Local Mask Makers Fill Critical Need
SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - As COVID-19 continues to spread, essential workers are facing a dwindling supply of protective masks. So, volunteers from around the region have stepped up to fill the need, sewing and donating thousands of masks.
Jodi Groves, a member of the Golden Valley Quilt Guild, made more than 50 masks, enough for each employee at the Front Street Animal Shelter to have two each. Groves said that the employees at the animal shelter are not considered safety workers, so they are not offered any protective gear. “But they’re still out there,” said Groves, “taking care of the animals.”
Groves said other members of the Guild are making masks for staff at hospice, the VA, and Mercy San Juan. “When someone reaches out, we’re on it,” said Groves. “Quilters are known for being very giving people. One of us will take it on.”
Tayva Singer, owner of Cali Quilt Co at 7900 Winding Way in Fair Oaks, wanted to do something to help during the pandemic. So, each day for weeks Singer set out more than 100 kits of fabric and elastic so people could make masks at home. She estimates that well over 1,000 masks were created from the kits.
“There’s a need, and we had the fabric,” said Singer. “We all need to chip in. We all need to help each other.”
Anytime a doctor or nurse reached out, Singer gave them enough kits for themselves and for others on their staff. And she was moved by the amount of people who wanted kits so they could donate the masks to local healthcare workers: “The generosity is overwhelming.”
Singer was happy to help her community in this time of need, and she never even considered selling the kits: “We don’t want to profit off hardship.”
“People don’t feel safe right now,” said Singer. In the face of all that fear, she said it feels good to be able to do something that can help people feel a little safer.
The Folsom Mask Makers group was launched in mid-March, and volunteers have already made and donated thousands of masks throughout the greater Sacramento area. Karla Burgess, an intensive care unit (ICU) registered nurse (RN), is managing the group, coordinating volunteers from Sacramento, Placer, and El Dorado counties. In addition to sewing the masks, members are also picking up materials, washing and ironing the fabric, preparing sewing kits, and delivering the finished masks. The masks are donated to local hospitals, medical centers, and other healthcare workers on the frontline of this crisis. Some masks are donated to community members as well since guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now recommend everyone wear a mask when out in public.
The shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers is so critical that the Folsom Mask Makers created a subgroup focused solely on making N95 ICU cover masks for local Sacramento area hospitals. Karen Pizzo McConnell, costume design and seamstress at El Dorado Musical Theatre, is coordinating the volunteers working on the N95 cover masks approved for donation to ICUs at Mercy San Juan Hospital.
With her sewing experience, McConnell said she was “the resident [sewing] expert answering questions all day on the group site. When Mercy San Juan asked for a mask that required a more experienced hand, we realized we needed a second group dedicated to [N95 mask covers].” Hundreds have already been delivered to Mercy, filling that critical need for those who spend their days caring for others.
“Each of us are trying to keep up with the needs of family and an ever-dwindling supply,” said McConnell, “but we will produce until the need is longer there.”
Volunteers with Folsom Mask Makers understand the need for these masks since many of them are healthcare providers, already working long shifts to care for patients. They spend their free time volunteering to make masks because they know firsthand that these masks are what keeps them and their coworkers safe and healthy so they can keep doing their jobs.
The group needs more volunteers and donations of elastic and 100% cotton fabric. For more information, visit the Folsom Mask Makers Facebook page.
MATHER, CA (MPG) – The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District (Metro Fire or the District) will deploy the first Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH) unit in the Sacramento region as part of a collaborative effort to combat COVID-19 in our community. Up to six units are planned for the area with Metro Fire, the Sacramento Fire Department (SFD), and Cosumnes Fire Department (CSD Fire) each facilitating two units. This partnership includes the Hospital Council of Northern and Central California and Sacramento County Public Health in additional to the regional fire agencies.
This first unit placed in service by Metro Fire will be staffed by a Fire Captain who is also a licensed Physician Assistant (PA) and a Firefighter/Paramedic. It will serve as an extension of the department of public health to assist in the broader response to the COVID 19 pandemic. With a focus on identifying at risk individuals and communities it will provide resources, testing, and provide basic medical support to citizens who might not otherwise be able to access appropriate healthcare.
