Tag Archives: pandemic

Rebuilding networks, social capital key for nonprofit organizations

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Finances, Non-Profits, Our Cities, , , ,

By Brian Vernellis
Grand Valley State University

ALLENDALE, Mich. — Charities and nonprofit organizations will need to develop stronger ties with their supporters because of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a Grand Valley professor.

photo from pxhere.com

The pandemic challenged charities and nonprofit organizations in an unprecedented fashion, forcing them to strategize virtual ways in connecting with donors online, said Salvatore Alaimo, associate professor of nonprofit management, within the School of Public, Nonprofit, and Health Administration.

However, Alaimo said charitable organizations rely on the social capital of networking, relationships, trust and reciprocity that they build and maintain with supporters.

 

“This social capital feeds into whether people donate, whether they decide to volunteer their precious, expendable time or whether they want to serve on the board of your organization,” said Alaimo.

 

The holiday season usually means an increase in donations to charities and nonprofits, and after nearly two years of pandemic restrictions limiting in-person gatherings and events, this season is even more important.

Giving USA’s 2021 annual report stated Americans responded by donating more than $471 billion to charities and nonprofits in 2020, a 5.1 percent increase over 2019. Foundation giving also increased to more than $16 billion in 2020, a 19 percent increase over 2019.

According to the Urban Institute, about 1.5 million charitable organizations function in the United States. While charitable giving has increased, Alaimo believes they will face long-term ramifications due to the challenging times.

  

“For nonprofits, it’s going to be an adjustment of priorities,” said Alaimo. “Staff leadership and boards of directors will have to go back to basics. Who’s the audience they are trying to reach, who are the stakeholders, and how do they maintain relationships if we’re being kept separate from each other.”

More than 80 percent of nonprofits have budgets less than $500,000, so they faced challenges even before the pandemic, said Alaimo.

In-person events are integral to forming connections between supporters and the nonprofit, said Alaimo. But, with the pandemic limiting in-person functions, charities resorted to a myriad of virtual events.

Auctions, fun runs and even golf outings moved online, making those all-important connections difficult to maintain. For all the good technology did to ease the logistics of fundraising, it still created separations between organizations and supporters, said Alaimo.

“As I remind my students, just because we are electronically networked does not mean we are good at networking,” said Alaimo. “Now that COVID has come along, the isolation factor of technology is amplified. My concern is all of that is going to put a dent into social capital, and that’s not going to bode well for nonprofits.”

When it comes to selecting nonprofits that are reputable and allocate money efficiently, Alaimo said there are several websites and databases to help such as GuideStar, Charity Navigator or the Better Business Bureau.

WalletHub released its list of best charitable organizations for 2022.

“The nonprofits that best form long-term relationships are going to be more fiscally viable and sustainable,” said Alaimo.

Kent County Health urges residents to follow CDC guidelines

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

As both pro and against masks supporters protested in Kent County, Kent County Health Department Administrative Health Officer Adam London issued a statement announcing he had no plans at this time to issue a mask mandate.

 

Dr. Adama London’s full statement on COVID guidelines and masks. (Kent County Health Department)

“…I am not issuing a public health order mandating masks in the schools at this time,” London said in the three-page release. “This decision is due to the reality that not all options have been exhausted to prevent the danger before us.

“The schools and the parents have even a greater power than the health department to protect the children and the community in this instance.”

London said the challenge facing many communities across the nation is indeed severe. The Delta variant spreads many times quicker than the original form of the virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevent has estimated that upwards of 83 percent of all new COVID cases in the U.S. are the Delta variant.

According to London, a person infected with the the Delta variant will, on average, spread that infection to between five and nine others compared to the original form which spreads to two or thee other people. The current surge in new COVID cases began in the southern states and is rapidly advancing across the nation.

“Sadly, there has also been a steep incline in the number of pediatric COVID cases reported over the past six weeks from about 8,400 per week to almost 94,000 last week,” he said, adding that pediatricians are also increasingly concerned about multi system inflammatory syndrome, which can be serious, even deadly inflammation of a child’s internal organs, and also the chronic effects of long-term COVID.

According to Kent County Health Department information, in Michigan, the new COVID cases has risen from 11 per day in early July to 86 per day this week. The rate of which COVID tests are found to be positive has increased from 2 percent to 7.3 percent during that same timeframe.

“At this time, I am presenting the community with the highest recommendation possible that schools and the parents require adherence to the guidance of the CDC, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, and the Kent County Health Department,” London said in his statement. “Above all, I expect that the children under the age of 12, who are not yet eligible for vaccine, are protected through mask use and other proven prevention strategies.”

For up-to-date information on COVID and related issues, visit the Kent County Health Department’s website 

For most college students, the biggest COVID hurdle was the ‘college experience’ interrupted

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Health,
Emily Holmes, who is graduating from Grand Valley State University and is an intern at WKTV, said as an introvert, she was surprised how much she craved interaction with other people during the COVID pandemic. (WKTV)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

“I would give anything to wear concert black to anything,” said East Kentwood graduate Hailey Cone, who is studying music at Grand Rapids Community College.

