LANSING, MI -- State officials have launched a website seeking volunteers to help address the COVID-19 issue.

Through the website, www.michigan.gov/fightcovid19, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services are seeking both medical professionals and civilians to help combat the contagion.

Medical professionals are encouraged to register to help hospitals. Others may use the site to find out how they can help in their local communities, give blood, donate money or medical supplies, or assist public health officials in tracking infections.

“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,” Whitmer said. “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.”

This website is to serve as a single clearinghouse for Michiganders to join efforts opposing COVID-19′s spread. The state will work with hospitals and health systems that are short-staffed to fill gaps if necessary.

Residents with a background in public health, health care fields, or community organizing may assist with contact tracing. Contact tracing involves speaking with COVID-19-positive patients to determine the people they have interacted with and locations they have visited in the days prior to becoming infected.

“The time is now to save lives,” said Robert Gordon, director of MDHHS. “Doctors, nurses, medical assistants – please volunteer where we need you most. You can save lives. Michiganders in good health who want to serve seniors who are alone – safely, from a distance – please volunteer. You can save lives, too. If you’re ready to use your cell phone to trace infections to their source, please volunteer. You can save lives, too. Visit www.michigan.gov/fightcovid19.”

Buttons on the website allow users to link to volunteer opportunities in their community, donate needed items, or give blood. The Michigan Community Service Commission within the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity is a partner in the website as the state’s expert at using service as a strategy to address the state’s most pressing issues and empowering volunteers to strengthen communities.

The American Red Cross is also partnering with the state on the new site. As the demand for blood remains high during the pandemic, Whitmer and the Red Cross are encouraging eligible, healthy donors to visit RedCrossBlood.org and schedule an appointment to give in the days and weeks ahead. The Red Cross has implemented COVID-19 mitigation measures at blood drives.

Information around COVID-19 outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

CORONAVIRUS PREVENTION TIPS

In addition to washing hands regularly and not touching your face, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone may be carrying the virus. Health officials say you should be staying at least 6 feet away from others and working from home, if possible. Carry hand sanitizer with you, and use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home ( door handles, faucets, countertops ) and when you go into places like stores.

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