Column by State Rep. Annette Glenn

For the past month, the coronavirus pandemic has taken center stage in all our lives, especially here in Michigan, where we have more cases of the virus than almost anywhere else in America. From schools switching to distance learning, many of our favorite places temporarily closing, or the heartbreak of remaining distant from our loved ones, there’s no question coronavirus has affected each one of us.

The challenge, medically and economically, isn’t over. I’m working with Gov. Whitmer and fellow legislators to get Michiganders back to work as safely and as soon as possible. In the meantime, there are so many people in Midland and Bay counties who’ve stepped up to become heroes in helping our communities. From our healthcare workers, first responders, grocery clerks, teachers, parents, and food service employees, a lot of people deserve special recognition.

I was especially touched by the story of Joy Kohlhoff, a courageous Midland nurse whose sense of compassion and duty compelled her to leave her family and the relatively safety of Midland to travel to New York City, where she’s working 12-hour shifts helping others at obvious risk to herself. Please join me in praying for Joy, her safety, and her family until she returns home to us.

From the bottom of my heart, I’m grateful and proud of Joy and each and every person who’s stepped up. We see all of you, and you are each so appreciated!

As we continue to weather this storm together, I urge residents to remain vigilant and continue praying. I know how challenging the past month has been. All our lives have been impacted, either from being ill, losing a loved one, working long hours in high risk jobs or dealing with the mental health struggles of social isolation.

Reach out to your loved ones, support a local business, go outside and take a walk, enjoy some fresh air. Things haven’t been easy, but we will get back to normal.

I also want to share some local resources available to you:

• Midland Community Foundation emergency aid: Many local organizations are working in collaboration with the Midland Community Foundation to offer relief to struggling nonprofits, small businesses, and individuals. To learn more about specific grant opportunities, visit www.midlandfoundation.org/apply/, email [email protected], or call 989-839-9661.

• United Way of Bay County emergency support: The United Way of Bay County has a COVID-19 Emergency Fund for individuals who need financial assistance. To apply, visit www.unitedwaybaycounty.org/coronavirus-assistance/.

• Food assistance for seniors: Senior Services in Midland is a place senior citizens can turn to for assistance and food. The Meals on Wheels program makes deliveries on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Curbside meal pick-up is available at the Trailside, Sanford, and Coleman senior centers. For more information, call 989-633-3789 or visit www.seniorservicesmidland.org/covid-19-information-prevention/.

• Food assistance for youth: Schools and community sponsors are offering meals to children while school is out. For more information: www.mcgi.state.mi.us/schoolnutrition/.

• Food assistance for families: There are other resources to help you and your family. For more information, check out www.michigan.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=3f6cd37271764ed086329491732a7d2a, or www.baycounty-mi.gov/docs/health/bay%20county%20food%20resources.pdf.

• Midland’s Open Door: This local organization helps homeless and hungry people while also sharing the gospel of Christ. For those in need of food, shelter, or clothing, call 989-835-2291.

• Educational resources: Great Lakes Bay Region is offering virtual learning opportunities while school is closed. Learn more at www.greatlakesbay.com/virtual-resources/.

• Drive up COVID-19 testing: More and more drive up testing centers are being made available to Michigan residents. Great Lakes Bay Health Centers have set up drive through sites offering sampling collection for COVID19 testing to people living in the area.

o In Bay City, Bayside Community Health Center, located at 3884 Monitor Rd. is offering testing Monday – Friday from Noon-4 p.m. or until testing supplies run out each day. For more information, call 989-280-0725.

o In Saginaw, the David R. Gamez Community Health Center, located at 501 Lapeer Ave., is offering testing Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. –3 p.m. or until supplies run out each day. For more information, call 989-293-3492.

o You must have a paper lab order from your doctor or health care provider for “COVID -19 testing” to do the drive-in testing. For more information, visit www.greatlakesbayhealthcenters.org/.

• Energy assistance: The State of Michigan and local energy companies have put new consumer protections in place for utility and telecommunications customers, particularly individuals with low income, seniors, or those impacted by COVID-19. To learn more, call your local utility provider or visit the Department of Health and Human Services website at www.michigan.gov/mdhhs. You can also visit www.consumersenergy.com/residential/programs-and-services/payment-assistance for more information.

For more resources, call the COVID-19 Hotline at 888-535-6136 seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., email [email protected], or visit www.michigan.gov/coronavirus/. You can also call 2-1-1 or visit www.211nemichigan.org/covid-19.html for more local resources, including mental health help.

Again, I thank all those who have stepped up during this challenge. I’m so proud to represent the people of Bay and Midland counties as they continue to seek answers and solutions every day. I have complete confidence we’ll get through these difficult times together, one step at a time.

Rep. Glenn and her staff are working remotely during the pandemic and encourage residents to reach out with any questions or concerns at 517-373-1791 or [email protected].