Representing Alexandria, Arlington, and Fairfax

Newsletter - April 1, 2020

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Or by mail and phone:

Alexandria Office:
301 King St
Alexandria, VA 22314
571.234.8481

[email protected]

I now have a page on my website devoted solely to sharing updates and resources on the coronavirus. You can click on it from the front page of MarkforDelegate.com

MarkforDelegate.com/coronavirus

We will be updating this page frequently as new information comes in.

This is intended to be your one-stop shop for all your Virginia questions related to the Coronavirus. 

If information is not there, let us know and we have it, we'll add it.

Here's some of what you'll find on the page: 

  • Links to up-to-date information on COVID-19 and the government's response to it
  • Contact information for your federal representatives
  • A rundown of COVID-related policy-changes
  • Links to valuable resources for:
    • Healthcare access;
    • Food insecurity;
    • Businesses;
    • Unemployed workers;
    • Parents searching for child care;
    • Education;
    • Local governments;
    • Ways you can help;
    • and more.

According to the most recent numbers from the Virginia Department of Health, as of this morning, there are now 1,484 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Virginia, and that number is expected to rise significantly over the coming days.

 

How Can You Help?

I have been heartened by how many of my constituents have reached out wondering how they can help during this difficult time. 

First and foremost, please check in on your family members, friends and neighbors at home who are older or may be at higher risk and therefore advised to avoid crowds. If you are able and healthy you may want to:

  • Offer to pick up medications, groceries, pet food, and other necessities to ensure one to two weeks of food and other essentials
  • Check in with neighbors to see how they are doing and ask if they need anything
  • If someone becomes ill, encourage them to contact their medical provider

The Washington Post has a good list of organizations doing important work in this article linked here.

Here are some other ideas:

Join the Virginia Medical Reserve Corps

The Virginia Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is seeking individuals to volunteer with the corps. More information on the MRC can be found here.

Donate Blood

Consider donating blood if you are healthy and able. Currently, there is a severe blood shortage nationally. Appointments to give blood with INOVA can be made at INOVAblood.org. Appointments to give blood with the American Red Cross can be made by visiting RedCrossBlood.org.

Many local organizations are looking for donations:

HealthWorks for Northern Virginia is looking for donations of surgical or N95 masks (any size), face shields/goggles, gowns, disposable gloves, hand sanitizer, and sanitizing wipes. Financial contributions can be made here. In-kind donations can be arranged by contacting Lisa Knapp at (703) 840-4688, [email protected].

These local organizations are also doing great work:

Any donation of any size is welcome. My campaign has donated $250 to the Capital Area Food Bank, but all of these organizations are worthy of your support. And I am sure I have left out many good groups. For that, I apologize.

Have a way to help out that I missed? 

Let us know!

We are all in this together.

If we are careful and kind, we can save each other's lives.

Thank you again for the honor and privilege of representing you.

 

Delegate Mark Levine
Serving Alexandria, Arlington, and Fairfax in Virginia's 45th District