Volunteer drivers continue to provide rides to appointments following safety protocols from health and government officials. Families and volunteer drivers perform a self-assessment prior to the rides and generously use hand sanitizer before entering the vehicle. Staff and visitors complete a self-assessment and temperature check upon arrival at the building. Staff who are able to work remotely continue to do so. 

The office is closed and staff are working remotely. Volunteer drivers may pick up supplies by appointment during designated times.

First, area clinic staff are determining which appointments are absolutely critical and which can be rescheduled without harm to the patient so we expect to see a slight decline in rides requested. 

Children under 4 years of age are always considered vulnerable and critical as are pregnant women. At this point, appointments for those populations continue automatically as do requests for rides to them. 

Second, our drivers were informed that they may take a break from driving if that is in their best interest. If at any point a driver does not feel comfortable doing a drive, they may cancel so another driver may be found.

Drivers and family members are instructed to check their temperatures prior to the ride.  If a fever is present, the ride is cancelled or a new driver is found. Drivers are also instructed to wipe down their cars with bleach wipes after each ride and to use supplied face masks and gloves as they feel comfortable.

Third, while rides to medical care are our top priority, we recognize the importance of access to healthy meals. Many families rely on the breakfasts and lunches offered at school. Now that schools are closed, it is critical to make sure these families have enough to eat. 

Given that, The Davies Project has partnered with the Lansing School District to distribute food to families, with volunteer drivers following CDC guidelines.

Fourth, volunteers who choose not to drive may choose instead to serve as COVID-19 Crisis Buddies during this time of social distancing. This involves checking in with families weekly by phone or text to break through the inevitable isolation they are experiencing. This friendly community connection provides continued hope and a sense of support. 

It is sobering to realize how much harder this crisis must be on families with limited resources–and a sick child to boot. We are so thankful to the wonderful volunteers and supporters who value and support our work with these families.

Likewise, we are grateful for the many unsung heroes working so hard to serve our community:

• First responders
• Health care providers
• Grocery and pharmacy store staff
• Delivery workers
• Custodial and cleaning people and 
• Others whose important roles we may not have yet realized 

Families with a child in health crisis are very familiar with the feelings of uncertainty, anxiety, and not being able to plan beyond now. In times like these, having a connection to community is so important. So, here is one for you. More-Than-Just-An-Intern Ruth put together this video

Let this new spring(?) season be a time when we grow together, ever stronger because of this wonderful community we share.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

Be well!

Pam

P.S. Gratitude and appreciation are contagious, so let’s make sure these qualities are passed on in far greater quantity than COVID-19!

Area clinic staff are determining which appointments are critical and which could be rescheduled. For the safety of our community, as few appointments will be held as possible. Children under 4 years of age are always considered vulnerable and critical as are pregnant women so at this point, those appointments continue.

At this point, the number of rides for appointments has not changed very much.

While rides to medical care will remain our top priority, we recognize that access to healthy meals and support for mental health are also important to children’s health.

Volunteer drivers have been offered the options of helping distribute food for the Lansing School District. Many families rely on the breakfasts and lunches offered at school. Now that schools are closed, it is critical to make sure these families have enough to eat. 

Volunteers may also serve as a family buddy during this time of social distancing. This involves checking in with families weekly by phone or text to be neighborly and a friendly connection to community. 

We are so thankful to the wonderful volunteers and supporters who want to do whatever they can to help children be healthy.

Additionally, there are so many unsung heroes working to serve our community – first responders, health care providers, grocery and pharmacy store staff, delivery workers, custodial and cleaning people – and others we may not have yet realized their important roles.

We are stronger together.

Gratitude and Appreciation are contagious – pass them on!

In the mean time, a few reminders and resources:

• Stay home if you are sick, and advise others to do the same.
• Always cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue or sleeve.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and warm water are not available.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces (computers, keyboards, desks, etc.).

› CDC COVID-19 information
› Lansing School District meal information
› Talking to children about COVID-19
› Translated materials about COVID-19
› Unemployment assistance in MI
› Guide to applying for unemployment assistance
› CAUW Emergency Funds
› Income Tax Information
› Ingham Health Plan – For residents who may not qualify for Medicaid

At The Davies Project, our mission to promote health includes doing what we can to minimize the risk of potentially spreading disease. As a result, we are constantly monitoring the COVID-19, Coronavirus, situation and want you to know we are committed to following the guidance and expertise of health officials so that we can ensure the well-being of our families, volunteers and staff. 

Since many of the children we serve are in fragile health, our volunteer drivers have received guidance about how to best care for them and, at all times, travel with a bag of supplies that can help reduce the spread of disease. We reviewed this information with them again today.

Additionally, the protocol we use includes steps to follow should volunteers or family members exhibit cold or flu-like symptoms ahead of a ride. When we encounter these situations, appropriate alternatives are implemented as needed.

Some events have also been cancelled including the volunteer driver coffees in March and April. The East Neighborhood Organization’s Souper fundraiser on March 21st has been postponed until further notice.

To the best of our ability, and despite today’s challenging circumstances, we will continue taking proactive steps to ensure that the children who rely on The Davies Project have transportation to all critical medical appointments. We strive to do this without compromising the health of the children we serve, their families or our wonderful team of volunteer drivers.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

Be well!

Pam