During the COVID-19 pandemic, you can do many different things – big or small – to help people on the front lines of care.
Follow prevention policies: Essential workers are doing their best to limit the spread of COVID-19. You can do so, too, by following prevention guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other health organizations. That includes regular handwashing, sanitizing commonly touched surfaces, social distancing, and wearing facemasks when in public. If you’re showing symptoms of COVID-19, stay home and call your health provider for medical advice. If you have severe symptoms, go to the nearest emergency department and call ahead if you can.
Donate: Whether it’s money to a charitable organization, food to essential workers working long hours, or medical supplies, there are many ways you can help. Try calling an organization or looking online in advance of your donation to see what to do. Businesses, schools, and other institutions van donate unused supplies to UPMC, though we are not accepting personal donations at this time.
Give blood: Hospitals and other medical facilities are seeking blood donations, with the national supply of blood falling. You can schedule an appointment with Vitalant, or you can find an American Red Cross blood drive near you.
Say thank you: Sometimes a simple “thank you” can go a long way. Whether it’s thanking an essential worker in person or printing UPMC’s “I’m Helping the Helpers” window poster, you can show your appreciation to essential workers. Go to UPMC’s “Helping the Helpers” website to download a “I’m Helping the Helpers” window sign. Get the kids involved and download a coloring page version as well.