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Here is an update for June 16th. 

Thought of the day: “Whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.” — Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Yesterday, Michigan reached more than 60,000 cases of COVID-19. A sad and somber reminder that this virus is still out there and very real. There is a trend of cases going down though — two deaths related to COVID-19 were reported yesterday. 

It was reported that 34% of COVID-19 deaths are linked to nursing homes. This is a serious problem that must be addressed and requires urgent action. This is why I introduced legislation to provide more funding for individuals to receive home and community-based services. Every American deserves the right to live with dignity in old age.

Yesterday, the FDA announced that the use of hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19 is “unlikely to produce an antiviral effect.” If you remember, this is the prescription that President Trump was saying could be useful for COVID-19. You can read more about the FDA announcement in the Detroit News story here. 

Researchers and scientists in England say they have found evidence that a drug can improve COVID-19 survival. It’s a steroid called dexamethasone that researchers found reduced deaths by up to one third in severely ill hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Results were announced Tuesday and researchers said they would publish them soon. We will keep you updated if we hear more. 

Today at 4pm, I will participate in a panel discussion on domestic violence. This is an issue that touches so many and needs real, raw, and tough conversations on ways to address it and support survivors. For too many in our community, home is not a safe place to be. And being home 24 hours a day with an abuser means it’s harder to find space to reach out to help - no privacy to speak to a counselor, a lawyer, or law enforcement. The panel is a collaboration with ACCESS and WDHT TV. It can be watched here at 3:30pm.    

Yesterday, the Supreme Court ruled it’s illegal for employers to discriminate because of a person's sex, among other factors. It also covers sexual orientation and transgender status. Equal treatment under the law is a fundamental American principle, and the Supreme Court’s decision allows millions of LGBTQ Americans to live with dignity and free from discrimination. This is a win for equality across the country.

Team Dingell is here seven days a week and wants to listen and help. It isn’t as smooth as we want on some issues, but we will never stop fighting for you. Call our office at 313-278-2936 or contact us through Facebook or our webpage.
 
New information becomes available every day. Below is a list of resources and information that can be helpful during this time. Please share this information with your family, friends, and colleagues. Remember, stay home, stay safe, save lives.

Coronavirus information

File for unemployment

Small Businesses can apply for low-interest disaster loans

Navigating Social Security Benefits
 
School Based Food Service Interactive Map
 
Food Banks and Kitchens in Michigan's 12th Congressional District
 
Contact numbers for people looking for information are:
• Centers for Disease Control, cdc.gov/coronavirus, 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636).
• Michigan.gov/coronavirus, or 888-535-6136.

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