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COUNTY NEWS ROOM | August 24, 2020
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HEADLINE STORIES |
Flu Shots
Maricopa County is making it easy for you and your dependents (age 18 and older) to be protected this flu season. Starting next month, we're offering free flu shots at various worksite locations. You do not have to be enrolled in a County-sponsored plan to get your flu shot, but you do need to register and schedule an appointment. Stay tuned for more details.
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COVID-19 Tests
Over 5,000 employees and family members have been tested for COVID-19 at our employee test sites in recent weeks. If you have symptoms or think you may have been exposed, consider getting a PCR/diagnostic test. This will determine if you have a current infection. County employees and their families can also get a free antibody test, which lets you know if you’ve had COVID-19 in the past. Please visit this website to see a list of locations and to register. Note that all employee COVID testing, both PCR and antibody, will be consolidated into the downtown site starting Monday, August 31, and both tests will be available M-F.
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FEATURED VIDEO
What is it like to get a COVID-19 test?
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We stopped by a county COVID-19 testing site a few weeks ago to get a look at the process.
*Note: This video shows the nasal swab/PCR test. Anitbody tests, now available to county employees as well, involve a blood draw.*
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AROUND THE COUNTY |
End of a Chapter
The Director of the Library District is retiring. Cindy Kolaczynski has been with the District for 16 years and has been the County Librarian since 2011. Notable achievements include collaborating with local municipalities to implement the countywide Library Assistance Program, eliminating overdue fines, implementing countywide Summer Reading Program software, and spearheading new ways to ensure safe access to library services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cindy will be succeeded by Current Deputy Director Jeremy Reeder. Thank you, Cindy, and congratulations, Jeremy!
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Employees Behaving Bravely
Security Services officers recently went out of their way to help people in life-and-death situations.
On Friday, July 31st, Officer George Benavides found a man with a 106-degree temperature, alone against a wall of the 4th Avenue jail. Officer Benavides' call to paramedics likely saved the man's life.
On Tuesday, August 11th, Officers Bryan Smitherman and Deb Anderson and Sgt. Matt Helmstadter, alerted police to a man standing on top of the roof of the Phoenix Parking structure at 3rd Avenue and Jefferson. A Crisis Intervention Task Force helped get the man down without incident.
These life-protecting and life-saving actions go above and beyond. Thank you, George, Bryan, Deb, and Matt!
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Unified Command Move
Public Health, Emergency Management, and the entire Unified Command team responding to the COVID-19 emergency are moving to a new location. For months, Unified Command operated out of vacant space on the first floor of the 225 W. Madison building. Now, staff will be working out of the Santa Fe Depot building.
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$1 Million in Rental Assistance
Human Services is helping hundreds of residents struggling to pay rent because of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the first month of the County COVID Rental Assistance (CCRA) program, more than 300 households received a combined 662 months (nearly $1 million) of paid rent.
Read the press release >
Hear personal stories >
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Pets for Heroes
Animal Care and Control is making it easier for veterans and first responders to adopt a dog or cat. Starting September 7, MCACC will waive adoption fees on most pets for all military members and first responders. Puppies, kittens, and "shelter super heroes" are 50% off. The "Pets for Heroes" program was approved by the Board of Supervisors last week.
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CAPTION CONTEST
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Congratulations, Caroline Lewicki!
 This cat looks like he's not moving anytime soon. Caroline Lewicki with the Library District suggested that perhaps he was playing the age-old kids' game where you try, at all costs, to avoid touching the floor. "The floor is lava! Hold on for your life!" Thanks to Caroline and to everyone who participated!
Now for this issue's photo...
 Laura Jo Boyd with our Parks and Recreation Department says this is one of her paddleboarding buddies, Odin. Have a caption for this great outdoor shot? Send it our way using the link above, or email us your favorite pet picture and we may include it in a future issue of Currents.
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IN THE NEWS |
County, city rental assistance programs are moving faster than State’s
via ABC 15
Maricopa County within 1 week of hitting COVID-19 business benchmarks
via KTAR
Homeless people are staying in hotels during the pandemic. Should that continue?
via azcentral.com
County election official says Arizona’s ballot-by-mail will be fine
via ABC 15
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COMING SOON: CCC! |
The Combined Charitable Campaign is scheduled for September 14-28, 2020. More than 60 agencies are participating this year. Stay tuned for information about how to participate!
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