The Cuyahoga County Board of Health holds press conference updating citizens on the coronavirus pandemic on Tuesday and Friday mornings.
Cuyahoga County executive Armond Budish addressed the Cuyahoga County Board of Health (CCBH) press briefing on April 24. It has become customary for Budish to address the briefing with county updates about things like economic plans and conditions each Friday.
Budish began his comments by thanking the Cleveland chapter of the National Council of Jewish Women who made his mask, and he said the group has also donated about 300 masks cloth masks so far.
"During these difficult days I know many people are looking for ways to help and this one way that any one of us can help some of our hardest hit families and their children to make it through this crisis."
Budish then shifted to the issue of those experiencing domestic violence during the coronavirus pandemic. He announced that the county, and the Mandel Supporting Foundation of the Jewish Federation in conjunction with the Jack, Joseph and Martin Mandel Foundation, are each committing $100,000 to the Domestic Violence and Child Advocacy Center (DVCAC). Budish said the funds will be used for, among other things remote service delivery use of technology to provide remote advocacy therapy and case management diversion from shelter to safe alternatives.
“Housing and financial and security are two major barriers for people trying to leave an abusive environment. This funding will help to reduce individuals at the shelter and expedite moving people into safe, permanent housing and this new program will also enable isolation and/or quarantine of clients who are confirmed positive for COVID-19. More than anything else these funds will allow DVCAC to help their clients rediscover their voice and their autonomy and be able to live freely without the constant consequence of violence,” said Budish.
Budish also announced a new program called Cuyahoga Cares
Budish also announced a new program called Cuyahoga Cares for families in need who are dealing with the county’s The Division of Children and Family Services. He said the program will help match donations from those in the community with a family in need. The program is confidential but donors will be able to learn some basic facts about the family who has received a donation.
“The Division of Children and Family Services is currently involved with helping more than 5,000 children and teens in our county, more than 3,000 are under our custody but more than 2,000 are not and we're trying to provide supports for them so that they can remain safely with their families,” said Budish. “During these difficult days I know many people are looking for ways to help and this one way that any one of us can help some of our hardest hit families and their children to make it through this crisis.”
Learn more about the Operation Cuyahoga Cares program here.
