Michigan’s healthcare systems have been hit hard by the Covid-19 crisis, especially those in the metro-Detroit area. So Governor Gretchen Whitmer is calling on medical professionals and everyday citizens to volunteer their talents and time to assist hospitals in fighting COVID-19.
Governor Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services launched a new volunteer website where trained medical professionals can sign up and find out how to help their local communities.
The state is encouraging people to give blood, donate money or needed medical supplies, or assist public health officials in tracking infections. People from other states can register as well.
In a statement to the press, Whitmer says that people in Michigan have already been stepping up to help in many ways, but there’s still more help needed.
“Whether you’re a medical professional looking to volunteer, or someone who can give blood or donate to your local food bank, everyone can help out. We will get through this together,” Whitmer said in a statement.
More from Whitmer:
We’ve seen an incredible amount of strength and courage of Michiganders during this time of uncertainty, whether it’s from communities donating food, money, and resources to those that need it or from businesses using their technology to manufacture personal protective equipment. To bend the curve and slow the spread of COVID-19 in our state, we must all work together as Michiganders.
The state says it will work with hospitals and healthcare systems when necessary to fill gaps.
Robert Gordon, Director of MDHHS, says the time to save lives in right now.
“Doctors, nurses, medical assistants – please volunteer where we need you most. You can save lives. Michiganders in good health who want to serve seniors who are alone – safely, from a distance – please volunteer. You can save lives, too,” Gordon said in a statement.
