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May 19, 2020
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MANCHIN LAUNCHES #MASKUPWV, ENCOURAGES WEST VIRGINIANS TO WEAR MASKS IN PUBLIC
Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) launched a public awareness campaign encouraging all West Virginians to wear masks in public to help curb the spread of COVID-19.
Senator Manchin released a public service announcement as part of the #MaskUpWV campaign launch featuring West Virginians from all walks of life stating the importance of wearing a face mask in public, and a printable flyer for West Virginia businesses to signify their employees wear masks.
“As West Virginia begins to reopen, we must do all we can to protect our family, friends, and neighbors. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone who can should wear a cloth face cover when they have to go out in public to go to the grocery store or to pick up other necessities. That’s why I’m calling on all West Virginians to mask up in public to help curb the spread of COVID-19,” Senator Manchin said. “Wearing a mask doesn’t mean you’re sick – it means you’re looking out for your family, friends, and neighbors and doing your part to stop the spread of the coronavirus.”
The public service announcement features Bob Huggins, West Virginia University men’s basketball coach; Gayle Manchin, Senator Manchin’s wife and former First Lady of West Virginia; Ivin Lee, former Executive Director of the West Virginia Human Rights Commission; Amanda Stolzenfels, a teacher in Taylor County; Wolford “Stan” East, a coal miner in Pineville; Dr. Kevin W. Yingling, MD, an internal medicine specialist in Huntington; Liam Phalen, a student in Kanawha County; and David Thompson, a school service personnel in Wayne County.
To view the public service announcement, click here.
Broadcasters: To download the public service announcement, click here.
Business owners: To download the #MaskUpWV flyer, click here.
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WV STRONG |
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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 Angel is Allison Smith of St. Albans. She is a single mom and a full time nursing student who will graduate in December. Since she couldn’t be on the front lines with nursing, she wanted to somehow make her contribution during this pandemic.
Having never sewn before, she borrowed a sewing machine and started making masks initially for herself and her family. It didn’t take long for the word to get out and she turned this into a production from her home. She distributes the masks for free throughout our state and has even shipped masks to Tennessee and New York.
Allison, I wish you the best as your complete your degree. Thank you for your outstanding efforts during this challenging time.
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WORKING FOR YOU |
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MANCHIN BILL PROVIDES DEDICATED RELIEF TO WEST VIRGINIA LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) introduced bipartisan legislation to deliver critical, federal resources to states and communities on the frontlines of the COVID-19 fight. The State and Municipal Assistance for Recovery and Transition (SMART) Act targets $500 billion in emergency funding to every state, county and community in the country, while prioritizing assistance to the areas with the greatest need. Unlike previously allocated emergency funding, the SMART Act includes flexible, dedicated funding to local governments to ensure it is distributed fairly and efficiently. After Senator Manchin weighed in with Senators Menendez and Cassidy, they removed the population threshold for direct federal assistance, ensuring that all counties and municipalities in West Virginia would receive a portion of these funds.
MANCHIN URGES CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS TO SUPPORT VULNERABLE STUDENTS AMID COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) led 40 bipartisan Senators in pressing Congressional leadership to include significant funding for the Federal TRIO Programs (TRIO) which are integral to supporting vulnerable students and their families that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, in future COVID-19 relief packages. The Senators’ letter comes as the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to exacerbate existing inequities in education, from significant losses of income to a lack of access to tools, such as reliable internet access, that are essential to participating in remote learning.
The Senators said in part, “Low-income students, students with disabilities, first-generation students, youth who are homeless, have limited English proficiency, and who are in foster care, students in rural communities, and military veterans all already face greater obstacles to their learning experiences and now are often encountering a more substantial impact from COVID-19. These students are at risk of falling through the cracks of our system and permanently losing a chance to pursue higher levels of education.”
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WV 211 |
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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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RESOURCES |
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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.
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TESTING / COLLECTION LOCATIONS |
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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 . |
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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.
TESTING EVENTS: Save the date for these scheduled one-day testing events. Individual requirements are specified under each event.
THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2020
CHARLESTON
LOCATION: First Baptist Church, 432 Shrewsbury Street, Charleston WV
HOURS: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
To make an appointment, call the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department’s COVID-19 hotline at 304-348-1088.
FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2020
MORGANTOWN
LOCATION: Big Lots parking lot in Westover, 902 Fairmont Rd, Morgantown, WV 26501
HOURS: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Testing will accommodate pedestrians as well as individuals in their vehicles. Tests will be conducted on a first come, first serve basis. It is strongly encouraged that anyone who arrives for testing wear a mask or face covering. Those conducting the testing will be wearing full personal protective equipment (PPE) and social distancing will be observed.
In order to help notify individuals of their test results, all participants will need to provide their name, date of birth and a telephone number where test results may be reported. Monongalia County Health Department staff will be in contact with everyone who tests, letting them know if their results are positive or negative.
SATURDAY, MAY 23, 2020
MORGANTOWN
LOCATION: WVU Coliseum parking lot, 3450 Monongahela Blvd, Morgantown, WV 26505
HOURS: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Testing will accommodate pedestrians as well as individuals in their vehicles. Tests will be conducted on a first come, first serve basis. It is strongly encouraged that anyone who arrives for testing wear a mask or face covering. Those conducting the testing will be wearing full personal protective equipment (PPE) and social distancing will be observed.
In order to help notify individuals of their test results, all participants will need to provide their name, date of birth and a telephone number where test results may be reported. Monongalia County Health Department staff will be in contact with everyone who tests, letting them know if their results are positive or negative.
SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 2020
BAKER
LOCATION: Hawse Health Center beside the HCEAA building, 17978 WV-55, Baker, WV 26801
HOURS: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
The tests are free of charge to everyone but if you have insurance, please bring your card(s). There is no copay or cost to the public. Even if you have no insurance, the test is still free through State sponsored payment. People are requested to remain in your cars as you progress through the line.
Testing is available to all individuals, including asymptomatic individuals. Identification, such as a driver’s license or proof of address, will be required to be tested. Those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
NOTE: Testing will be conducted on a first-come, first-served basis.
MATHIAS
LOCATION: Old Mathias School Building, 56 Ruritan Dr, Mathias, WV 26812
HOURS: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
The tests are free of charge to everyone but if you have insurance, please bring your card(s). There is no copay or cost to the public. Even if you have no insurance, the test is still free through State sponsored payment. People are requested to remain in your cars as you progress through the line.
Testing is available to all individuals, including asymptomatic individuals. Identification, such as a driver’s license or proof of address, will be required to be tested. Those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
NOTE: Testing will be conducted on a first-come, first-served basis.
MOOREFIELD
LOCATION: Michael Building across from the Post Office, 411 Spring Ave, Moorefield, WV 26836
HOURS: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
The tests are free of charge to everyone but if you have insurance, please bring your card(s). There is no copay or cost to the public. Even if you have no insurance, the test is still free through State sponsored payment. People are requested to remain in your cars as you progress through the line.
Testing is available to all individuals, including asymptomatic individuals. Identification, such as a driver’s license or proof of address, will be required to be tested. Those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
NOTE: Testing will be conducted on a first-come, first-served basis.
PETERSBURG
LOCATION: Grove Street Health Center next to the Social Security Office, Petersburg, WV 26847
HOURS: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
The tests are free of charge to everyone but if you have insurance, please bring your card(s). There is no copay or cost to the public. Even if you have no insurance, the test is still free through State sponsored payment. People are requested to remain in your cars as you progress through the line.
Testing is available to all individuals, including asymptomatic individuals. Identification, such as a driver’s license or proof of address, will be required to be tested. Those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
NOTE: Testing will be conducted on a first-come, first-served basis.
ROMNEY
LOCATION: Old Weimer’s dealership next to the DMV building in Sunrise Summit, 22338 Northwestern Turnpike, Romney, WV 26757
HOURS: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
The tests are free of charge to everyone but if you have insurance, please bring your card(s). There is no copay or cost to the public. Even if you have no insurance, the test is still free through State sponsored payment. People are requested to remain in your cars as you progress through the line.
Testing is available to all individuals, including asymptomatic individuals. Identification, such as a driver’s license or proof of address, will be required to be tested. Those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
NOTE: Testing will be conducted on a first-come, first-served basis. |
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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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