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KENT county COVID-19
Church RESOURCES
Helping to keep your church & community safe
This website is a project of the Kent County COVID-19 Church Response Task Force. The Church Response Task Force is a coalition of church leaders from across Kent County that works closely with the Kent County Health Department to help churches serve their communities during this unprecedented health crisis.
The COVID-19 resources on this website have been curated from Kent County, Michigan Health and Human Services, Center for Disease Control and the World Health Organization. There are additional ministry resources that have been provided by the Humanitarian Disaster Institute and Church Fuel.
The COVID-19 resources on this website have been curated from Kent County, Michigan Health and Human Services, Center for Disease Control and the World Health Organization. There are additional ministry resources that have been provided by the Humanitarian Disaster Institute and Church Fuel.
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COVID-19 Volunteer Registration
Volunteers In Service (VIS) has partnered with us as our coordination lead partner.
To sign up as a volunteer, please click the box below to go to their website.
To sign up as a volunteer, please click the box below to go to their website.
Vaccine Clinic Request Form
You can now request for a Kent County Community Partner POP-UP/Mobile Vaccine Clinic on the Vaccinate West Michigan website: https://vaccinatewestmi.com/create-account/.
Please click the box below for more information.
Please click the box below for more information.
9/14/2021
DATA REPORT
Disparities Data Committee:
"Update of COVID-19 & Racial Disparities in Michigan" is detailed below.
Please click the box below for more information.
Disparities Data Committee:
"Update of COVID-19 & Racial Disparities in Michigan" is detailed below.
Please click the box below for more information.
9/9/2021
KENT COUNTY STATEMENT
Kent County Health Department (KCHD):
"Kent County Statement on Pre-K-6 School Mask Public Health Order" is detailed below.
Please click the box below for more information.
Kent County Health Department (KCHD):
"Kent County Statement on Pre-K-6 School Mask Public Health Order" is detailed below.
Please click the box below for more information.
9/8/2021
RESOURCES
Heart of West Michigan United Way (HWMUW):
If you fell behind on rent and/or utilities during the pandemic and need assistance, COVID Emergency Rental Assistance (CERA) is available for online applications.
Please click the boxes below for more information.
Heart of West Michigan United Way (HWMUW):
If you fell behind on rent and/or utilities during the pandemic and need assistance, COVID Emergency Rental Assistance (CERA) is available for online applications.
Please click the boxes below for more information.
8/25/2021
EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT
Kent County Health Department (KCHD):
Thursday, August 26
10:00am - 11:00am
Board of Commissioners Work Session: School Mask Public Health Order
DeVos Place, Steelcase Ballroom, 303 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids
Please enter via the Lyons Street exit.
Kent County Health Department (KCHD):
Thursday, August 26
10:00am - 11:00am
Board of Commissioners Work Session: School Mask Public Health Order
DeVos Place, Steelcase Ballroom, 303 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids
Please enter via the Lyons Street exit.
8/17/2021
NEWS ARTICLES
School Closure Clips
Click the box below for articles regarding school closures.
School Closure Clips
Click the box below for articles regarding school closures.
SURVEY
Kent County Health Department (KCHD):
Vaccine Attitudes Survey Update
English: https://bit.ly/C19VaxSurvey
Spanish: https://bit.ly/C19SurveySpanish
Kent County Health Department (KCHD):
Vaccine Attitudes Survey Update
English: https://bit.ly/C19VaxSurvey
Spanish: https://bit.ly/C19SurveySpanish
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NEWS RELEASE
Kent County Health Department (KCHD):
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Classifies Kent County COVID-19 Risk Level as "High"
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has raised the level of COVID-19 infection to ‘high’ from ‘substantial’ for Kent County. The CDC recommends everyone in areas with a risk designation of ‘substantial’ or ‘high’ wear a face mask in indoor public places, regardless of vaccination status.
Click the box below for the full document.
Kent County Health Department (KCHD):
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Classifies Kent County COVID-19 Risk Level as "High"
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has raised the level of COVID-19 infection to ‘high’ from ‘substantial’ for Kent County. The CDC recommends everyone in areas with a risk designation of ‘substantial’ or ‘high’ wear a face mask in indoor public places, regardless of vaccination status.
Click the box below for the full document.
8/13/2021
8/11/2021
NEWS ARTICLE
CDC:
Delta Variant: What We Know About the Science
On July 27, 2021, CDC released updated guidance on the need for urgently increasing COVID-19 vaccination coverage and a recommendation for everyone in areas of substantial or high transmission to wear a mask in public indoor places, even if they are fully vaccinated. CDC issued this new guidance due to several concerning developments and newly emerging data signals.
