June 10, 2020

manchin.senate.gov/coronavirus

WORKING FOR YOU

MANCHIN BILL TO HELP FAMILIES, CHILDREN, AND YOUTH EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS AMID COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) introduced S. 3923, the Emergency Family Stabilization Act. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, this legislation creates a new emergency funding stream overseen by the Administration for Children and Families within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide flexible funding for community-based organizations to meet the unique needs of children, youth, and families experiencing homelessness. Specifically, the bill aims to provide emergency funding to underserved populations and areas, including in rural communities, who continue to see long-term repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on our families, children, and youth currently experiencing homelessness are awful, and we are only beginning to see the consequences of this crisis on American families and children. In West Virginia, over 10,500 students have been identified as homeless, but we know that number is likely much higher,” Senator Manchin said. “I am proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to expand funding to address children and youth homelessness and to specifically help those affected by this global healthcare crisis. No child should go to bed without a roof over their head and a warm place to sleep. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass this commonsense, compassionate legislation to help our friends and neighbors in need.”

MANCHIN LISTENS TO WEST VIRGINIA LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENTS ON COVID-19 IMPACT

Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) participated in a call with local health departments across West Virginia on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their providers, receiving enough medical supplies, and caring for West Virginians through this global healthcare crisis.

“Our healthcare providers have been on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic since day one and continue to work diligently to provide their fellow West Virginians with quality care. Today I heard from local health departments across West Virginia about their concerns and issues as they address and respond to this ongoing pandemic,” Senator Manchin said. “I will continue to fight for our healthcare providers on the front lines to ensure they have the support they need to care for West Virginians during this pandemic. No provider should go without the help they need and every patient should receive the quality care they deserve.”

MANCHIN DEMANDS TESTING BE AVAILABLE FOR FIREFIGHTERS

To watch a video of Senator Manchin’s opening remarks, please click here.

To watch a video of Senator Manchin’s questioning, please click here.

Washington, DC – The U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee held a hearing to examine wildfire management in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), Ranking Member of the Committee, highlighted efforts Congress has taken to address concerns over COVID-19’s influence on firefighter safety this upcoming fire season.

“Starting next month, pretty much the entire western US is predicted to have more wildfires than they usually have. I understand the agencies have been planning for this since March, and while their planning and preparations have been underway for this summer, Congress has also been doing our part. The CARES Act included an additional $270 million for the firefighter agencies to better prepare for this summer. Last month, I joined Chairman Murkowski and Ranking Member Udall in sending a letter to Vice-President Pence asking for his assistance, as the head of the Corona-virus Taskforce, to remove any red-tape that had been hindering firefighters ability to acquire PPE. I understand that that by-and-large has now been done. And just yesterday I introduced a bill with Ranking Member Udall to ensure that any firefighters that contract COVID-19 will be supported. Our bill ensures that firefighters can have one less thing to worry about as they go about doing their jobs,” Ranking Member Manchin said.

MANCHIN INTRODUCES BILL TO PROTECT FIREFIGHTERS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Washington, DC –  U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), Ranking Member of the Committee of Energy and Natural Resources, and Senator Tom Udall, Ranking Member of the Appropritaions Subcomitte on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, introduced the COVID-19 as a Presumptive Disease in Wildland Firefighters Act to protect federal firefighters in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Yesterday I introduced a bill with Senator Udall to ensure that any firefighters that contract COVID-19 will be supported. Our bill simply does two things. First, it requires all firefighters to be tested for COVID before coming on to work this fire season. Second, because of the unique living and working conditions that wildland firefighters undertake, if a firefighter contracts COVID-19 during the fire season, they will be presumed to have contracted it in the course of their job duties, ensuring their eligibility for workers’ compensation coverage. We have heard that firefighters are worried about whether they will be adequately covered should they fall ill. Our bill ensures that firefighters can have one less thing to worry about as they go about doing their jobs,” Ranking Member Manchin said.

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

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.

All testing sites and events are available on manchin.senate.gov/coronavirus.

Newly added testing events:

THOMAS
LOCATION: Miners & Merchants Bank parking lot, Front Street, Thomas WV
HOURS: Every remaining Tuesday in June (16th, 23rd, 30th) from 8:30 a.m. – 12pm

Bring ID. Insurance is not required. Free testing is available every Tuesday in the month of June. For more information call St. George Medical Clinic at (304) 478-3339.

FRIDAY, JUNE 12

PARKERSBURG
LOCATION: Parkersburg High School, 2101 Dudley Avenue, Parkersburg, WV 26101
HOURS: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

This testing is available to all individuals in Wood County, including asymptomatic individuals. Proof of insurance is NOT required.

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.

SATURDAY, JUNE 13

PARKERSBURG
LOCATION: Parkersburg High School, 2101 Dudley Avenue, Parkersburg, WV 26101
HOURS: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

This testing is available to all individuals in Wood County, including asymptomatic individuals. Proof of insurance is NOT required.

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.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2020

WESTON
LOCATION: Lewis County High School, 205 Minuteman Dr., Weston, WV 26452
HOURS: 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Testing available to anyone. Pre-registration preferred, call 304-269-8218

THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2020

WESTON
LOCATION: Lewis County High School, 205 Minuteman Dr., Weston, WV 26452
HOURS: 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Testing available to anyone. Pre-registration preferred, call 304-269-8218

SATURDAY, JUNE 27, 2020

WESTON
LOCATION: Lewis County High School, 205 Minuteman Dr., Weston, WV 26452
HOURS: 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Testing available to anyone. Pre-registration preferred, call 304-269-8218

CONTACT US

Email: common_sense@manchin.senate.gov  

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