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.

The frontline heroes at the Wayne Nursing and Rehabilitation Center were nominated as Better Angels for their diligence and professionalism during this pandemic. In the initial outbreak at the beginning of April, Wayne Nursing and Rehab procured enough testing kits to test all employees and all patients for the virus. Sadly, nine patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19 passed away. But by June, with strong leadership and determination to eradicate COVID-19 from the facility, the last patient with a diagnosis had recovered for a total of 77 recoveries.

In addition to the Wayne Nursing and Rehabilitation team, the Wayne County community truly came together during this crisis and I’m proud to recognize their efforts as well. From donations of food and masks, to cards and signs showing their support to patients and their families and to healthcare professionals, you made it clear you are all truly WV Strong.

WORKING FOR YOU

MANCHIN HOSTS VIRTUAL FEEDBACK SESSION ON UPCOMING COVID-19 RELIEF PACKAGE

Charleston, WV – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) hosted a virtual feedback session with various groups from across West Virginia to provide feedback on the COVID-19 pandemic relief packages and future funding priorities. Senator Manchin was joined by over 40 West Virginia organizations and more than 500 community leaders, state legislators, and West Virginians.

“Today’s feedback session with leaders from across West Virginia gave me important insight into the issues businesses and organizations across our state are dealing with every day as the COVID-19 pandemic rages on. In the days since we announced the session, I have also heard directly from West Virginians about how we can better utilize and direct future COVID-19 funding, and I truly appreciate the input. We discussed unemployment, PPE shortages, supporting healthcare providers, and many more issues that are affecting West Virginians across the state,” said Senator Manchin. “As the Senate returns to work on an additional COVID-19 funding package, I will continue listening to those who are being hit hard by this global health crisis and are taking the brunt of the economic pressure. I will bring this feedback to Washington to help guide myself and my colleagues as we work to help every American and West Virginian through the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Watch the feedback session here.

TRUMP ADMINISTRATION TO SUPPORT WEST VIRGINIA MEDIA OUTLETS FOLLOWING MANCHIN URGING

Charleston, WV – After urging from U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), the Trump Administration outlined plans to work with local media organizations to place COVID-19 public service announcements (PSA) across the United States.

In April, Senator Manchin led his bipartisan colleagues in calling on the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to work with other federal agencies during the COVID-19 pandemic to support local media organizations, which rely on ad revenue from local businesses to operate. The response letter from U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Michael Caputo agreed with Senator Manchin’s assessment of the needs of local media and many of his suggestions to assist local media while increasing COVID-19 PSAs in local media markets.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has hit hard for many of our local media organizations – the most trusted source of the news for many West Virginians. In April, I led a bipartisan group of my Senate colleagues in pushing the Trump Administration to support local media organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic through use of existing federal dollars intended for advertising,” said Senator Manchin. “This week I received a response to my letter from HHS Secretary Michael Caputo, which provided information on the Administration’s future plans to work with local media groups to place PSAs relating to COVID-19. This won’t cost any extra federal funding, but it will be a lifeline for local media across West Virginia. I am pleased by their commitment to support local media organizations and will continue to work with HHS, OMB, and the Administration to help West Virginia’s local media receive the support they need during this pandemic.”

MANCHIN URGES REVERSAL OF COVID-19 HOSPITAL DATA COLLECTION AND REPORTING CHANGES

Charleston, WV – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today urged the Trump Administration to reverse recent changes to require hospitals to report data to a new system set up by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) instead of the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) which is run by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The Senators said in part, “We write today to urge you to withdraw your confusing and harmful changes to hospital reporting requirements for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). In the midst of a global pandemic, these changes pose serious challenges to the nation’s response by increasing the data management burden for hospitals, potentially delaying critical supply shipments, compromising access to key data for many states, and reducing transparency for the public.”

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.

RANSON
LOCATION: Ranson Civic Center, 432 W. 2nd Avenue, Ranson, WV
HOURS: July 18, 7 a.m. - 3 p.m.

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.

The testing is free and available to all residents in selected counties, including asymptomatic individuals.

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.

SBIR-STTR Bootcamp - Online

Event to be held Tuesday, July 21, 2020 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM (EDT)

Join to learn more about the federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, which are a source of non-dilutive, early-stage funding for small businesses and researchers.

Find out what is involved in developing a concept, identifying opportunities, preparing to write an SBIR-STTR grant, best practices for successful applications and how to navigate the registration process.

Click here to learn more and register.

 

West Virginia CARES Act Small Business Grant Program

This program grants up to $5,000 to West Virginia small businesses that have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Click here to learn more about eligibility and the application process.

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

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