Many face the risk of COVID-19 to help others

By Lee Watson

As the country experiences the public health crisis that is COVID-19, also known as coronavirus, tens of thousands of health care professionals, essential employees, and volunteers are working diligently to aid their fellow humans in their time of need.

As the government starts to acclimate this pandemic and respond to the needs of the people, it is the people who are rising to the occasion. The medical professionals who are working countless hours on the front lines, the food service and sanitation workers, grocery store staff, and truck drivers are just a few occupations that are put themselves at risk to support our ability to endure this crisis.

Some volunteers are donating blood, delivering food and supplies, checking on their neighbors, and watching the children of “essential” workers, potentially compromising their health by being helpful and interacting with those who may have been exposed to the virus. All of these people are making sacrifices to help and support others. They do this despite not having proper personal protection equipment in most cases. (In many cases, they do this without proper personal protection equipment.)

The state of Michigan launched a website, www.michigan.gov/fightcovid19, where people can go to donate blood, money, and supplies to the fight against coronavirus in their local communities. Medical professionals can also use the website to sign up to assist hospitals in patient care. The site also helps public health officials in tracking and documenting coronavirus cases.

“We’ve seen an incredible amount of strength and courage of Michiganders during this time of uncertainty, whether it’s from communities donating food, money, and resources to those that need it or from businesses using their technology to manufacture personal protective equipment,” said Michigan Governor Whitmer. “To bend the curve and slow the spread of COVID-19 in our state, we must all work together as Michiganders. Whether you’re a medical professional looking to volunteer, or someone who can give blood or donate to your local food bank, everyone can help out. We will get through this together.”

Lee Watson is manager of Public Relations for Authority Health.