2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
A message from the 211 medical triage call center
On behalf of the Polk County Health Department, United Way 211 and the hospital systems and clinics in the county, we want to thank all the nurses who donated their time answering the 211 medical triage line. Nurses from hospitals, clinics and schools along with medical students answered phones seven days a week responding to individuals concerned about their exposure to COVID-19, symptoms of the illness, how to get tested along with many other questions and concerns. When our hospitals and clinics were taxed, the nurses and medical students stepped up and provided guidance to aid the health and well-being of our community. We will be forever grateful for your service.
United Way 211 and Polk County have always had a successful partnership during uncertain and often difficult times. The COVID-19 pandemic has not been any different. The collaboration between 211, Polk County Medical Coordination Center, Polk County and our hospital systems have helped thousands of people in our community navigate their health care to lessen the burden on our medical system and prioritize healthcare needs in the community. 211 took on the medical triage call center without question. They knew it was the time when the community needed help and guidance and they were eager and happy to provide that assistance. We thank United Way 211 for stepping up and handling this momentous task with ease.
As our healthcare systems have now adjusted to the ongoing demands surrounding COVID-19 and we have seen the numbers to our 211 medical triage line decrease, we will be winding down that line on Friday, May 22, 2020; however, 211 will still run 24/7 to answer COVID-19 related questions and help connect Iowans to information and resources they need. We recommend patients contact their medical home regarding medical related COVID-19 questions. For other questions about COVID-19, or for help navigating any other health, human, or social service programs, please call 211.
Donate homemade cloth masks!
Broadlawns Medical Center: We are graciously collecting homemade masks. Please follow the IDPH guidelines listed above. If you have already made masks using another pattern, that's OK, we’ll accept those as well. Kindly enclose completed masks in a zip lock plastic bag or within a closed plastic box. We will launder them prior to use so there is no need to wash the masks prior to delivering them. To coordinate a delivery of masks, please email foundation@broadlawns.org.
The Iowa Clinic:Will accept homemade IDPH approved face shields and cloth masks at their West Lakes location (5950 University Ave – West Des Moines). Donations may be dropped off at the main desk at Entrance #3 (east side) Monday-Friday from 11am-1pm.
MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center: Will accept donations of homemade face masks beginning Wednesday, April 1. Donations may be dropped off in blue bins at the main / north entrance of the campus, Monday-Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Polk County Health Department: Our office is open Monday - Friday from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Please ring the doorbell and someone will let you know to receive your donations.
Primary Health Care: Individuals who would like to donate homemade face cloths can drop them off at 1200 University Ave. #200 and left at reception (our admin office). Our office is open Monday – Friday from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
UnityPoint Health Des Moines: A donation station has been set up inside the parking ramp on Level 4 at the Iowa Methodist Medical Center campus (use the handicap entrance) and will be open Monday-Friday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Questions regarding donations of supplies or PPE should be directed to Angie Fagervik-Chia at Angie.Fagervik-chia@unitypoint.org
Visit Iowa Department of Public Health's website for the up-to-date COVID-19 numbers. https://idph.iowa.gov/Emerging-Health-Issues/Novel-Coronavirus
National COVID-19 Cases: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/cases-in-us.html
International COVID-19 Cases:https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/685d0ace521648f8a5beeeee1b9125cd
Additional Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Iowa Department of Public Health
Updated 6/1/2020