Weekly County Update

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District 2 Update

County Program Provides Nearly $1 Million In Rental Assistance In First Month

Video: Bruce on Rental Assistance

The Maricopa County Human Services Department is helping hundreds of residents struggling to pay rent because of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Since the County COVID Rental Assistance (CCRA) program launched on July 15, more than 300 households have received a combined 662 months (or $993,000) of paid rent.  At last week's press conference, Human Services Director Bruce Liggett told personal stories about a few of the people who received help from Maricopa County when they needed it most.

Read the press release > 

Learn who’s eligible and how to apply for the program >


Checklist For Parents

checklist

For many families, back-to-school planning looks a little different this year.  Your child’s school likely has new policies, schedules, and methods of instruction.  Looking for some help to get the year started off right?  CDC has a checklist for parents, whether your child is going in-person or attending school virtually.

RELATED: View Maricopa County school data dashboard >


Symptoms In Kids

School

As school starts, parents and teachers will be asked to be extra vigilant in watching for COVID-19 symptoms in their children.  Remember: symptoms may be different in children than in adults. It is important to recognize many common illnesses have similar symptoms.  Whether it’s COVID-19 or not, if your child is sick, they should stay home. Learn more about symptoms >


Free Testing Events

COVID-19 Testing

Maricopa County has partnered with Valle del Sol on 17 COVID-19 community testing events over the past month.  More than 1,900 people have been tested so far and these tests are often free.  If you haven’t been tested yet, you still have a chance.  We are planning more than a dozen additional testing events in the coming weeks.  Visit Maricopa.gov/COVID19Testing to find an event near you. For the Maricopa County demographic COVID-19 data breakdown, click here.


Testing By The Numbers

trends, data, chart

The Arizona Department of Health Services tracks the amount of testing done across the state.  More than 1.3 million tests have been performed since the beginning of the pandemic, with testing peaking in late June.  At the peak, more than 20,000 tests were being reported across Arizona each day.  In recent weeks, that number has been around 10,000.  During that same period, the percentage of positive tests has fallen.  See ADHS testing data >


Thank You, Businesses!

Small Business Recovery

Businesses continue to adjust operations during the pandemic, and we want to say thank you to the store owners, entrepreneurs, and business operators who have prioritized public health.  None of this is easy, and livelihoods are on the line.  We appreciate the way in which so many of you are thinking creatively and selflessly to serve the community.  Remember, if you need assistance, you can reach out through our business hotline
(by dialing 2-1-1) or through our website.


Money Available For Local Businesses and Non-Profits!

handshake

Local businesses and non-profits (501(c)3) can get reimbursed for financial losses incurred during the pandemic through the expanded Maricopa County Small Business Relief Program!  The new application requirements make it easier for organizations to qualify and apply for a grant for up to $25,000.

See how the program works and learn how to apply >


McDowell Fire Update

mcdowell fire

We appreciate the firefighters from Fountain Hills, Scottsdale, and other agencies who battled the McDowell Fire. The McDowell fire started from a lightning strike last Thursday. While over 615 acres burned, the efforts of first responders kept it from being much worse, enabling McDowell Mountain Regional Park and the southern portion of the Scottsdale preserve to reopen. This is just one of the numerous fires throughout the state. In all, over 700,000 total acres have burned in the state in 2020. Please continue to keep our first responders in your thoughts as they continue to battle fires throughout our state during this fire season.


Latest Monsoon Season Update

monsoon

Monsoon season?  Will it ever cool off?  Get an up-to-date weather outlook and the latest monsoon information from the Flood Control District anytime you want it. Visit Maricopa.gov/monsoon >


Maricopa County Library District Announces New Director

mcld

Cindy Kolaczynski, Director and County Librarian for Maricopa County Library District, has announced her intention to retire on September 1, 2020. Directly following her retirement, current Deputy Director Jeremy Reeder will step into the role of Director.

Kolaczynski has worked for Maricopa County Library District (MCLD) since 2004, moving into the role of Director and County Librarian in 2011. Most notably during her time with the library district, she has collaborated with local municipalities to implement the countywide Library Assistance Program, eliminated overdue fines, implemented countywide Summer Reading Program software,  and effectively spearheaded new ways to ensure safe access to library services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jeremy Reeder has over 20 years of professional experience as a librarian, including 13 years of executive level management experience. He started at Maricopa County Library District in 2004 as the Staff Development Manager. In 2006, he began working in Branch Operations before stepping into the role of Deputy Director in 2011.


Human Services Campus Drive-By Sets Record for Water Donated

bottled water

The Human Services Campus received over 23,000 bottles of water at their August 15th Donation Drive-By!  Thank you to everyone who helped make this possible.  With 60,000 bottles of water needed per month to keep their clients hydrated and healthy, every donation is appreciated.

If you were not able to participate, the next bottled water donation drop-off will be held on Saturday, September 19th from 9:00am to noon at 15th Avenue & Harrison, and it couldn’t be easier. You pull up and the Human Services staff will remove the donations from your vehicle. Call Ivan Orozco at 602-282-0849 or email volunteer@hsc-az.org for more information.

You may also contribute online and help purchase water in bulk at discounted prices:  https://donorbox.org/hsc.


Pets For Heroes

cat and dog

In 2015, Maricopa County Animal Care and Control launched the Pets for Vets program for military veterans.  We have expanded the program as the Pets for Heroes program.  With valid identification, veterans, EMTs, paramedics, employees of local police and fire departments, RNs and medical doctors may participate. The Pets for Heroes program will relaunch on Labor Day (Monday, Sept. 7) to allow veterans and first responders an opportunity to adopt pets from county animal shelters for free or at a reduced cost.


pets for heroes


Sincerely,
Steve Chucri, District 2
Maricopa County Board of Supervisors
www.maricopa.gov/steve
602-506-7431


TRUSTED SOURCES

Nationally: CDC

State: ADHS

Locally: Maricopa County Public Health

QUESTIONS

All information requests related to Maricopa County’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic should be directed to the Joint Information Center using the email address caomedia@maricopa.gov