- Face Masks Were Donated Through Orange County United Way’s Pandemic Relief Effort
- In-Home Caregivers Provide Vital Services to Elderly and Vulnerable Adult Population During COVID-19
Irvine, CA (June 18, 2020) – Orange County United Way has donated 30,000 personal face masks to the County of Orange Social Services Agency (SSA) on behalf of In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) caregivers throughout Orange County.
The purpose of the SSA’s IHSS program is to provide supportive services to persons who are aged, blind, or disabled, who are limited in their ability to care for themselves and cannot live at home safely without assistance.
Due to the increasing need for face masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE), SSA issued a request for donations of face coverings and surgical masks last month, as current supplies were insufficient to meet the needs of the nearly 30,000 IHSS providers in Orange County.
“We thank Orange County United Way for its generous donation of face masks on behalf of IHSS providers during this very challenging time,” said SSA Director Debra Baetz. She continued, “SSA, along with our IHSS recipients, understand the positive impact in-home caregivers make. With the COVID-19 pandemic, providers are even more critical to helping maintain the good health and well-being of our most vulnerable residents.”
The face masks were donated through Orange County United Way’s Pandemic Relief Effort, which supports low-income individuals and families at imminent risk of homelessness, the current Orange County population experiencing homelessness, and vital social and human services.
The use of face masks by in-home care providers is critical to supporting the health and safety of higher risk adults and disabled recipients being cared for during the pandemic.
“Many elderly and vulnerable adults in Orange County rely heavily on in-home care, especially during this challenging time. From meal prep to help with mobility and making sure medications are filled and taken properly, their work is vital for these recipients,” said Susan B. Parks, President and CEO of Orange County United Way. “In-home providers are not often recognized, and we would like them to know that Orange County United Way supports the critical work they perform as they continue to care for this population.”
Orange County United Way has also partnered with the Nailing it for Health Care Workers Initiative to help bring much-needed personal protective equipment (PPE) and meals to Orange County healthcare workers, grocery store employees, and other front-line service providers. So far, Orange County United Way has helped provide 1,975 meals to frontline workers, 3,500 handmade, washable face masks to 30 emergency shelters and served 534 lunches to local emergency shelters.
Orange County United Way recently launched its ‘OC Family to Family Campaign’, aimed at providing Orange County families on the verge of homelessness with a $500 emergency debit card to help with rent, utilities, food, or other basic needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The campaign goal is to help 2,000 families in need due to job loss and income reduction from the current health crisis.
To make a donation to the Pandemic Relief Effort, visit GoFundMe.
ABOUT ORANGE COUNTY UNITED WAY
Today’s Orange County United Way is doing more for the Education, Health, Housing and Financial Stability of every person in Orange County. More than a fundraiser, we’re hands-on, delivering more than 50 Community Impact programs countywide. We focus on long-term solutions to the most critical interconnected challenges facing local children and families. United Way is doing more to make long-term measurable difference in the lives of children and families right here in Orange County. To learn more or do more with us, visit www.unitedwayoc.org.
ABOUT THE COUNTY OF ORANGE SOCIAL SERVICES AGENCY
The County of Orange Social Services Agency (SSA) provides eligibility for public health insurance and critical safety net program benefits, adult services, child welfare services and family self-sufficiency programs to the County’s residents. SSA employs over 4,000 staff across Orange County. For more information, please visit www.ssa.ocgov.com.
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Media Contact: Annie Noebel, anoebel@cornerstonecomms.com, (949) 525-7024
