VOTING RESOURCE PAGE

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed every aspect of our daily lives, including how Americans and West Virginians will be able to vote this year. The 2020 election is quickly approaching and West Virginians need access to accurate, reliable information on how to vote during these unprecedented times. This week I launched a voting resource page that compiles accurate facts on how to register to vote, polling locations, requesting an absentee ballot and more. Every eligible West Virginian should exercise their right to vote and have their voice heard this fall.

To view the voting resource webpage please click here.

BROADBAND

The sad fact is that many places in West Virginia simply do not have access to reliable broadband and the lack of access affects West Virginians every day. Back in 2015, the FCC released a coverage map that stated 99.9% of Americans had wireless coverage. I knew then what I know now: That is just plain wrong.

HOW MAY WE HELP YOU?

To request assistance from my case team, click here.

As your U.S. Senator, I am proud to be your voice with government agencies during your time of need. My goal is for me and my staff to provide the best possible customer service for every West Virginian who contacts me needing assistance. While I have no direct jurisdiction in legal or administrative matters of any federal, state, or local agency, I welcome the opportunity to assist you in any way possible and to assure that full consideration is given to your case. See one of our success stories below:

Gregory Shimko, of Ireland, WV, contacted Senator Manchin because his VA benefits were suspended when it was falsely reported that he had passed away. Even though the VA acknowledged the error, his benefits had not been reinstated causing a financial hardship. As a result of Caseworker Angie Walsh’s inquiry, Greg’s benefits were reinstated.

From the Hill to the Mountains

MANCHIN SUBMITS OVER 2,000 SPEED TESTS TO FCC CHAIRMAN PAI
Charleston, WV – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) announced he has submitted over 2,000 broadband speed tests to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) proving the FCC’s broadband coverage maps are wrong and must be fixed before the $20 billion Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) is distributed incorrectly. In June, Senator Manchin challenged West Virginians to submit 2,000 speed tests to the FCC by the end of the year.

"With more than two months left in 2020, West Virginians have met and exceeded the goal I set earlier this year to submit 2,000 speed tests to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai. I am impressed by their dedication and persistence in proving the FCC’s maps wrong and it is a testament to their efforts to improve broadband coverage for their families, friends, and neighbors in West Virginia. Last week, Chairman Pai agreed to update the maps before the $9 billion 5G Fund for Rural America is distributed, but that’s only one piece of the pie. The FCC is planning to finalize $16 billion in RDOF funding at the end of this month using their incorrect maps, shutting much of West Virginia out of the competition for this funding. It’s just plain wrong, and over 2,000 West Virginians have proven it. I won’t stop submitting West Virginians’ tests until the FCC agrees to use the updated maps to distribute RDOF and commits to creating a user-friendly public feedback system just like they are required to do under law. This fight is far from over, and I need West Virginians to please help me fight for better broadband for the Mountain State by submitting a speed test at

manchin.senate.gov/speedtest."

MANCHIN, CAPITO ANNOUNCE $2.8 MILLION FOR WEST VIRGINIA FLOOD RECOVERY
Charleston, WV – U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced $2,803,771 from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Highway Administration (FHA) for flood recovery projects in the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge and Monongahela National Forest.

MANCHIN, CAPITO ANNOUNCE $5.8 MILLION FOR ARC POWER GRANTS FOR WEST VIRGINIA PROJECTS
Charleston, WV – U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced seven project awards totaling $5,844,534 from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) program.

Information is updated daily on: 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

Nominated as today’s Better Angels are the leadership and staff of two local businesses in Grafton who showed their support to the healthcare workers at the Rosewood nursing care facility. With collaboration from Grafton City Hospital, as well as donations from throughout the community, the staff at Leonard’s Grill were able to provide over 100 meals in a week to the staff at Rosewood. Thank you all for your efforts to support our healthcare heroes and the people they are working hard to protect.

Photo credit: Nicki Skinner, Editor, The Mountain Statesman (8/25/20)

WORKING FOR YOU

AFTER MANCHIN URGING, DOZENS OF WEST VIRGINIA RURAL HEALTH PROVIDERS WILL SOON BE ELIGIBLE FOR FUNDING

Charleston, WV – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) submitted comments to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) on the proposed changes to their rural classification methodology, which determines a large percentage of grants and awards for rural health providers in West Virginia. This revision includes changes for Boone, Clay, Hampshire, Lincoln, Preston and Wirt counties from “urban” to “rural”. Senator Manchin also urged HRSA to include Fayette County in this revision.

