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Information is updated daily on: manchin.senate.gov/coronavirus

WORKING FOR YOU

MANCHIN URGES RESEARCH ON RISKS OF PFAS EXPOSURE AND CONTRACTING COVID-19

Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) led 19 Senators in urging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to conduct research on the potential effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure and COVID-19 infection.

The Senators said in part, “We write to express our concern about the potential risks that the novel coronavirus or “COVID-19” may pose for people who have been exposed to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). As our country continue to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, we urge you and the leadership of agencies within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to ensure that the connection between PFAS exposure and COVID-19 is thoroughly examined so that individuals in communities impacted by PFAS can take precautions that are guided by scientific evidence.”

The Senators requested answers to the following questions:

Does the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) or any other institute within NIH have plans to fund research to assess the interaction of PFAS exposure and COVID-19 and the COVID-19 risks for people who have been exposed to PFAS?
Are ATSDR, CDC, NIH and other agencies within HHS capable of leveraging data already being collected on PFAS exposure via the Pease PFAS study, the National Multi-Site PFAS Study, ATSDR’s PFAS Exposure Assessments or other ongoing studies within the agencies to examine the relationship between PFAS exposure and COVID-19? If so, are these agencies capable of conducting antibody or other serological tests on willing voluntary participants within the PFAS studies, in a way that is sensitive to patients’ rights, to further examine the intersection between exposure to these chemicals and COVID-19? If so, we strongly urge CDC to lead such a multi-agency analysis.
Do the agencies need additional resources to support research and surveillance of the interaction between PFAS exposure and COVID-19, beyond the funds provided thus far through FY 2020 appropriations and COVID-19 response legislation?
 
Read the full letter here.

 

MANCHIN STATEMENT ON GRAND OPENING OF FAIRMONT MEDICAL CENTER

Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) released the following statement on the grand opening of the Fairmont Medical Center (FMC) today.

“The closure of Fairmont Regional Medical Center (FRMC) in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic was a devastating loss for Fairmont and all of Marion County. For 80 years, FRMC served the community with its emergency room caring for 20,000 patients every year. West Virginia has lost four hospitals in the last year, making it clear there is a critical need for access to quality healthcare for West Virginians. The new Fairmont Medical Center will not replace all of those jobs lost, but will help provide those services and is progress for WVU Medicine and the Marion County community. As we continue to battle this global pandemic, I am confident that this medical center will provide vital services to countless families with its emergency department, inpatient beds, and laboratory services. FMC’s services are more essential than ever to ensure our communities have access to the reliable, quality healthcare they deserve, no matter where they live.”

 

TESTING

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


Click here to find a testing site near you. 

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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.

New testing event added:

HARRISVILLE

LOCATION: Ritchie Regional Health Care, 135 S. Penn Avenue, Harrisville
HOURS: July 10 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

· Insurance will be billed, bring card
· If no insurance, there is no cost to individual
· Do not have to be a patient of RRHC
· You will remain in your car

 

 

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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