Hailey Cone, an East Kentwood graduate attending Grand Rapids Community College, would give anything to wear concert black and perform. (Supplied)

Because COVID is airborne with studies showing that the potential for transmission is high during performances such as singing, concerts and performances from local schools, colleges, and amateur and professional groups have been put on hold. As more people get vaccinated, the indication is that performances may return with several local art organizations planning for fall seasons.

Still, for GRCC, most of the concerts have been online with students recording parts individually and professors pulling the elements together for the online performance.

“I miss it so much,” Cone said during a phone interview. “I really miss the community, being in-person and that immediate feedback.”

Changing the “College Experience”

Ask any college student what has been the biggest challenge over the past year and it isn’t technology issues or online classes — most deal with that during a normal college year — but rather the loss of the “college experience.”

“When you think about it, you pay to have that college experience,” said Emily Holmes, a senior at Grand Valley State University studying film and broadcasting. “It is a big part about going away to college.”

Anyone who has attended a college campus tour will attest that a big part of the tour is the social life, campus cafes, student organizations, and school traditions. The sell is students being able to experience independence by living on campus, attending college events and yes, even parties.

But what COVID has taught many is that the experience you have at college is what you make it. So instead of big parties, there are small online groups with students redesigning what the college experience is.

Holmes said for her, it became almost a necessity to build that online community to help overcome a new form of depression that centered around the need for interaction. In fact, it has been proven that social interaction is a key to good health — physical and emotional.

“I always considered myself an introvert, but through this I have discovered that I like to be around people more than I thought,” she said.

Emily Smith, an adjunct professor in music at Grand Rapids Community College, said she feels students have had to become more self-reliant due to the COVID pandemic. (Supplied)

Because classes have been mostly virtual, the key for many college students has been connecting with each other online, said Emily Smith, an adjunct professor of music at Grand Rapids Community College. This also has lead to other habits that may better prepare students for life, Smith said.

 

“Students have had to take ownership of their learning,” she said. “In pre-pandemic, students would follow what was presented in class but since the pandemic, students have taken more ownership by utilizing their resources better and being independent in their studies.”

Through that process, students are utilizing their resources more, connecting with each other through new ways, and focusing their independent study to make improvements as they prepare for voice lessons and practices, she said.

 

“I have become more experimental with my camera work,” Holmes said, crediting the lockdown for the opportunity to try new things. “I have been working on my editing skills, becoming more focused and putting time into projects.”

Smith said she does not believe that the lack of in-person activities such as performances have had an impact in students deciding to change their career paths.

“I have seen situations such as financial instability caused from the pandemic resulting in hard economic challenges that have caused some students to change or leave,” Smith said.

The silver lining

For most, the desire to get the degree in their selected profession has been the biggest motivating factor.

“Through these trying times, music has been by saving grace,” Cone said. “I feel like I want this degree and that I want it more than anything.”

Cone added that she found the greatest inspiration from the pandemic was that that as a whole, humanity is pretty resilient.

“The pandemic has taken so much away, making you feel so alone, but at the same time, we have found ways to connect online, to have virtual choirs and that has been inspiring,” she said.

SpartanNash pharmacies prepare to administer COVID vaccine

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsam
joanne@wktv.org

As part of its continued efforts to ensure the well-being and safety of its family of associates, customers and communities during the coronavirus pandemic, SpartanNash has partnered with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, along with state programs in all states the company operates in, to offer the COVID-19 vaccine in accordance with the nationwide rollout plan.

The vaccine will be administered at no cost to patients and will be available at each of SpartanNash’s 88 company-owned pharmacies, such as Family Fare, D&W Fresh Market, VG’s Grocery, Family Fresh Market, and Forest Hills Foods. SpartanNash operates stores in Michigan, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

Store guests may sign up to be notified when the vaccine is available at their nearest SpartanNash pharmacy atshopfamilyfare.com/covid19vaccine.

“With multiple COVID-19 vaccinations approved and ready for broad distribution in the coming months, SpartanNash and our family of retail pharmacies are here for our store guests, and we are committed to providing them with a safe, clean environment to receive this important vaccine,” EVP and Chief Merchandising and Marketing Officer Lori Raya said. “Our pharmacists have and will continue to play an important role in the fight against the coronavirus, providing critical care for the communities we serve. You can trust us to provide safe access to the COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available.”

To ensure the safety of both store guests and pharmacists as well as the availability of the COVID-19 vaccine, customers will schedule an appointment and complete a health screening prior to receiving the vaccination. These measures ensure low wait times and appropriate social distancing efforts, as well as allowing customers to receive their second dose in a timely manner.

 

During the scheduled vaccination appointment, the pharmacist will administer a contact-free temperature reading, and both the pharmacist and the customer will be required to wear a medical grade face mask, provided by SpartanNash as an additional safety measure.

Following the COVID-19 vaccination, customers will be visually monitored by the SpartanNash pharmacist who administered the vaccine for a brief period of time.


Select SpartanNash pharmacies in Michigan, Indiana and Minnesota also offer free COVID-19 testing.

