The ÁùºÏ±¦µä Public Health Training Center’s #COVIDCrew has been delivering food, books and other supplies to families in isolation due to COVID since August. As the year comes to a close, funding is in jeopardy for the food delivery system. To address this need in the community, #COVIDCrew, part of the training center with the University of ÁùºÏ±¦µä, Reno’s School of Community Health Sciences , is launching its websites and . People can now pre-order the trademarked face coverings for $14.95, plus shipping, and proceeds go to a COVID Relief Fund to continue to help families safely isolate in their home. The websites also contain valuable public health information, including a section on myths related to COVID-19.
“Many families are experiencing financial hardship due to COVID,” Diana Sande, communications manager for #COVIDCrew, said. “They can’t afford to buy food and do not have someone who can bring them supplies. When families have the resources needed to safely isolate, this helps stop the spread.”
One of the objectives of the training center is to lower the number of cases in Washoe County. Through a collaboration with Hospitality Industry Partnerships (HIP), #COVIDCrew will buy the groceries for families from locally owned businesses and deliver them to private residences.
The ÁùºÏ±¦µä Public Health Training Center has also partnered with Delivering with Dignity, a nonprofit partner to identify individuals who need the program’s services. They have delivered more than 40,000 meals statewide. The center has also partnered with Spread the Word ÁùºÏ±¦µä to bring books to children while in isolation.
Follow the #COVIDCrew:
ÁùºÏ±¦µä the NVPHTC
The ÁùºÏ±¦µä Public Health Training Center is housed within the School of Community Health Sciences at the University of ÁùºÏ±¦µä, Reno. The NVPHTC amplifies the public health workforce through innovative research and skills-based education. By implementing a variety of training opportunities and prioritizing the needs of the public health workforce, the NVPHTC continues to address gaps and barriers within public health systems.
ÁùºÏ±¦µä HIP
Hospitality Industry Partnerships (HIP) is a non-profit organization providing food relief and basic need assistance to low income and unemployed hospitality and service industry workers. HIP was originally founded by a group of local individuals who came together to brainstorm a way to give back to the industry they love during COVID-19. HIP is currently seeking exemption under section 501(c)(3) as an organization providing relief to the poor and distressed. More information about this initiative can be found by visiting ÁùºÏ±¦µäHIP.com.
ÁùºÏ±¦µä Delivering with Dignity
Delivering with Dignity, supported by Lieutenant Governor Kate Marshall, the United Way of Northern ÁùºÏ±¦µä and the Sierra and local community partners launched in Reno-Sparks on May 4, 2020, as an emergency response to the healthcare and economic crisis created by the novel coronavirus to help the most vulnerable and isolated individuals. Through partnerships with locally-owned restaurants, leading nonprofit agencies, and private corporations, the program delivers meals directly to the doorsteps of residents, keeps dozens of restaurant staff employed.
ÁùºÏ±¦µä Spread the Word ÁùºÏ±¦µä
Spread the Word ÁùºÏ±¦µä, Inc., is a children’s literacy nonprofit, 501(c) (3) corporation, dedicated to advancing early childhood literacy by placing books into the hands and homes of children within ÁùºÏ±¦µä’s at-risk, low income communities. While developing a love of reading, these libraries promote future academic achievement and self-confidence, which impacts lifelong success. Since 2001, Spread the Word ÁùºÏ±¦µä has distributed more than 5.5 million gently used and new books to approximately 575,000 low-income youth in ÁùºÏ±¦µä. Please visit www.SpreadTheWordÁùºÏ±¦µä.org to learn more about program details or call at 702-564-7809. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
