March 31, 2020
Many of you are wondering what you can do to help others during the pandemic. I have attached a list of ways that you can help our health care workers during this time. The list came from our Bishop this morning.

Bishop Palmer also said that we should know at the latest by May 1 whether our Annual Conference at Lakeside (scheduled for the first week of June) will be cancelled or postponed. 

I pray you all have a blessed day!
Pastor Mary

Ways that you can help our health care workers:
We are fortunate to live in a state with multiple health systems, many county seat hospitals and urgent care centers. During this difficult time, many West Ohioans have asked how they can assist our healthcare workers. The West Ohio staff has been in contact with many hospital systems across our conference. Here are ways you can help.

1. Prayers—Never underestimate the power of prayer. If you know a healthcare provider, send them a text or email to let them know you are praying for them. Knowing you are supported while leading through unprecedented times makes a difference.
2. Recognize healthcare workers. Many systems provide a way to do that through their webpage.
3. Provide needed supplies. The below list is organized geographically. See what your hospital system is requesting and how it can be donated.
4. Many hospital systems are accepting handmade masks. Please consult each hospital system listed below, as some are requesting specific patterns. Each site will also specify how donations are to be made.

Mercy Hospital System
https://blog.mercy.com/coronavirus-covid-19-donation-supplies/?_ga=2.109
Mercy Health has 23 hospitals in Toledo, Lima, Springfield and Cincinnati. This information is inclusive across all of their sites.

1. Accepting donations of goggles, face shields, masks, latex gloves, Tyvek suits
2. Though standard issue masks are still the best way, they are accepting handmade mask donations which will be evaluated before being issued.
   1. Instructions: 
      https://blog.mercy.com/coronavirus-covid-19-donation-supplies/?_ga=2.109...
3. To donate, please follow the guidelines below
   1. Email: aprush@bshsi.org with subject line: Donation
   2. Phone: 888-383-8000
   3. Do not bring donations directly to facilities

Promedica
https://www.promedica.org/Pages/COVID-19.aspx

1. Blood donations are needed. Contact the Red Cross at 1-800-Red-Cross or www.redcrossblood.org

They are inviting volunteers to sew face masks. For instructions on how to make masks and how to donate them, go to:
https://promedicahealthconnect.org/news-and-community/help-the-shortage-...