Masks for Heroes and other ways to Help

Dear Friends & Neighbors,

The coronavirus outbreak has upended daily life in our communities and across the globe. These difficult times have demanded sacrifice to slow the spread of this virus. But even during this public health emergency – when lives have been disrupted in so many different ways – Connecticut residents have readily stepped forward to help.

One example is Masks for Heroes, which began as a grassroots effort and is now coordinated by the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven. The group has purchased and delivered more than 650,000 surgical type masks throughout the state. During recent weeks I’ve had the opportunity to help Masks for Heroes distribute much needed personal protective equipment (PPE) to frontline workers across North Central Connecticut. To date, I have personally delivered more than 5,000 masks to area nursing homes, assisted living facilities, first responders and frontline workers – and the work continues.  For more information about the effort visit jewishnewhaven.org/masksforheroes.

Another successful effort has been organized by the Department of Public Health and United Way 2-1-1 to secure PPE and medical supplies for hospitals and healthcare providers. Needed items include N95 respirators, face shields, surgical gowns and gloves. An online form to make an equipment donation is available at portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus/Pages/Request-for-Personal-Protective-Equipment.

Many residents have also answered the call by the State of Connecticut for medical and non-medical volunteers. Retired nurses and those with medical backgrounds have readily offered their time and expertise to help our hospitals despite risks to their own health. Many others have volunteered to help our food banks and social services. For more information or to sign up, visit: portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus/Information-For/Volunteers.

These are just a few ways to help our fellow Connecticut residents deal with the coronavirus outbreak. But perhaps the most important way you can help during this public health emergency is to take good care of yourself and your family – stay healthy – and also check in with your neighbors, especially if they’re elderly or have health problems. Thank you to everyone who has made someone else’s life even a little bit easier over the past several weeks. This has been a very difficult time for many, and it is sometimes hard to remember that this situation is temporary.  Please let me know if I may ever be of assistance.

Sincerely,

Tami Zawistowski

State Representative – 61^st District (Suffield, East Granby, Windsor)