May 7, 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 are the team at the Facing Hunger Food Bank and volunteers from our own WV National Guard who are working diligently to provide food to those in need. I truly appreciate Cyndi Kirkhart, the executive director of Facing Hunger, for showcasing these efforts.

In Cyndi’s own words: “Our staff and volunteers from the WV National Guard and our community have risen to the challenge to provide over 1.5 million pounds of food in this past month - an increase of 500,000 pounds for the same period last year. We will keep working and providing to those in need throughout this crisis, because Together We Are Facing Hunger!”

U.S. Department of Commerce Announces Availability of $1.5 Billion in
CARES Act Funds to Aid Communities Impacted by the Coronavirus Pandemic

The Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is now accepting applications from eligible grantees for  Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) supplemental funds (EDA CARES Act Recovery Assistance) intended to help communities prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus.

For more information, please visit the EDA CARES Act Recovery Assistance page.

WORKING FOR YOU

MANCHIN: NEXT CORONAVIRUS RELIEF PACKAGE MUST INCLUDE FUNDING FOR SENIOR NUTRITION SERVICES

Washington, DC – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) encouraged Senate colleagues to include funding for senior nutrition programs – like home-based nutrition delivery services – in the next COVID-19 relief legislation. During a weekly Democratic meeting to discuss the impacts of COVID-19 on older Americans, Senator Manchin questioned Ellie Hollander, President and CEO of Meals on Wheels, about the need for increased investments in home-based delivery vehicles and senior nutrition services.

Ms. Hollander expressed support for Senator Manchin’s HOME Meals Act (S. 1674) and joined Senator Manchin in calling on Congress to invest more resources for these critical programs.

“Yesterday I joined my colleagues in an important discussion about ways we can better serve our senior citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the best of times, programs like Meals on Wheels provide nutritious meals and important companionship to our elderly, shut in and fragile neighbors. As we all do our best to practice social distancing and avoid large crowds, programs like this are even more important. I was pleased Ellie echoed my request that Congress prioritize these programs as we look towards our fourth COVID-19 relief package,” Senator Manchin said.

MANCHIN HEARS FROM WEST VIRGINIA FAMILY RESOURCE NETWORK, CENTER ON BUDGET AND POLICY, REALTORS AMID CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) participated in separate calls with the West Virginia Family Resource Network, West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy, and West Virginia Association of REALTORS to hear their concerns about the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“West Virginians continue to deal with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic every day and we must continue to support one another through these difficult times. Today I listened to the concerns of the West Virginia Family Resource Network, West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy, and West Virginia Association of REALTORS who continue to support their communities through this pandemic, and I answered their questions about support for communities across West Virginia. I will continue to fight to ensure West Virginia receives the support and help we need,” said Senator Manchin.

MANCHIN BILL PROVIDES RELIEF TO LOCAL GOVERNMENTS IN WEST VIRGINIA RESPONDING TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) led six Senators in announcing a plan to provide local governments with direct federal relief that can be used to pay for essential services and offset lost revenues and increased costs from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Direct Support for Communities Act would complement direct relief to states, which is also vital in this crisis. 

“Local governments in West Virginia and across America are on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, caring for their communities and businesses, but I continue to hear from mayors and county leaders that they need more help to make up for lost revenues and make it through this pandemic,” said Senator Manchin. “Today I am proud to introduce legislation that will provide local governments with dedicated funding in the next COVID-19 pandemic emergency response funding package to ensure they can continue their commendable work during this crisis. I look forward to working my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure passage.”

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.

FAIRMONT

LOCATION: MVA Health Center,1322 Locust Avenue, Fairmont, WV 26554

HOURS: Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays from 1pm to 4pm

Testing those who have called for prescreening by MVA's Express Care Provider. Phone: (304) 366-0700

CONTACT US

Email: common_sense@manchin.senate.gov  

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