May 12, 2020

manchin.senate.gov/coronavirus

 

WV STRONG

I was always taught that if you can count your blessings, you can share your blessings. It's my privilege to share some inspirational stories from those on the ground who are donating their time and energy to helping their fellow West Virginians. These are just a few of the countless acts of kindness happening in our state every single day. Share your stories or recommend someone to be recognized for being WV Strong by emailing WVSTRONG@manchin.senate.gov.

Today’s Better Angels come from Braxton County. Esther Stiefvater, Genevieve Hardway, Heather Hardway, and Susie Hardway have been hard at work sewing masks and delivering them to their local health department. We’ve seen such remarkable efforts throughout our state from people making masks for our healthcare professionals. I’m so very proud of these efforts and they should give us all hope that we will get through these tough times together.

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WORKING FOR YOU

MANCHIN BILL TO IMPROVE MEDICARE PAYMENTS PROGRAM, PROVIDE FINANCIAL RELIEF FOR HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS ON FRONT LINES OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) announced he will introduce legislation to reduce interest rates and modify repayment obligations for healthcare providers who’ve sought financial assistance amid the coronavirus pandemic through Medicare’s Accelerated and Advance Payments Program. This program was expanded under the CARES Act to allow for hospitals, physicians and other Medicare-participating providers to apply for upfront payments from Medicare to help cover revenue shortfalls as a result of COVID-19. To date, West Virginia healthcare providers have received $654 million in upfront payments through this program to mitigate the economic shortfall caused by the pandemic.

“Our healthcare providers are on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic and are feeling the financial burdens of cancelling elective procedures and other work that provides the financial support many of our providers need to stay afloat. This legislation will reduce interest rates and modify repayment obligations through Medicare’s Accelerated and Advance Payments Program. This change will allow our healthcare providers to continue caring for their fellow West Virginians without worrying about keeping their doors open and paying back their Medicare assistance. I am proud to introduce this legislation and will work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to make commonsense changes that help our healthcare providers during this crisis,” said Senator Manchin.

MANCHIN LEADS BIPARTISAN PUSH FOR CHILD CARE SUPPORT IN NEXT COVID-19 RELIEF PACKAGE

Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) led a bipartisan letter urging Senate leadership to include child care funding in the next COVID-19 relief package.

The Senators said in part, “We write today regarding our nation’s child care providers. As Congress considers additional relief for those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is critical we provide additional support for the child care sector to ensure providers can maintain operations and continue to meet the needs of essential workers, and remain viable going forward as our country moves towards economic recovery.”

“The CARES Act provided much-needed relief for child care providers and families across the country. As Congress considers the next round of relief legislation, we urge leadership to build on its efforts to provide more support for child care so we can effectively serve the needs of essential workers in the short term, and ensure that parents can return to work as our economy recovers,” they continued.

MANCHIN, CAPITO ANNOUNCE ARC SUPPORT FOR WEST VIRGINIA COMMUNITIES

Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced $3,750,000 for Appalachian Community Development Financial Intuitions (CDFI) to provide support for small businesses amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. This funding is made available through the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and will help support operational costs of community lenders in Appalachia that have suspended loan repayments from small businesses as the COVID-19 pandemic has severely limited operational opportunity and resources.

“Small businesses in West Virginia are struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding from ARC will help CDFIs provide loan deferrals to small businesses to free up cash flow, which will help our small businesses stay afloat during these challenging times. I am pleased ARC is assisting West Virginia businesses and I look forward to continuing our strong partnership,” said Senator Manchin.

MANCHIN, CAPITO ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $5.7 MILLION FOR WEST VIRGINIA COMMUNITY RECOVERY EFFORTS

Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced $5,750,278 for communities across West Virginia to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus (COVID-19). This funding is made available through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, which received additional funding in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) that was signed into law on Friday, March 27.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the lives of every West Virginian and has created housing instability for many of our friends and neighbors. Everyone deserves to have a roof over their head and food to eat, and this funding will help ensure that during this crisis, our fellow West Virginians are taken care of. Continuing to invest in our communities is essential to taking care of one another, and I will continue to fight for funding that will help West Virginians get back on their feet,” said Senator Manchin.

WV 211

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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RESOURCES

Our office is working diligently to bring you the most up-to-date information as it becomes available. Click the links below for more information. All information regarding resources and more can be found on Senator Manchin's website

Unemployment & Direct Payments

Veterans Assistance

Basic Needs

Business Assistance

Volunteer

Feeling Ill?

 

Any new or updated information will be posted below. All information is updated daily on manchin.senate.gov/coronavirus.

             

 

TESTING / COLLECTION LOCATIONS

Where can I get a test? This is a question my office has received since the beginning of this pandemic. Please note that this is not a comprehensive list; there may be more testing sites out there that are added daily.  In order to provide as much reliable information as possible, I am including testing sites that are verified through an official communication or news release.

I will keep this section of my newsletter and my website as up-to-date as possible.  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 .

It is recommended that you seek testing only when you begin exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19. Click here to view the screening criteria. To report your symptoms and be directed to one of the available testing sites, contact your primary care doctor or a designated hotline for your area. Most, if not all, sites require a physician's order before testing. If you have gone through these steps and are still having issues getting a test, please email me at common_sense@manchin.senate.gov and a member of my staff will reach out to you to see if we can assist.

Click here for WV DHHR's latest updates to reported COVID-19 cases


Click here to find a testing site near you.

Any new additions or updates will be included below.

 

SISTERSVILLE

LOCATION: Sistersville General Hospital, 314 S. Wells St, Sistersville, WV 26175

HOURS: Mon-Fri 8am - 4pm

Call the Nurse Hotline at 304-447-2454 for pre-screening. Once qualified, an appointment will be scheduled for testing.

SMITHERS

LOCATION: Valley Elementary School parking lot, 1 Greyhound Lane, Smithers, WV

HOURS: Wednesday, May 13, 2020, from 10 am to 2 pm.

The Fayette County COVID-19 task force will be offering community drive-through testing on Wednesday.

No appointment is necessary.  If you have insurance, please bring your insurance card with you.

 

CONTACT US

Email: common_sense@manchin.senate.gov  

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Or call the Charleston Office Toll-Free: (855) 275-5737

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