Although MIH units will look no different than a regular fire service ambulance, it will also include additional medical equipment to meet the advanced level of care a PA is able to provide in the community. The MIH program is designed to integrate within the 9-1-1 system and broader healthcare community to provide post-discharge follow up for patients following their hospitalization and to address the needs of our at risk citizens who lack access to resources.
Emergency service delivery is Metro Fire’s number one priority. The launch of MIH after years of planning, with a focus on response to COVID-19 within the Sacramento Region, shows our commitment to the community we serve, the collaboration between local fire departments and emergency medical services providers, and public health agencies in Sacramento County.
MATHER, CA (MPG) - The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District (Metro Fire or the District) was notified that a member tested positive for COVID-19. This employee was a member of a team that provided care to a patient who had called 911 and was transported to a local emergency department for further treatment.
Metro Fire was notified a few days after the request for service that the patient tested positive for COVID-19. Subsequently our employee who had already been placed off work due to developing symptoms was tested, leading to the positive test result received. This chain of events occurred within the last week.
Once aware, Metro Fire notified all other personnel who worked with the employee. We are following all guidelines issued by Sacramento County Public Health, including monitoring all potentially exposed employees for symptoms and maintaining facility cleanliness.
We remain committed to our mission of providing emergency service delivery throughout our jurisdiction. Our most valuable resource are our employees, including our first responders in the field and the professional staff who supports them with logistical, financial, fleet maintenance, and other essential services critical to emergency response. It is imperative that our entire staff remains healthy. To reduce exposures we have established procedures to maintain social distancing when feasible in the work environment, alternative work locations and hours, and increased cleaning at all our facilities.
Currently, even with the recent positive COVID-19 test, we remain fully staffed and all essential services are uninterrupted. Our Community Risk Reduction Division (commonly known as fire prevention) is operational for new construction inspections and plan review services. Fire Inspectors will continue to work via phone, email, or through teleconference. If you have any questions, please contact our main office at (916) 859-4300.
The most up to date information about COVID-19 is available on our website at www.metrofire.ca.gov/covid-19 by following the links to the Sacramento County COVID-19 webpage.
For further information and details, please contact Captain Chris Vestal at (916) 616-2430.
First Responders Give All
SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District honors the sacrifices of its first responders who put their lives and health at risk in order to maintain safe communities. In earnest appreciation of this, on March 11, 2020, the Fire District took some moments to remember fallen firefighters and Fire Captain Jim “Peet” Peterson to dedicate Fire Station 65 in his name.
Peterson, who was born in December 12, 1962, lived his life in the Sacramento area and left a strong legacy both in the community at large and the Sac Metro Fire family. “We are here to provide a constant memorial,” said Fire Chief Todd Harms referring to, “the significance of fallen firefighters [which] cannot be minimized,” as he addressed a gathering of uniformed personnel, family and friends.
Beginning in 1983, “Peet” served as a first responder in various capacities throughout the Sacramento Fire District. Some of his many tasks included being stationed as a firefighter/paramedic in Citrus Heights, operating the HAZMAT unit in Carmichael at Fire Station 109, and also serving the Rancho Cordova and Gold River area from Fire Station 65 by training and specializing for water rescues along the American River.
Peterson is still well remembered by Sac Metro Fire crews for having an upbeat attitude, an eagerness to help and for creating strong bonds within the Sacramento Metro Firefighters Association. During those 25 years, he demonstrated an aptitude and character for community service and mentoring academy recruits, which led to his eventual promotion to Sac Metro Fire Captain in March of 2008.
Unfortunately, Peterson never did officiate as captain due to a diagnosis of bladder cancer the same year of his promotion. In his last day, his crew, who appreciated him very much, honored the Fire Captain by giving him a heartfelt farewell ride in his captain’s seat on board E109 during a special shift.
On December 15, 2008, Peterson passed away at the relatively young age of 46 years from the job related illness, which is recognized as a Line of Duty Death (LODD).
He is survived by his sons Firefighter/Paramedic Cody Peterson, Garth Peterson, as well as his wife, retired Fire Captain Tracey Valentine.