To maximize access to COVID-19 vaccines for all Americans, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently announced the U.S. government’s partnerships with large chain pharmacies and networks that represent independent pharmacies and regional chains. Through the partnership with pharmacy chains, this program covers approximately 60 percent of pharmacies throughout the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

For all of SpartanNash’s ongoing efforts, visit: spartannash.com/spartannash-coronavirus-updates.

Administration of COVID vaccine has started, Catholic bishops release statement on vaccine

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, ,
Video courtesy Kent County Health Department

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

“I feel awesome,” declared Mary Wisinski, the first person at the Kent County Health Department to receive the Pfizer vaccine.

Distribution of the Pfizer vaccine is underway with the Kent County Health Department administering its first vaccine on Friday, Dec. 18, to Wisinski, the the department’s immunization program supervisor.

“This is an incredible day,” she said. “we’ve been working so hard to battle this virus, and some days, it felt like it got the best of us. This isn’t one of those days. This gives us hope — we’re going to beat this.”

Because Wisinski will lead the health department’s team of immunization nurses in administering the vaccine, she was among the first group deemed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control to receive the vaccine.

“Stay Positive, Stay Heroic, Stay Healthy” is what the sticker from the Kent County Health Department says. (Photo courtesy Kent County Health Department)

The Kent County Health Department received 1,950 doses on Dec. 17 and will be administering those doses to individuals in the highest risk groups. which also includes Kent County area medical first responders.

Area Hospitals, such as Metro Health — University of Michigan Health, also began administering doses to its frontline healthcare workers. Metro Health began on Friday.

The Pfizer vaccine requires two doses that are administered 21 days apart. Most agencies, such as the Kent County Health Department, will receive its second does within three weeks.

Vaccines receive support

Both the Pfizer vaccine and the Moderna vaccine, which was approved by the Food and Drug Administration last week, received support from seven Catholic bishops in Michigan included Most Rev. David J. Walkowiak, Bishop of Grand Rapids.

The statement, which can be found at the Diocese of Grand Rapids website, states “It is morally permissible to receive the vaccines developed by Pfizer and Moderna. Neither of these vaccines have used cell lines originated in tissue taken from aborted babies in their deign, development and production. However, both Pfizer and Moderna vaccine did use such a cell line in the confirmatory testing. This connection to the abortion is very remote, however, it is important to keep in mind that there are varying levels of responsibility. Greater moral responsibility lives with the researchers than with those who receive the vaccine.”

The statement goes on that the Congregation for Doctrine of Faith indicates that it is morally permissible to be vaccinated if there are not alternatives and there are serious health risks as in the current COVID-19 pandemic.

For the full statement, click here.

Tracking the availability of the vaccine

As part of a consortium of West Michigan health departments and other health organizations, the Kent County Health Department announced the site VaccinateWestMI.com. The site is designed to provide information about vaccine availability, local distribution plans, safety and efficacy, and will be updated regularly as new information becomes available.

Medical Moments: Epidemic versus Pandemic

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism,
Dr. Afiyire Randall

By Dr. Afriyie Randall
WKTV Community Contributor


News programs and other media often toss out words to describe the current COVID-19 situation such as pandemic and epidemic.

It is easy to confuse epidemic and pandemic as the words are used to define outbreaks and both have “demic” in them.

What is the difference?

An epidemic is a disease that effects many people in a specific population, community, and/or region at the same time. The disease spreads from person to person and is new to the area such as the Polio epidemic of 1916 and 1952. 

Pandemic is an epidemic that spreads over a larger area such as a country or a continent.

The key difference between the two is scale. 

The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic on March 11, 2020. On March 13, 2020, a national emergency was declared concerning the COVID-19 outbreak in the United States.

For more information about epidemic or pandemic, visit the Centers for Disease Control’s website, cdc.org.

KDL Staff Picks: A look at the Spanish Flu of 1918

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Adult

Pale Rider: The Spanish Flu of 1918 and How It Changed the World

by Laura Spinney

Describes the enormous-scale human disaster caused by the 1918 Spanish Flu and uses the latest findings in history, virology, epidemiology, psychology and economics to show how the pandemic permanently changed global politics, race relations, medicine, religion and the arts.



Pandemic 1918: Eyewitness Accounts from the Greatest Medical Holocaust in Modern History

By Catherine Arnold

Describes the outbreak of the Spanish Flu 100 years ago that killed more than 50 million people around the world, including 550,000 in the United States, right in the middle of World War I.






Immune: How Your Body Defends and Protects You

By Catherine Carver

Explains how the immune system works, likening it to a well-fortified castle, and notes how new drugs are being designed to harness its power to treat illness.



Children’s

Germs: Fact and Fiction, Friends and Foes

By Lisa Cline-Ransome

An introduction to the world of good and bad bacteria is told from the perspective of Sam the Salmonella and reveals fascinating facts about the role of germs in everyday life, how germs were discovered and the invention of important germ-fighting practices and medicines.

Fever Year: The Killer Flu of 1918: A Tragedy in Three Acts

By Don Brown

The award-winning creator of The Unwanted and Drowned City presents a graphic novel history of the devastating Spanish Influenza epidemic and its violent impact on World War I.