Click the link below for the full article.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/delta-variant.html
CDC:
Delta Variant: What We Know About the Science
On July 27, 2021, CDC released updated guidance on the need for urgently increasing COVID-19 vaccination coverage and a recommendation for everyone in areas of substantial or high transmission to wear a mask in public indoor places, even if they are fully vaccinated. CDC issued this new guidance due to several concerning developments and newly emerging data signals.
Click the link below for the full article.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/delta-variant.html
8/11/2021
RHYTHM HEALTH FAIR
Grand Rapids African American Health Institute (GRAAHI):
For over 10 years, GRAAHI has sponsored the Rhythm Run in the MLK Park neighborhood. Each year, more than 300 people have participated in this event. This year we are shifting the event to a Rhythm Health Fair.
This event will be held on August 14 from 10am-3pm at Martin Luther King Jr. Park in Grand Rapids and will include a diverse range of resources and activities focused on health. Our goal is to promote melodies of a healthy lifestyle in our community-(mind, body and soul). This event will allow us to bring the community together to:
Grand Rapids African American Health Institute (GRAAHI):
For over 10 years, GRAAHI has sponsored the Rhythm Run in the MLK Park neighborhood. Each year, more than 300 people have participated in this event. This year we are shifting the event to a Rhythm Health Fair.
This event will be held on August 14 from 10am-3pm at Martin Luther King Jr. Park in Grand Rapids and will include a diverse range of resources and activities focused on health. Our goal is to promote melodies of a healthy lifestyle in our community-(mind, body and soul). This event will allow us to bring the community together to:
- learn about various aspects of health
- provide important resources (tables for health care providers to share resources and information about health care services, screenings and preventive care)
- help build trust between community members, health care providers, government officials, clergy, the Divine 9, and law enforcement
- provide free testing and services (COVID test and vaccination, blood pressure, screenings, etc)
- engage in fun exercise activities led by certified fitness instructors
- learn about nutrition and healthy eating
- meet with dentists
- meet with mental health professionals
- raffles and giveaways
7/23/2021
NEWS UPDATE
Kent County Health Department:
1) COVID Emergency Rental Assistance (CERA)
There are 2 ways to apply for the program:
Link to Kent County Community Action and CERA (COVID-19 Emergency Renter's Assistance) Program: https://www.accesskent.com/Departments/CommunityAction/cera.htm
Information on the CERA program: https://www.michigan.gov/mshda/0,4641,7-141-5555-533463--,00.html
Kent County Health Department:
1) COVID Emergency Rental Assistance (CERA)
There are 2 ways to apply for the program:
- The best way to apply for the program is through the online portal which is located here: http://ceraapp.michigan.gov
- Paper applications (https://www.michigan.gov/mshda/0,4641,7-141-5555-533463--,00.html) can be submitted at any of the KCCA and Salvation Army locations as well as at the Hispanic Center and The Source.
Link to Kent County Community Action and CERA (COVID-19 Emergency Renter's Assistance) Program: https://www.accesskent.com/Departments/CommunityAction/cera.htm
Information on the CERA program: https://www.michigan.gov/mshda/0,4641,7-141-5555-533463--,00.html
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2) Community Health Improvement Process Now Open
The Health Department has launched the next step in the 2020 Community Needs Assessment (CHNA) strategic planning process. The 2021-2024 Community Health Improvement Planning (CHIP) process asks partner agencies, organizations, and residents to develop and implement a three-year strategic plan. To ensure the success of the plan, the Health Department is asking residents to serve on one of the four health CHIP priority subcommittees.
Interested individuals should complete a survey by Monday, July 26. Subcommittee participation will require a 1-year commitment and attendance at monthly subcommittee meetings and quarterly coalition meetings. The Health Department is also seeking individuals to serve as subcommittee chairs. Individuals serving in this capacity must have previous or current affiliation with a community-based organization, be willing to facilitate monthly subcommittee meetings and attend monthly steering committee meetings and quarterly coalition meetings. Find the full news release here.
The Health Department has launched the next step in the 2020 Community Needs Assessment (CHNA) strategic planning process. The 2021-2024 Community Health Improvement Planning (CHIP) process asks partner agencies, organizations, and residents to develop and implement a three-year strategic plan. To ensure the success of the plan, the Health Department is asking residents to serve on one of the four health CHIP priority subcommittees.
