Throughout the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic the medical school's Rapid Response Team has coordinated the institutional response to ensure the safety of our patients, employees, and students. We have implemented proactive measures, new policies, and other actions so that we can continue our operations during the pandemic. Communication is shared with internal stakeholders via email whenever new decisions are made. The internal infection control portal includes valuable resources, health advisories, links, and information related to the pandemic for our students and employees.
HEERF Reporting
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act allotted $2.2 trillion to provide fast and direct economic aid to people negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Of that money, approximately $14 billion was given to the Office of Postsecondary Education as the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF), referenced as HEERF I. HEERF I provided funds to institutions for emergency aid grants to students, and institutional expenses related to COVID-19. WMed was initially allocated $78,563 under Section (a)(1), then an additional $421,437 under Section (a)(3).
HEERF Institutional Reports
The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund II (HEERF II) is authorized by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA), and signed into law on December 27, 2020. The CRRSAA authorized $81.88 billion in support for education. On February 3, 2021 WMed was awarded $115,890, of which a minimum of $39,282 is assigned for students.
The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III) is authorized by the American Rescue Plan (ARP), and signed into law on March 11, 2021, providing $39.6 billion in support to institutions of higher education to serve students and ensure learning continues during the COVID-19 pandemic. On May 20, 2021, WMed was allocated $214,638.
Meeting the Needs of Our Patients
WMed Health, the clinical practice of the medical school, continues to take precautions and follows CDC guidelines as well as local, state, and national mandates to meet the needs of our patients who are impacted by COVID-19. We offer COVID-19 testing to our patients during a patient visit. Our practices remain open during normal business hours. Upon arrival, patients are provided a face mask to wear in accordance with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Emergency Order on face masks in the healthcare setting. We offer telehealth via video and phone visits so we can treat patients remotely.
COVID-19 Vaccines
COVID-19 vaccination is required for all employees and students as a condition of employment or enrollment. Vaccines are broadly available at many local pharmacies and community clinics.
Face Masks and Social Distancing
Face masks are required and social distancing is encouraged in clinical environments only. Face masks and social distancing are optional in the non-clinical spaces at WMed.
Facility and Personal Hygiene
We implemented extra effort and resources to continuously sanitize and keep all of our facilities clean. Additional hand sanitizer stations have been placed throughout our facilities.
The safety and well-being of our WMed community remains our top priority.
Updated: January 31, 2023