I know I speak for all of us at the CA Health Center when I say, we miss you! And we very much hope that this entry finds you and your family feeling healthy.
It feels like a very long time since we were last at the Health Center saying goodbyes to each of you before the March break. Since that week, Eve and I have been called to volunteer as public health nurses to do what we can in this very scary and serious Covid-19 pandemic.
When global health crises like this occur, it is easy for each of us to feel lost, out of touch, and without a sense of purpose. Actually, there are many things we can do to help. We ask that each of you consider one way to step forward to help your family, help a friend, or help within your community. Here are only a few of the many volunteer opportunities for you to consider.
Right now there is a serious and urgent need for blood and plasma donations. By using the Red Cross website, you can easily create an account and then sign up to donate at a local blood drive:
https://www.redcrossblood.org/
Criteria for Blood Donation:
- Be in good general health and feeling well.
- Be at least 17 years old in most states (16 years old with parental consent in some states).
- Weigh at least 110 lbs. Additional height and weight requirements apply for donors 18 years old and younger and all high school student donors.
- Have not donated blood in the last 56 days.
Another opportunity for helping out and a great way to use your creativity is to join JOANN Fabrics’ call for help to sew face masks. As many of you know, we are in desperate need of PPE (personal protective equipment) for all health care workers, support staff, and patients. As the CDC notes, homemade face masks do not protect against Covid-19 but may be used as a last resort and are thought to be helpful for patients who have may have symptoms of respiratory infection and family members of the infected to use, thereby leaving the limited supply of N95 masks for the health care professionals’ use. JOANN Fabrics is providing these kits for free; simply call your local store for pickup instructions.
Lastly, reaching out to an elderly family member, neighbor, or perhaps someone who you know who is living alone and separated by long distances from their loved ones is a very helpful gesture.
- Video chat with a senior once a week.
- Volunteer to do spring yard cleanup.
- Pick up and deliver groceries or medications from the pharmacy.
- Check a local volunteer website for other opportunities in your area, similar to this one: https://www.bostoncares.org/covid-19
Let us come together in these next few weeks to show how strong the CA community is by offering our time, volunteering our skills, or donating our blood or plasma. In times of crisis, community is essential. Even though our direct contact is now limited, we are so strong, we are generous, and we can help. Stay healthy and please continue to adhere to the quarantine guidelines.