centers and to support emergency shelters for future relief efforts.
“COVID-19 has changed how we all live our lives, but it hasn’t changed Anheuser-Busch’s priorities and our commitments as an employer, a business partner and a corporate citizen,” said Michel Doukeris, CEO, Anheuser-Busch US. “While we can’t solve this crisis on our own, we are proud to do what we can to serve and support our communities in need and the heroes on the front lines, using our capabilities, our relationships, and our reach to do our part. We invite other companies to use their unique capabilities to join us in this effort, however they can, so that together we can make a difference.”
To bring hope and inspiration to the people of America who may be feeling isolated and scared during this difficult time, Budweiser created an emotional 60-second video that champions the best of the American spirit, called ‘One Team.’ The spot is a tribute honoring the everyday people of America who are rising above the call of duty to help in the wake of the COVID-19 health crisis, from doctors and nurses working tirelessly around the clock to grocery store clerks working in today’s ‘new normal.’ The spot reminds us that we are all one team, and that America is at its best when its people come together to make an impact for their local communities. To watch the video and learn more about how you can help, go to Budweiser.com/OneTeam.
“Anheuser-Busch has been a longtime partner of the American Red Cross, helping identify new ways to use their resources when we need it most following natural disasters and other crises. We are currently experiencing an unprecedented number of blood drive cancellations. In fact, about 7,000 Red Cross blood drives have been canceled across the country due to COVID-19 concerns, resulting in some 220,000 fewer blood donations,” said Gail McGovern, President & CEO, American Red Cross. “We are grateful to Anheuser-Busch and their sports partners for supporting new blood drives to help us to maintain a much-needed supply for patients counting on lifesaving blood in the weeks and months to come.”
DOW TO EXPAND HAND SANITIZER PRODUCTION AT ADDITIONAL SITES IN NORTH AMERICA, EUROPE AND LATIN AMERICA
- Five Dow sites expected to produce more than 200 metric tons, equivalent to more than 880,000 eight-ounce bottles
- Product will be donated to local health systems and government agencies
- Deliveries from additional production expected to begin this week
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have an unprecedented impact around the world and needed medical, health and hygiene products are in short supply. After assessing the Company’s capability to manufacture hand sanitizer at its facilities around the world, Dow (NYSE: DOW) today announced that its manufacturing sites in Auburn, Michigan; South Charleston, West Virginia; Seneffe, Belgium; and Hortolândia, Brazil possess the necessary raw material handling, mixing and packaging capabilities and will produce hand sanitizer. These locations join Dow’s site in Stade, Germany which already produced hand sanitizer for donation.
Dow does not typically produce hand sanitizer, but a large portion of the required raw materials are readily available at Company sites. In addition, Dow’s asset flexibility allows for a meaningful volume of sanitizer to be produced with little to no impact to normal operations.
Dow collaborated with officials in each of the locations to understand their needs and requirements. In the U.S., the Company worked with officials in Michigan and West Virginia, as well as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, and the Department of Homeland Security. These agencies provided useful, timely guidance as Dow completed the permitting, licensing and raw material procurement processes.
Dow’s Auburn site has the capacity to produce approximately 15,000 pounds (7 metric tons) of hand sanitizer per week, which equates to nearly 30,000 eight-ounce bottles. Similar or greater volumes are expected to be produced at the other Dow locations. When all of these locations are at full production, Dow’s collective output is expected to reach more than 440,000 pounds (200 metric tons), or the equivalent of more than 880,000 eight-ounce bottles. Production of hand sanitizer will occur for approximately four weeks in the four Dow sites announced today, after which time Dow will assess extending production based on raw material availability and market need.
All of the hand sanitizer that will be produced has been allocated with the majority for donation to health systems and government agencies for distribution. Hand sanitizer will also be distributed to Dow production sites to help protect employees who are on the frontline and ensuring Dow’s manufacturing facilities continue to run safely. First deliveries are expected to begin this week.
Hand sanitizer will be donated to the following entities in WV:
- State of West Virginia
- City of Charleston and South Charleston, West Virginia
“We are proud to put our global assets to work to help combat the spread of the coronavirus. The combined efforts of our five sites around the world enables us to produce and donate a tremendous amount of this much needed product to help protect human health and safety,” said Jim Fitterling, Dow’s chief executive officer. “This effort has been made possible through the swift efforts of Team Dow, in collaboration with raw material suppliers, state and federal regulatory officials and volunteers. We intend to continue producing hand sanitizer as long as raw materials are available and supply is short.”
“We’ve seen an incredible amount of strength and courage of Michiganders during this time of uncertainty, whether it’s from communities donating food, money, and resources to those that need it or from businesses using their technology to manufacture personal protective equipment,” said Michigan Governor Whitmer. “This action from Dow and its hardworking employees will help us protect more Michigan families and slow the spread of COVID-19 in our state. I’m proud to work with Dow and every business that steps up during this time to protect Michigan families.”
Dow’s existing production capabilities are critical to supplying many of the most vital hygiene and medical products and technologies to help address the COVID-19 pandemic, such as disinfectants, sanitizers, cleansers, plastics used in the production of disposable personal protection equipment for medical professionals, memory foams for hospital beds, and more.
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MANCHIN ENCOURAGES WEST VIRGINIANS TO UTILIZE WV 211 PROGRAM |
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U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) is encouraging West Virginians to utilize the 2-1-1 program operated by United Way of West Virginia. 2-1-1 connects callers with health and human services resources through trained certified specialists. Anyone can call 2-1-1 to learn about specific programs, intake requirements, eligibility, operation hours and more.
“United Way of West Virginia provides an important service to West Virginians by helping users navigate the vast number of resources available to aid with healthcare issues, food shortages, mental health questions and more. This program is more important now than ever as we battle the COVID-19 pandemic and I commend United Way for continuing to serve their fellow West Virginians through this time,” Senator Manchin said.
“United Way’s new 2-1-1 will make information on a wide variety of local support services more accessible across our entire state,” said United Way of Central WV President, Margaret O’Neal. “Whether it’s information for locating a health clinic, finding child care programs, or getting housing assistance, 2-1-1 is an easy-to-remember, go-to resource for individuals and families.”
To utilize these resources West Virginians can:
Call 2-1-1
Text your zip code to 898-211
Visit http://www.wv211.org/contact
Call toll-free 1-833-848-9905
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TESTING / COLLECTION LOCATIONS |
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This is the main question my office is receiving: Where can I get a test? Please note that this is not a comprehensive list; there may be more testing sites out there that are added daily.
Click here to view the list of current sites.
For any organizations or health care organizations who would like their site listed, or who have updates on their hours or requirements, please email me at common_sense@manchin.senate.gov . |
RESOURCES |
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For the most up-to-date resources, visit http://www.manchin.senate.gov/coronavirus.
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CONTACT US
Email: common_sense@manchin.senate.gov
Social Media: Facebook Twitter YouTube
Or call the Charleston Office Toll-Free: (855) 275-5737 |
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