Interested individuals should complete a survey by Monday, July 26. Subcommittee participation will require a 1-year commitment and attendance at monthly subcommittee meetings and quarterly coalition meetings. The Health Department is also seeking individuals to serve as subcommittee chairs. Individuals serving in this capacity must have previous or current affiliation with a community-based organization, be willing to facilitate monthly subcommittee meetings and attend monthly steering committee meetings and quarterly coalition meetings. Find the full news release here.
7/14/2021
"FILL THE BUS" SCHOOL SUPPLIES EDUCATION RESOURCE FAIR
Grand Rapids APRI & GREA:
Our Grand Rapids A. Philip Randolph Institute and Grand Rapids Education Association is preparing for our first Community Education Resource Fair and a “Fill the Bus” School Supply Drive on July 24, 2021, in the parking lots of First Community AME Church, 500 James St., SE. and in front of Martin Luther King, Jr. Academy on the corner of James and Logan St. beginning at 12:00 noon until 5:00pm.
Please click the box below for more information.
Grand Rapids APRI & GREA:
Our Grand Rapids A. Philip Randolph Institute and Grand Rapids Education Association is preparing for our first Community Education Resource Fair and a “Fill the Bus” School Supply Drive on July 24, 2021, in the parking lots of First Community AME Church, 500 James St., SE. and in front of Martin Luther King, Jr. Academy on the corner of James and Logan St. beginning at 12:00 noon until 5:00pm.
Please click the box below for more information.
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6/28/2021
FREE CHILDCARE AVAILABLE WHILE GETTING VACCINATED
We Can Do This by HHS:
HHS is encouraging all states to use the American Rescue Plan’s child care funding to offer your local or home-based child care provider the financial flexibility they need to join this effort and support your vaccination.
Please click the box below for more information.
We Can Do This by HHS:
HHS is encouraging all states to use the American Rescue Plan’s child care funding to offer your local or home-based child care provider the financial flexibility they need to join this effort and support your vaccination.
Please click the box below for more information.
6/15/2021
SEEKING WELCOME PLAN COORDINATOR
Kent County Gateways for Growth:
The Kent County Gateways for Growth Steering Committee, comprised of representatives from the City of Grand Rapids, Kent County, West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce and Samaritas, will be hiring a Welcome Plan Coordinator to facilitate implementation of the Kent County Welcome Plan.
Please click the box below for more information to apply.
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El Comité Directivo de Puertas de Entrada Para el Crecimiento del Condado de Kent, compuesto por representantes de la Ciudad de Grand Rapids, el Condado de Kent, la Cámara de Comercio Hispana del Oeste de Michigan, la Cámara de Comercio del Área de Grand Rapids y Samaritas, contratará a un Coordinador del Plan de Bienvenida para facilitar la implementación del Plan de Bienvenida del Condado de Kent.
Haga clic en el cuadro para más información para aplicar.
Kent County Gateways for Growth:
The Kent County Gateways for Growth Steering Committee, comprised of representatives from the City of Grand Rapids, Kent County, West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce and Samaritas, will be hiring a Welcome Plan Coordinator to facilitate implementation of the Kent County Welcome Plan.
Please click the box below for more information to apply.
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El Comité Directivo de Puertas de Entrada Para el Crecimiento del Condado de Kent, compuesto por representantes de la Ciudad de Grand Rapids, el Condado de Kent, la Cámara de Comercio Hispana del Oeste de Michigan, la Cámara de Comercio del Área de Grand Rapids y Samaritas, contratará a un Coordinador del Plan de Bienvenida para facilitar la implementación del Plan de Bienvenida del Condado de Kent.
Haga clic en el cuadro para más información para aplicar.
6/10/2021
JUNE 2021 DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION (DEI) PULSE NEWSLETTER
Kent County:
Please click the box below to access Kent County's Newsletter regarding Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Pulse.
Kent County:
Please click the box below to access Kent County's Newsletter regarding Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Pulse.
6/9/2021
COVID-19 VACCINE DATA REVIEW @ 6/8
Kent County Health Department COVID Dashboard:
Please check the file below for an updated COVID-19 Vaccine Data Review from KCHD's COVID Dashboard as of June 8.
Kent County Health Department COVID Dashboard:
Please check the file below for an updated COVID-19 Vaccine Data Review from KCHD's COVID Dashboard as of June 8.
6/7/2021
COVID EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE (CERA)
Coalition to End Homelessness:
If you fell behind on rent or utilities during the pandemic and need help, you could qualify for the COVID Emergency Rental Assistance (CERA) program. Through the MSHDA and local nonprofits, CERA provides rental and utility assistance for eligible renters who complete an application online. For more information and a list of requirements, visit KentRentHelp.org.
