March 20, 2020

Manchin Hears From West Virginia Hospitals, Chamber Of Commerce, Senior Centers Amid Coronavirus Outbreak

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) participated in separate calls with the West Virginia Hospital Association, the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce, and the West Virginia Directors for Senior and Community Services to hear their concerns about the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.

“Across our state people are working around the clock to help West Virginians. These three organizations are providing healthcare to our citizens, supporting the state’s economy, and caring for our most vulnerable population. Their work is vital to our state making it through this terrible virus together. We must take the coronavirus outbreak seriously by providing our healthcare providers with the essential supplies they need like test kits and personal protective equipment, following the CDC guidelines, and supporting American workers and small businesses,” said Senator Manchin.

“West Virginia’s hospitals and health systems are truly on the front lines of the coronavirus outbreak. In order to protect our 46,000 healthcare workers who are serving the needs of their communities, we need supplies like masks, personal protective equipment, and testing supplies. Senator Manchin took time today to speak with hospital representatives from across the state by providing updates and answering questions on federal and state efforts to ensure all hospitals are ready to treat patients while protecting their employees and their communities. We appreciate the opportunity to share our experiences with him first hand and are thankful for his leadership. Senator Manchin promised to “bang down doors” to ensure every healthcare provider receives the supplies they need and we will continue working with him to ensure we get them,” said Joe Letnaunchyn, President and CEO of the West Virginia Hospital Association.

“The West Virginia Chamber of Commerce and our members are working hard to support the state however we can. It is clear that our members are taking the coronavirus outbreak very seriously. We thank Senator Manchin for listening to our concerns and answering our questions during the call today with hundreds of West Virginians from across the state,” said Steve Roberts, President of the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce.

“During the coronavirus outbreak, our community members are some of the most at risk West Virginians. Our seniors and community members deserve the best care possible and we are working to ensure their safety every day by following federal and state guidelines. We truly appreciate Senator Manchin’s leadership during these trying times and the opportunity to share our concerns with him directly today. We will continue to work closely with him in prioritizing our members’ safety and health,” said Bill Carpenter, President of the West Virginia Directors for Senior and Community Services.

Yesterday, Senator Manchin participated in calls with the West Virginia Nursing Association and West Virginia Medical Association. In the coming days, he will continue to schedule opportunities to hear directly from West Virginians about how the ongoing pandemic is impacting their lives, businesses and communities.

Senator Manchin launched an information resources page where West Virginians can learn more about the coronavirus outbreak and how to protect themselves and their families. To learn more please click here. 

To receive daily updates from Senator Manchin on the coronavirus outbreak, please click here.