Senator Manchin said in part, “I appreciate the opportunity to comment on the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) proposed Revised Geographic Eligibility for Federal Office of Rural Health Policy Grants. HRSA’s Federal Office of Rural Health Policy (FORHP) establishes methods of defining rural areas in the United States to receive services funded by its rural health grant program. These funds are instrumental to providing access to quality health care and health professionals in rural communities across the country. I appreciate HRSA addressing concerns expressed by stakeholders to ensure that rural is properly defined across the United States, especially in West Virginia."

Senator Manchin successfully included language in Fiscal Year 2020 Appropriations, directing the Economic Research Services and FORHP to work on developing an update to their rural classification methodology. On September 23rd, HRSA released a proposed rule updating their methodology for determining what is “rural”. The methodology is based on economic and geographic measures known as the Rural-Urban Commuting Areas (RUCA) Codes. Under the current classification, 20 counties in West Virginia are labeled “urban” including counties like Preston and Boone, making health providers in these counties ineligible for rural grants and assistance.

The Federal Office of Rural Health Policy is the agency in charge of promoting health services in rural America. It issues millions of dollars in grant funding to critical programs including black lung/coal miner clinics programs, rural opioid response programs, rural HIV/AIDS planning programs, rural telehealth programs, State Offices of Rural Health, hospital flex grants, and many more.

MANCHIN URGES HHS TO PRESERVE HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS, RURAL HOSPITAL ACCESS TO PANDEMIC RELIEF FUNDING
Charleston, WV – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) led two groups of bipartisan Senators in expressing concern to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar about the recent change in reporting requirements for hospitals and health systems that receive relief funds from the Provider Relief Fund (PRF) and urged the Administration to protect access to this vital funding. Rural hospitals and hospitals that serve high numbers of low-income, elderly, and severely ill patients – could be particularly burdened by the new reporting requirements, due to their already thin financial margins.

TESTING

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 to list or update your organization’s testing location and hours.

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

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CLICK HERE FOR OUR FULL LIST OF VERIFIED TESTING LOCATIONS THAT IS UPDATED DAILY.

Any new or updated events and locations will be posted below and are included in the comprehensive list on our website:

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2020

INWOOD
8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Mussleman High School, 126 Excellence Way, Inwood, WV

GASSAWAY
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
National Guard-Gassaway Armory, 62 John O. Frame Drive, Gassaway, WV

WEST UNION
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Doddridge County High School, 79 Bulldog Drive, West Union, WV

ROMNEY
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Hampshire High School, 157 Trojan Way, Romney, WV

CHARLESTON
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Kanawha-Charleston Health Department, 108 Lee Street (use Reynolds St. entrance), Charleston, WV

flu shots offered

MOUNDSVILLE
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Marshall County Health Department, 513 6th Street, Moundsville, WV

BERKELEY SPRINGS
2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
271 Warm Springs Way, Berkeley Springs, WV

ELKINS
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
22 Buffalo Street, Elkins, WV

WAYNE
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Wayne County Health Department, 217 Kenova Avenue, Wayne, WV

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18

INWOOD
8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Mussleman High School, 126 Excellence Way, Inwood, WV

WEST UNION
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Doddridge County High School, 79 Bulldog Drive, West Union, WV

MOUNDSVILLE
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Marshall County Health Department, 513 6th Street, Moundsville, WV

BERKELEY SPRINGS
2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
271 Warm Springs Way, Berkeley Springs, WV

ELKINS
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
22 Buffalo Street, Elkins, WV

KEARNEYSVILLE
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Jefferson County Health Department, 1948 Wiltshire Road, Kearneysville, WV

FRANKLIN
1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Pendleton County Health Department, 273 Mill Road, Franklin, WV

CLAY
11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Clay County High School, 1 Panther Drive, Clay, WV

MONDAY, OCTOBER 19

NEW CUMBERLAND
12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Tomlinson Run State Park (by pool), 3391 Veterans Boulevard, New Cumberland, WV

BUCKHANNON
12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Buckhannon-Upshur High School, 270 BU Drive, Buckhannon, WV

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20

RIPLEY
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
ElderCare Parking Lot, 107 Miller Drive, Ripley, WV

CHARLESTON
12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
John XXIII Pastoral Center, 100 Hodges Road, Charleston, WV

Flu shots offered.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2020

HUNTINGTON
Cabell County EMS Station #6, 1766 Washington Avenue, Huntington, WV
9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

CHARLESTON
Main Plaza (across from Cozumel Restaurant), St. Albans
12 p.m. - 4 p.m.

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?

WV 211:

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.

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

To learn more, call my office Toll Free at (855) 275-5737, email me, or find me on social media:

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