Please check the flyers below for more information.
Coalition to End Homelessness:
If you fell behind on rent or utilities during the pandemic and need help, you could qualify for the COVID Emergency Rental Assistance (CERA) program. Through the MSHDA and local nonprofits, CERA provides rental and utility assistance for eligible renters who complete an application online. For more information and a list of requirements, visit KentRentHelp.org.
Please check the flyers below for more information.
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6/3/2021
COVID-19 VACCINE PARTNER CLINIC
KCHD Vaccinate West Michigan:
Please check the flyers below for registration at our partner clinics at LifeQuest Ministries & Garfield Park Community Gym. Available in both English and Spanish.
KCHD Vaccinate West Michigan:
Please check the flyers below for registration at our partner clinics at LifeQuest Ministries & Garfield Park Community Gym. Available in both English and Spanish.
LifeQuest Ministries
Garfield Park Community Gym
6/2/2021
2021 SUMMER HEALTH CAMP FLIERS
Calvin University Dept of Nursing:
Calvin University’s Nursing Department is again hosting their H.E.A.L.T.H. Camp for girls 9-15 years old. They are currently recruiting participants for the no-cost camp. There are two sessions based on age that will run from June 14-25, 2021. This is the schedule:
Week 1 camp - June 14-18 (9-11 years old girls)
Week 2 camp - June 21-25 (12-15 years old girls)
Please check the flyers below for registration. Available in both English and Spanish.
Calvin University Dept of Nursing:
Calvin University’s Nursing Department is again hosting their H.E.A.L.T.H. Camp for girls 9-15 years old. They are currently recruiting participants for the no-cost camp. There are two sessions based on age that will run from June 14-25, 2021. This is the schedule:
Week 1 camp - June 14-18 (9-11 years old girls)
Week 2 camp - June 21-25 (12-15 years old girls)
Please check the flyers below for registration. Available in both English and Spanish.
6/1/2021
RECENT NEWS
Kent County Health Department:
Please check the documents below for updates.
Kent County Health Department:
Please check the documents below for updates.
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5/27/2021
MICHIGAN COMMUNITIES CONQUERING COVID-19
MI-CEAL from University of Michigan:
MI-CEAL is inviting African-American/Black and Hispanic/Latinx residents of Kent County to participate in a focus group research study. The goal of the study team is to understand community experiences and opinions related to COVID-19, as communities of color have been more deeply affected by the pandemic. A focus group takes 1.5 hours and is done remotely by video or phone call, using Zoom. Each participant will receive a $50 gift card as a thank you for their time and participation.
Kent County Focus Group Times and Schedule:
Hispanic/Latinx Focus Group: Thursday, June 3, 6:00 - 7:30 pm (will be in Spanish)
Key Informant Focus Group:* Thursday, June 10, 6:00 - 7:30 pm (in English)
Focus Group for 18-29 year-olds:** Tuesday, June 15, 6:00 - 7:30 pm (in English)
African-American/Black Focus Group: Thursday, June 17, 6:00 - 7:30 pm (in English)
Interested persons may call or email the study team directly. Or, with their permission, their names and contact information may be sent to the below email so that the study team can contact them.
Call 734-647-0699 or c3covid19@med.umich.edu
Before participating in a focus group, interested persons must be in contact with a study team member to receive detailed information and to join a focus group.
*Key Informant Definition: Individuals familiar with and can broadly speak to the experiences and challenges of their local community (e.g., community advocates, community leaders, community health workers, community organization staff, and so on). With their permission, please email c3covid19@med.umich.edu with the name and contact information of key informant(s), along with a note that identifies them as key informant(s), so that they can be placed in the correct focus group.
**18-29 y.o. Definition: Residents age 18-29 who identify as African American / Black or Hispanic / Latinx (participants could identify with either race/ethnicity, but should be in this younger age group)
Click the boxes below for more details.
MI-CEAL from University of Michigan:
MI-CEAL is inviting African-American/Black and Hispanic/Latinx residents of Kent County to participate in a focus group research study. The goal of the study team is to understand community experiences and opinions related to COVID-19, as communities of color have been more deeply affected by the pandemic. A focus group takes 1.5 hours and is done remotely by video or phone call, using Zoom. Each participant will receive a $50 gift card as a thank you for their time and participation.
