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MANCHIN URGES ADMINISTRATION TO RESTORE FULL FUNDING FOR NATIONAL GUARD COVID-19 PANDEMIC RESPONSE
Charleston, WV – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) led 34 Senators in urging the Trump Administration to restore full funding for National Guard COVID-19 pandemic response across the United States and West Virginia through Title 32 502(f) orders.
Since March, National Guard units in West Virginia have supported response to help West Virginians, from distributing much-needed food supplies to running remote testing locations and assisting as needed across the state. Last week, President Trump terminated the 100 percent federal cost share of Title 32 orders. Instead, the National Guard will receive 75 percent reimbursement except Florida, Texas, Arizona, California, and Connecticut who will continue to receive 100 percent reimbursement.
In May, Senator Manchin successfully advocated for the extension of Title 32 orders through mid-August and introduced the Support Our National Guard Act, a bill to provide transitional healthcare benefits to National Guard servicemembers who have responded to the COVID-19 pandemic under Title 32 502(f) orders.
The Senators wrote, “We write to request you restore one hundred percent Federal cost share to all states and territories for use of the National Guard under Title 32 of U.S. Code for responding to coronavirus, which was terminated by your August 3 memorandum for all states and territories except Florida and Texas. The National Guard response has been critical within our states to supporting the health and well-being of millions of Americans.”
In case you missed it: MANCHIN PRESSES DEA FOR MORE INFORMATION ON TELEMEDICINE PRESCRIBING OVERSIGHT DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Charleston, WV – Today, after troubling reports from West Virginia healthcare providers, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) requested an update from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) on regulations in place during the COVID-19 pandemic for Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), which many providers are now prescribing through telemedicine. While telemedicine has been lifesaving for many West Virginians during this pandemic, abuse of this system cannot be tolerated and hurts patients who rely on it for care.
Senator Manchin wrote, “The ongoing public health emergency due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has compounded the existing challenges we faced as a result of the opioid epidemic. We have seen a recent surge in overdoses, deaths and an alarming increase in mental illness. A recent report from Well Being Trust projects that 75,000 people are at risk of overdose death or suicide. Emergency departments and the criminal justice system simply do not have the capacity to address the needs of the rapidly growing number of individuals with behavioral health conditions. As a result, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) have made significant changes to substance use disorder treatment telemedicine regulations. While these changes have made significant gains in accessing care, I am concerned about the potential for abuse.”
In case you missed it: MANCHIN ENCOURAGES JUSTICE TO PARTNER WITH SURROUNDING STATES ON TESTING PARTNERSHIP
Charleston, WV – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) released the following statement after speaking with Governor Larry Hogan (R-MD) about the COVID-19 rapid testing purchasing partnership Maryland and six other states created.
“This morning I spoke with my friend Governor Hogan about the important bipartisan partnership he and six other Governors created to ensure their states have access to reliable rapid testing supplies. Although there is no perfect testing method, rapid testing is one of many important tools to help safely reopen our schools and to identify the spread of the virus through our communities. I encourage Governor Justice to reach out to Governor Hogan, and his bipartisan fellow Governors, and join this testing partnership to ensure West Virginians have every possible resource to identify the virus in our communities and protect all citizens, especially our children.”
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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.
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
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Any new additions or updates to testing sites will be included below. The full list of verified testing sites and events is available on manchin.senate.gov/coronavirus.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2020
CHAPMANVILLE
LOCATION: Tracy Vickers Center, 68 Boise Street, Chapmanville, WV
HOURS: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
This testing is free and available to all residents in selected counties, including asymptomatic individuals. Proof of insurance is NOT required. Attendees should bring identification, such as a driver’s license or proof of address, to help in returning test results. Those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
MOUNT HOPE
LOCATION: J.W. and Hazel Ruby Welcome Center, 55 Hazel Ruby Lane, Mt Hope, WV
HOURS: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
This testing is free and available to all residents in selected counties, including asymptomatic individuals. Proof of insurance is NOT required. Attendees should bring identification, such as a driver’s license or proof of address, to help in returning test results. Those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
SMITHERS
LOCATION: Gateway Center, 2 Greyhound Lane, Smithers, WV
HOURS: 4:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
This testing is free and available to all residents in selected counties, including asymptomatic individuals. Proof of insurance is NOT required. Attendees should bring identification, such as a driver’s license or proof of address, to help in returning test results. Those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2020
CHARLESTON
LOCATION: Schoenbaum Family Resource Center, 1701 Fifth Avenue, Charleston, WV
HOURS: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Testing open to everyone. No appointment needed.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2020
RIPLEY
LOCATION: Cedar Lakes, 82 FFA Drive, Ripley, WV
HOURS: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.
The Jackson County Health Department will be offering a free drive thru COVID-19 testing clinic at Cedar Lakes from noon-6 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 3. Individuals will need to provide identification. Testing is free and open to the public. No insurance information will be needed during these two events. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian and bring identification if they have one (school ID, birth certificate). For more information on drive thru testing location and times, please contact the Jackson County Health Department at 304-372-2634.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2020
MAN
LOCATION: Town of Man Fire Department Auxiliary Building, 110 North Bridge Street, Man, WV
HOURS: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
This testing is free and available to all residents in selected counties, including asymptomatic individuals. Proof of insurance is NOT required. Attendees should bring identification, such as a driver’s license or proof of address, to help in returning test results. Those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2020
BERKELEY SPRINGS
LOCATION: Morgan County Health Department, 137 War Memorial Drive, Berkeley Springs, WV
HOURS: 5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
This testing is free and available to all residents in selected counties, including asymptomatic individuals. Proof of insurance is NOT required. Attendees should bring identification, such as a driver’s license or proof of address, to help in returning test results. Those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2020
BARBOURSVILLE
LOCATION: Barboursville EMS, 1652 Riverview Drive, Barboursville, WV
HOURS: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
This testing is free and available to all residents in selected counties, including asymptomatic individuals. Proof of insurance is NOT required. Attendees should bring identification, such as a driver’s license or proof of address, to help in returning test results. Those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
BECKLEY
LOCATION: Beckley-Raleigh Health Department, 1602 Harper Road, Beckley, WV
HOURS: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m.
This testing is free and available to all residents in selected counties, including asymptomatic individuals. Proof of insurance is NOT required. Attendees should bring identification, such as a driver’s license or proof of address, to help in returning test results. Those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2020
SUMMERSVILLE
LOCATION: Nazarene Camp, 6461 Webster Road, Summersville, WV
HOURS: 12 p.m. - 8 p.m.
This testing is free and available to all residents in selected counties, including asymptomatic individuals. Proof of insurance is NOT required. Attendees should bring identification, such as a driver’s license or proof of address, to help in returning test results. Those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
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