May 8, 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 Angel is a very special person to the Rand community in Kanawha County. Ellen Carter was born and raised here in the Mountain State. She worked as a cook at Rand Elementary School for 32 years, and since 2005, has continued to cook at what is now the Rand Community Center, which serves dinner to our seniors throughout the week. During this pandemic, Ellen’s commitment to the people she serves hasn’t wavered at all. She and her assistants, Abbie Martin and Sandy Cox, take the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of those picking up meals from the center. Ellen, thank you for all your hard work. You’re an inspiration to us all and are truly WV Strong.

WORKING FOR YOU

MANCHIN: REPUBLICAN LAWSUIT TO ELIMINATE HEALTHCARE FOR THOSE WITH PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS DURING COVID-19 IS UNTHINKABLE

Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) released the following statement on the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) decision to file with Republican Attorneys General in the Texas v. United States case which aims to strike down the Affordable Care Act (ACA) as unconstitutional.

“The DOJ is continuing to double down on this awful Republican lawsuit which would leave 800,000 West Virginians and millions of Americans with pre-existing conditions without health insurance. This was always a shameful position but it is unthinkable that in the middle of a healthcare crisis – like the COVID-19 pandemic – Republican Attorneys General would still seek to eliminate healthcare for 800,000 of our friends and neighbors.

AG BARR TELLS MANCHIN NO MORE TRANSFERS OF OUT-OF-STATE INMATES TO WEST VIRGINIA

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) received assurances from U.S. Attorney General (AG) William Barr that no more new out-of-state inmates will be transferred to FCI Gilmer or FCC Hazelton during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This morning I received confirmation from AG Barr that West Virginia facilities will no longer receive transfers of new out-of-state inmates. Many of these inmates were being transferred from COVID-19 hotspots across the country, putting the safety of our brave correctional officers and their families, citizens, and inmates at risk. I am pleased that AG Barr has heard our concerns and will be making changes that will help FCC Hazelton and FCI Gilmer slow the spread of COVID-19 in their facilities. I will continue to work with BOP officials, correctional officer representatives, and AG Barr to ensure this issue is managed correctly so no more West Virginians are put at risk.”

MANCHIN BILL ENSURES DANGER PAY FOR MARSHALS ABROAD

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) introduced the bipartisan Danger Pay for U.S. Marshals Act, a bill that makes U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) employees eligible for “danger pay” when serving abroad.

“Every day our U.S. Marshals put themselves in harm’s way to ensure our safety. Currently, U.S. Marshals are stationed in Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Columbia, all posts that would be eligible if Marshals qualified for danger pay. The Danger Pay for U.S. Marshals Act will ensure that those Marshals who are putting themselves at risk to secure our safety are compensated for their efforts. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass this commonsense legislation,” said Senator Manchin.

MANCHIN: NEXT COVID-19 RELIEF PACKAGE MUST HAVE COMMONSENSE, BIPARTISAN FIXES

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) sent a letter to Congressional leaders urging them to include commonsense, bipartisan fixes that help rural states like West Virginia in the next COVID-19 relief package. Senator Manchin’s letter includes West Virginia priorities such as dedicated rural hospital funding, support for small businesses, and widespread COVID-19 testing.

“Over the past few months, across the ideological spectrum, Members of Congress have put partisanship aside to provide the authority and funding this Administration deemed essential to the COVID-19 relief and recovery effort. This has resulted in over $2 trillion in new direct spending and unprecedented authority for the U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury), the Small Business Administration (SBA), the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and numerous other federal agencies and entities engaged in the response to this pandemic. Unfortunately, while there have been some success stories, I continue to hear from West Virginia families, small business owners, nonprofits, rural healthcare providers, Veterans, lenders, and front line workers who are not getting the help they desperately need now. As we look toward the future and the next COVID-19 aid package, I urge you to focus on the commonsense, bipartisan fixes we all know we need to make these programs work for Main Street, not Wall Street,” the Senator said in part.

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.

Montgomery
LOCATION: Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 708 First Street, Montgomery
HOURS: Monday, May 11, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

To make an appointment, call the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department’s COVID-19 hotline at 304-348-1088.


Institute
LOCATION: WV State Student Union parking lot, Washington Avenue, Institute
HOURS: Wednesday, May 13, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Day care workers are encouraged to make an appointment for testing, even if they don’t have symptoms.

Anyone with symptoms of the disease, including cough, fever, shortness of breath and gastrointestinal issues, are also encouraged to make an appointment. 

To make an appointment, call the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department’s COVID-19 hotline at 304-348-1088.

CONTACT US

Email: common_sense@manchin.senate.gov  

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