By CHARLENE LOVETT
By Charlene Lovett
Thursday, Aug. 13, marks the five-month anniversary of Governor Sununu declaring a state of emergency due to COVID-19. People at all levels of government and across sectors are working long hours to develop resources that enable people to live in a pandemic environment at a reduced level of risk. The implementation of these resources tailored to community needs strengthens resiliency, protecting the public’s health while supporting economic recovery. Below are a few examples of resources that local organizations have created to meet community needs:
Screening education for churches and senior centers
In late July, New London Hospital began helping local churches and senior centers by providing training on best screening practices and distributing touchless thermometers. By doing so, the faith-based community and senior centers were provided the resources to operate in a reduced-risk environment. To date, 24 organizations have participated in this training to include the Claremont Senior Center. Churches or senior centers wishing to participate in future training sessions are encouraged to contact [email protected] or (603) 526-5373.
Public transportation modified
Because of COVID-19, public transportation looks much different. Southwestern Community Services (SCS) is the local organization that provides bus transportation in Charlestown, Claremont and Newport and Dial-A-Ride service throughout the area. Since the pandemic, numerous safety precautions have been instituted. All bus and volunteer drivers are required to take their temperatures daily, before and after working. SCS has temporarily waived fares to avoid the transmission of disease through the exchange of currency. Some bus seats are roped off to encourage social distancing. Dividers have been installed between the driver and passengers. Buses are sanitized nightly and throughout the day as time permits. Sanitizer dispensers are on buses and surgical masks are offered to all riders. As weather permits, windows are kept open for better ventilation. By implementing such precautionary measures, the community continues to have access to public transportation at a reduced level of risk. For further information on bus transportation or Dial-A-Ride service, please contact Teri Palmer at [email protected] or (603) 542-9606.
Greater Sullivan Strong
Greater Sullivan Strong is an organization of over 30 members from the nonprofit sector, faith-based community, school districts, municipalities and local branches of state government working together to respond to disasters in the region. During the pandemic, this collaborative approach is being used to get direct services to organizations and people in need, and to share resources and expertise to ensure that COVID-19 funding is being used in the most effective manner possible. Such an approach ensures resources are delivered effectively across a broad spectrum and reflective of community needs. As a municipality in the Greater Sullivan area, Claremont citizens and organizations are invited to go to greatersullivanstrong.org for a full overview of resources offered in the areas of COVID-19, food access, housing, transportation, older adult health and mental health and substance abuse disorders
No segment of our community has been untouched by this pandemic. However, examples abound of people and organizations leveraging resources and instituting methodologies that protect public health and support economic recovery. This approach ensures that we remain resilient and adaptive in the fluid environment of COVID-19.
Charlene Lovett is the mayor of Claremont and a 22-year Army veteran. She welcomes your feedback. Please email questions, comments or concerns to her at [email protected].
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