Last weekend, volunteers from Rotary District 5320 created face shields for local hospitals and nursing homes at Freedom Hall at Mile Square Park. It was an honor to join them to help create some face shields myself. I want to personally thank them for their efforts as well as their donation of over 10,000 face shields to St. Jude Medical Center.

To learn more about how you can volunteer or donate, visit their website: https://rotary5320.org

And check out this weekend’s video here: https://youtu.be/7XQ7FjSa5gg

Starting Friday, April 24, all employees who may have contact with the public in any of the following establishments shall wear a cloth face covering. Below is my statement on this important step forward. 

Yesterday, the OC Health Care Agency announced the launch of the OC COVID-19 Testing Network, which offers COVID-19 testing to Orange County residents who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms but are unable to receive testing through a health care provider.

Residents with symptoms of COVID-19, which generally include fever, cough, and shortness of breath, should first contact their medical provider to get guidance on testing and care.

Individuals who are unable to be tested by their provider may schedule an appointment at any Network test site to receive medical screening and test. Initial locations include:

• AltaMed Medical Group, Anaheim
• AltaMed Medical Group, Santa Ana/Bristol
• Nhan Hoa Comprehensive Health Care Clinic, Garden Grove
• UCI Health, multiple locations

If you’ve fully recovered from COVID-19, you’re in a unique situation to help your community by donating plasma that contains antibodies because you’ve successfully fought off the virus.

You must have complete resolution of symptoms for at least 28 days OR have no symptoms for at least 14 days prior to donation as well as a negative COVID-19 lab test.

Learn more here: https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/donate-covid-19-plasma

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and we continue to rely on teachers who are now providing distance learning, as well as doctors and other providers who are currently offering services through telehealth sessions, to be hyper-vigilant when connecting with children through virtual platforms.

Because of COVID-19, the phrase “if you see something, say something” is important now more than ever to protect our children. Wear blue to show your solidarity this month.

There’s a new pop-up pantry in the Morrison/Eldridge Park neighborhood! Thank you Suzanne Agcaoili for hosting this great resource for your neighbors.

Take what you need, leave what you can spare. Thank you to the Duenas family for hosting a new pop-up pantry for the Young Square neighborhood!

Looking for ways to help out during these uncertain times? Jolene Evans is helping her community by hosting a Sol Vista neighborhood pop-up pantry. If you’re interested in hosting one, reach out to my office for support.

A big thank you to Bert Ashland for hosting a Park Grove neighborhood pop-up pantry! Your kindness does not go unnoticed. Your neighbors will greatly benefit from such generosity.

The Ramirez-Rodriguez family is hosting a pop-up pantry for Heninger Park. Thank you for providing these valuable resources to your community.

Sandpointe has a neighborhood pop-up pantry! Thank you Marina and Micah Brown for taking the lead as our Neighborhood Captains, what you’re doing for your neighbors is incredible.

The Santa Ana Public Library is bringing engaging and educational content to your home!  

Beginning April 20, you can enjoy library programs virtually from the comfort of your home!

To discover more and register check out their website: https://www.santa-ana.org/library/elibrary/virtual-programming

Today is the 50th anniversary of Earth Day!

You can still help the environment while helping save lives by staying home.

Check out this fun guide from OC Waste & Recycling and Discovery Cube Orange County on how to make your own compost for great gardening!

https://oc.discoverycube.org/event/eco-challenge/