Coronavirus Resources in Northern Michigan Health & Food

Last updated: Tuesday, April 14 at 9:00 a.m.

Northern Michigan nonprofit organizations and government agencies are banding together to support their communities during the coronavirus pandemic. Below is a list of community resources being made available to all during this time of need.

Be sure to visit How to Support Our Northern Michigan Businesses During Covid-19 to find all the ways you can still support stores, restaurants, events and their employees. We know these small businesses are the lifeblood of small towns and it is a great time to check out how you can continue to shop, eat and attend.

The Grand Traverse County Health Department is advising the public of two possible exposure sites. The county has three confirmed coronavirus cases as of Tuesday, March 24.

Anyone who was at the Target store on South Airport Road West in Traverse City between 5-6 p.m. on Sunday, March 22 should self-monitor for coronavirus symptoms, which include fever, cough, body aches and shortness of breath, the department said.

The second exposure site is Cherry Capital Airport, the department said. Anyone who was on Delta Flight DL4991 departing from Detroit Metro Airport and landing at Cherry Capital on Monday, March 16, should self-quarantine until Monday, March 30.

Anyone experiencing symptoms should contact their healthcare provider.

According to Governor Whitmer, effective at 12:01 a.m. on March 24, for at least the next three weeks, individuals may only leave their homes and residences under very limited circumstance and must adhere to social distancing rules. The executive order prohibits all businesses and operations from requiring workers to leave their homes, unless those workers are necessary to sustain or protect life or to conduct minimum basic operations.

We will be updating this article daily. If you would like to include your organization’s news or offerings, please email info@traversemagazine.com.

Updates on COVID-19: 

• Munson Medical Center
• McLaren Northern Michigan
• Grand Traverse Health Department
• Northwest Michigan Health Department: Covering Charlevoix, Harbor/Petoskey, Gaylord, Mancelona, Bellaire
• Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department
• Western Upper Peninsula Health Department
• Luce-Mackinac-Alger-Schoolcraft District Health Department
• Center for Disease Control
• World Health Organization
• Johns Hopkins University Coronavirus Resource Center
• Michigan Department of Health and Human Services

– Public Health – 

State of Michigan// Hotline

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has setup a hotline for public health and other experts to answer health-related questions about COVID-19.The hotline will be open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Munson Healthcare// Information Line

If you have general health-related questions about COVID-19, call 231-935-0951 to access the Munson Healthcare information line.

Western Upper Peninsula Health Department// Call Center

The Western Upper Peninsula Health Department opened a call center to assist in answering questions from the community. The call center will be open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. until further notice. The number for the call center is (906) 487-5545.

Aspirus// Call Center

Aspirus has established a call center for people concerned they might be infected with COVID-19. The dedicated line will be operational and staffed by live operators beginning at 8 a.m. on Saturday, March 14. The phone lines will be staffed 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. weekends. Operators will direct callers to the closest regional testing location if they need to see a medical professional. The call center number is (844)568-0701.

Child & Family Services// Shelter Remains Open

Pete’s Place Youth Shelter for runaway and homeless youth remains open 24/7, while utilizing stringent universal precautions. For more information, call the youth crisis hotline (231) 922-4800 or (800) 442-7315. Non-residential youth services for and youth and families at risk are available with the same phone numbers. For more information, call Melissa Ryba, (231) 631-7660 or email mryba@CFS3L.org.

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services// Blood Needed

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced they need blood donations. Blood drives were canceled across the state in the wake of COVID-19, but people can still donate by appointment or in blood drives that follow social distancing requirements. Make an appointment to donate by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App on mobile phones, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Women’s Resource Center // Open

Many women under lockdown for COVID-19 face violence where they should be safest: in their own homes. We are here to help. Free and confidential support and advocacy are available 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week at the Women’s Resource Center to help victims in the community. Although we have had to change the way we are conducting our day-to-day operations, we are here to provide free and confidential support so survivors do not have to face this alone.

• Our 24-hour helpline continues to be answered, round-the-clock, by trained advocates who are there to provide support, resources and advocacy to survivors in need.
• Our emergency shelter also staffed 24/7/365, is operational and provides a safe haven, warm meals and a supportive environment for survivors and their children who are fleeing violence.
• We are here to provide emergency financial assistance, food, resources and any other referrals a survivor in crisis may need.

– Deliveries & Transportion – 

Bay Life Getaways // Traverse City Courier Service

Bay Life Getaways is offering complimentary curb-to-curb delivery service for local businesses and their customers in Traverse City while it is needed. It’s safe, reliable and provides a way for businesses to get their products to customers and vice versa as we practice and adjust to social distancing. Here’s how it works: You request a courier, we pick it up curbside at the pick-up location, drop it in a sealed container and deliver it curbside to the drop-off location. We are focusing on businesses and their customers in the city limits this week. As we make it through all the logistics, we will be reevaluating other needs. The service is complimentary, but we recommend a gratuity for your courier as he/she does need to cover gas, etc. To book with us, you can set up an appointment here or text message: 231-486-8055. We will be in touch once we receive your request to go over details.

BATA// Revised Schedule

Beginning Friday, several routes including the Bayline and City Loop will now end at 8 p.m. City Loop Route Three and the Leelanau Loop have been suspended. These changes will last until at least April 1. BATA recommends only using public transportation when necessary. Be sure to check the schedule.

– Seniors & Health –

Crosshatch Center for Art & Ecology // Bellaire
The team at Crosshatch is working to balance local, grassroots work with the 2-1-1 system.* One offering is a simple letter that can be printed out on any printer and placed on neighbors’ doors as a way to reach out and check in with them without making physical contact. To download a printable copy of the flyer, click here.

*The 2-1-1 system connects you with thousands of nonprofit and government resources in your area.

Alliance for Senior Housing // Traverse City
Alliance for Senior Housing is committed to helping the older adult population during this time. Normally we would meet face to face, however, with taking precautions, I’m available by phone to answer quick questions or to set up an hour phone appointment. During this hour, we can discuss an individuals needs and desires, talk about amenities, cost and funding options. There are available assisted living homes out there, but not all are taking in new admissions. This is the perfect time to gather information for yourself or a loved one. Conference calls can also be arranged. / Connie Hintsala, Owner of Alliance for Senior Housing, LLC / Office: 231-263-4040, Cell: 231-883-5028

Meals on Wheels// How Seniors Can Get Meals

Updates on how Northern Michigan seniors can get Meals on Wheels food delivery.

Super One Foods// One Hour Shopping Just for Seniors

Effective immediately, Super One Foods in Marquette Township will reserve their first hour of business for the elderly, immunocompromised, health care staff and first responders.

– Nutrition –

– Exercise –