Rep. McClinton gives seniors COVID-19 supplies
Health experts agree that seniors in housing and nursing centers are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 infection. With this reality in mind, State Rep. Joanna McClinton teamed with members of State Sen. Anthony Williams’ office, health care provider Aetna and the Dedicated Senior Medical Center group last Wednesday to deliver extra supplies of personal protective equipment to more than 300 seniors residing at the Presby’s Inspired Life apartments at 58th Street and Greenway Avenue.
“If there’s one thing we’ve learned from this pandemic it’s that no one should have to go through it alone,” said Rep. McClinton, “I am proud to work with community partners who feel the same way and share my commitment to safeguard our wisest neighbors with the resources they need to not only help ensure their health, but also assist in our overall goal of stopping the spread of COVID-19.”
“Our residents are really grateful for receiving essential items like hand sanitizer, gloves, masks, toilet paper, and soap,” affirmed Nyhema Thomas, director of the Presbyterian affordable housing complex, We love it when generous donors provide enough supplies for all of our residents.” Thomas noted that in prior months, Signa, Health Partners and Independence Blue Cross had also helped out.
“We have made progress in flattening the COVID-19 curve, but now is not the time to let up,” explained McClinton. “It’s our responsibility now more than ever to put the health and well-being of others first by coming together and doing what’s necessary to protect Pennsylvanians – especially those most vulnerable to the virus. And I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.”
Thomas described some of the ways that they have been helping residents to cope with the strain of the pandemic restrictions. “We’ve been screening visitors since February,” she noted. “We have organized support groups that regularly check on our residents by phone and have organized a group of bingo games by phone.”
In May, Rep. McClinton joined with Sen. Williams and Aetna to distribute similar self-care kits to residents at Paschall Senior Apartments at 70th and Woodland and Hardy Williams Veterans Housing Center on Brant Street. She had also helped secure 1,000 protective face masks to a senior home in the Cobbs Creek area and 100,000 face masks for front-line workers.
For information about Presby’s Inspired Life, phone 610-834-1001 or visit www.presbysinspiredlife.org
To contact Rep. McClinton’s office phone 215-748-6712
(The original release on this event with quotes and photo was prepared by Chris Caracino, an Associate Producer/Writer for the PA House Democratic Communications Office, Email: ccaracino@pahouse.net )
