Update from U.S. Surgeon General

$10.3 Million For West Virginia

Today, the U.S. Economic Development Administration awarded $10.3 million to the West Virginia Economic Development Authority for small businesses across the state.

The CARES Act provided a lifeline to small businesses with forgivable loans through the Paycheck Protection Program and other resources. This investment is vital in helping West Virginia small businesses rebuild and recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Small businesses are the heart of our communities and their success is essential to our economic growth.

Click here for more information.

Earlier this week, I hosted a meeting with the U.S. Surgeon General and West Virginia public health officials.

The Surgeon General provided us with an update on COVID19 vaccine development and on the continued efforts to address the opioid epidemic.

3-Digit Suicide Hotline Awaiting President Trump's Signature

The House passed the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act and it's currently on the way to President Trump's desk to be signed into law.

When a veteran or anyone else is struggling with thoughts of suicide or having any mental health crisis, the last thing they are thinking about is looking up a number to call. Establishing the 3-digit hotline is a simple step that will help save lives.

I have long advocated for a three-digit suicide prevention hotline for several years after hearing about the concept in roundtable meetings with veterans. Since then I have pushed the issue, working with other members, the FCC, and sponsored legislation.

To learn more on the 3-digit suicide hotline, click here.

Strengthening America's National Stockpile Passed the House

The Strengthening America's National Stockpile Act, a bill I cosponsored passed out of the House! Our bill would reduce America’s dependence on foreign nations for critical medical supplies, update to the Strategic National Stockpile, and work to bring manufacturing of medical supplies back to America.

The shortages of PPE and other medical supplies caused by the COVID-19 pandemic exposed a glaring weakness in our supply chain. Simply put we are too reliant on foreign nations for vital medical supplies. Improving the Strategic National Stockpile and working to bring manufacturing of PPE and other supplies back to America will help make sure we are equipped to face these challenges in the future.

Click here, to read more.

Free COVID19 Testing

The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources offers free COVID-19 testing in counties located near you.

Taylor County
September 28
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
First Baptist Church of Grafton
2034 Webster Pike (US Rt 119 S)
Grafton, WV

Monongalia County
September 30
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
West Virginia University
Student Recreation Center
2001 Rec Center Drive
Morgantown, WV

Marion County
October 1
12:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Marion County Health Department
300 Second Street
Fairmont, WV

For more information on upcoming testing locations, click here.

West Virginia Strong - The Comeback Plan

Over fourteen thousand COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in West Virginia as of today. The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources established a toll-free hotline for questions from the public and medical providers concerning the pandemic. The department also has a website with the most up-to-date information regarding the confirmed and pending cases.

In May, Governor Jim Justice announced his plan for reopening the economy. Reopening will not happen suddenly, but with time. We should be able to open in a safe and cautious manner as long as we continue to follow the social distancing guidelines.

The STAY-AT-HOME order was lifted on Sunday, May 3rd and a SAFER-AT-HOME was put in place on Monday, May 4th.

In July, Governor Jim Justice announced starting on Tuesday, July 7, West Virginia will have an indoor face covering requirement in all public indoor places where social distancing cannot be maintained. Do your part to slow the spread and keep each other safe.

West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources
Toll-Free Hotline 24/7
1- 800 - 887- 4304

More information on the indoor face covering requirement, click here.
More Information, click here.
Click here for the COVID19 West Virginia website.

CDC Recommendations

We encourage everyone to follow the CDC recommendations on how to help protect yourself and others.

Take these steps to protect yourself:

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, which the chorus to Country Roads lasts about that long.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% of alcohol.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in the community.
Wear a cloth face covering in public settings.

Take these steps to protect others:

Stay home if you are except to receive medical care.
Cover coughs and sneezes with tissues and throw away the tissue.
Clean and disinfect touched surface areas daily.

For more updated information from the CDC click here.

Other Helpful Resources

Economic Direct Payment FAQ

Unemployment Benefits for West Virginians

Assistance for Small Business Owners

Veterans Information on COVID-19

Meal Pick-Up Sites for Children

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