Kent County Focus Group Times and Schedule:
Hispanic/Latinx Focus Group: Thursday, June 3, 6:00 - 7:30 pm (will be in Spanish)
Key Informant Focus Group:* Thursday, June 10, 6:00 - 7:30 pm (in English)
Focus Group for 18-29 year-olds:** Tuesday, June 15, 6:00 - 7:30 pm (in English)
African-American/Black Focus Group: Thursday, June 17, 6:00 - 7:30 pm (in English)
Interested persons may call or email the study team directly. Or, with their permission, their names and contact information may be sent to the below email so that the study team can contact them.
Call 734-647-0699 or c3covid19@med.umich.edu
Before participating in a focus group, interested persons must be in contact with a study team member to receive detailed information and to join a focus group.
*Key Informant Definition: Individuals familiar with and can broadly speak to the experiences and challenges of their local community (e.g., community advocates, community leaders, community health workers, community organization staff, and so on). With their permission, please email c3covid19@med.umich.edu with the name and contact information of key informant(s), along with a note that identifies them as key informant(s), so that they can be placed in the correct focus group.
**18-29 y.o. Definition: Residents age 18-29 who identify as African American / Black or Hispanic / Latinx (participants could identify with either race/ethnicity, but should be in this younger age group)
Click the boxes below for more details.
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5/20/2021
COVID-19 NEWS FOR SCHOOLS
Vaccinate West Michigan:
- Pfizer Vaccines Available for anyone 12 and Up
- School COVID-19 Quarantine Update
- Updated MDHHS Interim Guidance for Athletics
- Conversations and Events
- Revised Mask Requirements!
- Good News For Fully Vaccinated
Click the boxes below for more details.
Vaccinate West Michigan:
- Pfizer Vaccines Available for anyone 12 and Up
- School COVID-19 Quarantine Update
- Updated MDHHS Interim Guidance for Athletics
- Conversations and Events
- Revised Mask Requirements!
- Good News For Fully Vaccinated
Click the boxes below for more details.
5/13/2021
MDHHS PFIZER VACCINE FOR AGES 12-15
Emergency Management & Homeland Security Division State Emergency Operations Center:
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is recommending that providers begin vaccinating adolescents 12 to 15 years of age following a vote by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices supporting that recommendation. It is also recommended that the COVID vaccine can now be administered at the same time, or on the same day, as other vaccines in both children and adults.
Click the box below for more details.
Emergency Management & Homeland Security Division State Emergency Operations Center:
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is recommending that providers begin vaccinating adolescents 12 to 15 years of age following a vote by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices supporting that recommendation. It is also recommended that the COVID vaccine can now be administered at the same time, or on the same day, as other vaccines in both children and adults.
Click the box below for more details.
5/7/2021
AVAILABLE COVID-19 VACCINE APPOINTMENT SITES
Kent Country Health Department:
We have appointments available for COVID-19 Vaccine at the following KCHD community sites:
1) Direct Scheduling link: http://bit.ly/kentccvp
2) Call 211 (direct scheduling)
3) The Hispanic Center of Western Michigan direct scheduling: 616-206-3150
Click the box below to see more details.
Kent Country Health Department:
We have appointments available for COVID-19 Vaccine at the following KCHD community sites:
- Monday, May 10 // 9am-4pm: Kent County Health Department South Clinic
- Wednesday, May 12 // 8am-4pm: Hispanic Center of Western Michigan
- Thursday, May 13 // 3pm-7pm: Godfrey lee Early Childhood Education Center
- Saturday, May 15 // 9am-1pm: Kent County Health Department Fuller Clinic
1) Direct Scheduling link: http://bit.ly/kentccvp
2) Call 211 (direct scheduling)
3) The Hispanic Center of Western Michigan direct scheduling: 616-206-3150
Click the box below to see more details.
5/5/2021
CLERGY ACCESS TO NON-COVID PATIENTS
Spectrum Hospitals:
Spectrum Health Hospitals are now offering the opportunity for clergy to have access to non-COVID positive church members who are patients in the hospital. Call 616-391-5672 to receive access.
*Please note: Access does not include access to nursing homes and visitor health screenings and protocols are to be followed.
Spectrum Hospitals:
Spectrum Health Hospitals are now offering the opportunity for clergy to have access to non-COVID positive church members who are patients in the hospital. Call 616-391-5672 to receive access.
*Please note: Access does not include access to nursing homes and visitor health screenings and protocols are to be followed.
Join us every Wednesday at 1:00 pm for a conference call with the Kent County Health Department to discuss issues related to church and community safety.
Resources
The Kent County COVID-19 Church Task Force is a collaboration between the Urban Church Leadership Center and the Kent County Health Department.