TULSA, Okla. — Due to the coronavirus, Governor Stitt is preparing to help Oklahomans by starting a program with resources to help people when the state goes into recovery.
Kelli McEwen, Communications for the Department of Human Services, tells us that this program was launched on Saturday.
"I have no doubt that Oklahomans will step up and help each other through it," McEwen said. "And whatever shape or form they are willing to give and can give to each other, that's just who we are."
The program will begin with three phases: Ready, Help, then Go.
"It is a volunteer, engagement program spearheaded by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services with Governor Kevin Stitt," McEwen said.
In phase one, they are asking for volunteers to step up and offer to help with any skills they believe to be useful, like retired healthcare professionals.
"This is a more long term project," McEwen said. "So when our state is ready to try to put back the pieces to make the state look like how it did before COVID started, we want to make sure we have skill sets that people have that might be willing to help."
Phase two and three will begin once they receive clearance from the CDC.
McEwen explains that is when they will start offering resources to anyone who needs it.
"People who are willing to maybe sew masks at home, seamstresses or people you know who just like to sew. There are people in the community too who might need help with grocery delivery, or dog walking."
She says she knows Oklahomans will be ready and willing to help their neighbors when that time comes.
"I have no doubt that Oklahomans will step up and help each other through it," McEwen said. "And whatever shape or form they are willing to give and can give to each other, that's just who we are."
For now, they plan to gather information and people throughout the state to build a resource that will be needed after the coronavirus is maintained.
McEwen tells us, "We are just empowering Oklahomans to take care of their state when the time is ready, and their neighbors, right now we are just asking people what kind of skills they have, what opportunities they might like to take advantage of."
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