Dear Friends,

Thank you to each and every resident complying with the Governor's order to stay at home and practicing social distancing. You are truly saving lives by doing this. Please know that getting outdoors is allowed, however please be sure to stay six feet away from people you do not live with.

My last few email newsletters have been filled with information about food distribution, critical services, and more. While this update does include additional resources such as those, it also includes examples of the many ways we are moving forward together with hope and ingenuity. #onlytogether

I've received numerous inquiries from individuals who are in a position to help others and am sharing several opportunities below. As always, please share this information widely.

 

The State of Maryland has approved child care locations across the state for essential workers. Learn more here. The State is paying for childcare for essential workers at approved locations. There are several approved locations in and near District 3, including Art Works Now and Joe's Movement Emporium, and home-based day cares such as Angela Bowldes. View that list, which is being updated daily, on the right-hand bar of  this website.

Prince George's County has opened a screening and testing site at FedExField. This site is primarily for Prince George's County residents who do not have a primary care doctor. Up to 100 residents can be screened and tested per day on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. You MUST have an appointment to be tested at the FedExField site. If you suspect you have COVID-19 and do not have or can not reach your primary care doctor, call the Prince George's County COVID-19 hotline at 301-883-6672. 

You will then be able to speak with a telehealth medical professional. If you meet the CDC testing guidelines you will receive an appointment number. Please click on the flyer to the left for a step-by-step guide to this screening site. Special thanks to the Maryland National Guard who were instrumental in setting up this location.

The Prince George's County Council met via remote session on Tuesday, March 31. That afternoon we were briefed on and voted to support the Prince George's County COVID-19 Business Relief Fund, $15 million to support grants and loans for Prince George's County businesses. Learn more about that initiative and how to apply on the Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation website. 

We also met as the Board of Health for a briefing on COVID-19. Watch that briefing here.

Employ Prince George's has launched a Prince George's County Hourly Employee COVID-19 Relief Fund. To apply, register at https://employpgedge.com/ then select "Apply for the Prince George's County Hourly Employee COVID-19 Relief Fund" and follow the prompts. The fund will provide $200 gift cards to assist hourly employees before federal unemployment insurance kicks in, and will prioritize hourly employees making $19/hour or less.

Rotary International has launched a volunteer initiative to assist elderly and other high-risk individuals in picking up groceries and prescription medication. If you need assistance, call their hotline at 240-781-6586 between 9am and 6pm daily.

If you are able to volunteer to support logistics, the call center, or pick-up/delivery, please sign up online. Rotarians and non-Rotarians are welcome and invited to support this effort. Special thanks to Rotary Club of College Park President Nomie Hamid for spearheading the effort in our region!  

Did you know? University of Maryland researchers are on the forefront of COVID-19 research, including mask production and sterlization.

Ways to Help

Donations to the Connect PGCPS Fund, established through the Excellence in Education Foundation for Prince George's County Public Schools, will go towards the purchase of digital devices for students and home internet access.

Mary's Center has created an Amazon Charity's List for those who are able to help to purchase urgently needed supplies for their under-resourced families including  diapers, baby formula, and other family essentials.

College Park Meals on Wheels needs additional kitchen volunteers to assist in preparing food for their 150 clients. Volunteers commit to working at least one day a week from 8am until 12pm.  Please contact Lynn Topp at  [email protected]. Their client load has increased significantly, your donation to College Park Meals on Wheels ensures a Prince George's County senior receives three healthy meals a day. Give online via Paypal to [email protected].

Employ Prince George's has launched the Prince George's County COVID-19 Hourly Employee Relief Fund to support hourly workers who have been laid off or had their hours reduced due to the pandemic. Additional donations will allow them to help even more residents. Support that fund

here.

Patronize our Prince George's County restaurants. Many District 3 restaurants are offering carry out and delivery.  The Hyattsville Wire and Experience Prince George's have great lists online.

Ensure our community receives the federal funding we deserve over the next decade by filling out the 2020 Census. Reply by phone today!  Call between 7am and 2am any day of the week to be counted by phone.

English: 844-330-2020

Spanish: 844-468-2020

For a listing of phone numbers for other languages click here.

Special thanks to the Greater Washington Community Foundation for their support of $650,000 to support Prince George's County nonprofits. They are accepting donations to their COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund.

Resources

Call the COVID-19 hotline at 301-883-6627 from 8 am until 8 pm or contact your physician for questions or concerns about the virus. Remember, 911 is for emergencies only.

With the exception of changing food resource locations, the resources listed in my previous COVID-19 Resource updates are still relevant. 

March 19 Update   English, Spanish

Together Strengthening Our Community,