Source: Sac Metro Fire
CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Here is some information shared from our friends at the Sacramento Metro Chamber of Commerce (received 3/28/2020).
As we wait for more details on the CARE Act, sharing with you some initial information we have received so far to the most asked question - funding:
Paycheck Protection Program – These are emergency small business loans that may be forgiven and will be available to borrowers that maintain their payrolls during the crisis or restore after. Loans will be up to $10M, depending on your monthly payroll. Loan forgiveness will be dependent on the payroll at the start of the loan and completion of the loan period (approximately through June 30). Businesses that have laid off staff may still be eligible if they bring staff back on at the start of the loan period. These loans will be provided through traditional financial partners and not directly from SBA. These lenders TBA. Still a lot to be worked out on this program; expect more this week. No date determined yet on when applications will be available.
Online resource: U.S. Chamber Summary of Paycheck Protection Program Loans
Additional Funding Updates:
Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program - Low interest loans up to $2M for small businesses and nonprofits; up to a year deferral. Guidance for businesses and employers, government contracting, and local assistance information. Live agents are available to guide you through the process at 1-800-659-2955.
Existing Disaster Loans - If you had an existing SBA Disaster Loan prior to COVID-19 (e.g. loan for fire declaration), you can now automatically defer your loan to the end of 2020.
SBA Express Bridge Loans - Allows small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 with less paperwork. Small businesses waiting on approval for a Disaster Loan may be able to access this Bridge Loan while waiting on a decision.
Existing 7a SBA Loans - Borrowers may request deferral up to 3 months from their lender for those with a traditional 7a SBA Loan, with another possible extension to 6 months. The SBA has authorized lenders to take this action. Borrowers need to contact their lender to negotiate.
Important: this is not an automatic deferral.
US Chamber Guide to SBA Loans https://www.uschamber.com/co/start/strategy/federal-small-business-stimulus-aid-programs-guide
There is also financial support to nonprofits in the CARE Act – 501c3 and 501c6. We hope to know more by early next week on this aid. In the meantime, the updates above will be added to the Rapid Response Hub and additional updates sent as we receive it. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. Thank you.
SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara issued the following statement on the passing of the federal supplemental stimulus bill:
“The health impact, financial loss, and economic pain felt by countless families, workers, and businesses across California due to the coronavirus pandemic has been incredibly destructive on the state’s economy and financial infrastructure. Today’s passing of the federal stimulus bill will bring critical relief to millions of California families, workers, and business owners who have been devastated by the COVID-19 crisis.
“In the coming days and weeks, as more small businesses and their employees suffer the financial sting of lost revenues and massive unemployment, it’s critical that the insurance industry engages with our Department and state’s businesses on creative solutions to help them survive the extraordinary challenge we face together as Californians. The scope and magnitude of this crisis will require that we all work together to support our workers and small business community. Collectively, we must find a way forward and move California back toward recovery.”
SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) – The news about the Coronavirus is changing day to day and hour to hour. Reports are coming in from all over the region, the state and from the federal government. We are also receiving many reports from organizations who have been working to offer their support to our region.
Service and utility companies are sending in updates on their status and information about support services. Non-profit agencies are sending in information about what they have to offer and what they need to continue to operate.
Individual cities are sending in their own updates about vital services and their public safety policies.
Messenger Publishing Group staff are doing what we can to provide the most current information from all of these resources on each of our web sites that provide the news for the communities we serve.
You can visit the web site established for this newspaper to get the most current information provided to us from these government agencies, local support offices and your local government. Each web site will also have the national press releases as we receive them.
We are all in this together and together we will outlast the health scare. Please remain diligent in caring for your neighbors and the welfare of others.
To support local businesses you can contact your favorite restaurants online to order food delivered. Many are open for local deliveries and are arranging for delivery service through established delivery companies.
Be aware of local scam artists (criminals) as many bad guys are out there trying to advantage of those in need. Don’t open suspicious emails. Don’t buy anything from people to get you to try a “test kit” for the virus. We will post any notices about scam on our web sites to alert the public.
Thank you for your readership.