Here to serve in troubled times
Dear Friends of District 8,

Wishing a happy Passover week and Easter weekend to all those who celebrate. Although we may never have celebrated these holidays in quite the same way before, I hope you can still find peace and strength in connecting – whether with those at home or virtually – with loved ones and with the traditions that anchor us.

Over the past three weeks, I've been hosting an ongoing video conversation series every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, "Our Community Cares," with community leaders to bring you key updates about our coronavirus response. I'm proud to have been joined by experts from across academia, business, nonprofit, public health and more, including University of Miami President Julio Frenk , Florida Agricultural Commissioner Nikki Fried , Rick Beasley of CareerSource South Florida, and many others.

Check out our past videos here and read some of the highlights below.

Have an idea for a speaker or topic we haven't covered? We'd love to hear from you! Please send an email to [email protected] . 

Yours in community,

Daniella
Axis South Florida, a One-Stop Portal for COVID-19 Help
In this episode I was joined by Marta Viciedo of Urban Impact Lab, Lucas Hernandez of Microsoft Philanthropies, and Inés Hernandez of Citi to discuss the launch of their collaborative project – the new Axis South Florida COVID-19 resource hub.

Axis South Florida, online at www.axishelps.org, is a one-stop portal to help connect families, individuals and businesses impacted by coronavirus with the resources they need. It's incredibly user-friendly and intuitive to navigate, and I encourage you check it out and share with your networks.

Support for Small Business and Those Out of Work
I had a great conversation with Rick Beasley of CareerSource about where those whose employment or businesses have been impacted by coronavirus can get support. We also discussed the importance of those who are able supporting our restaurants and small businesses through this difficult time.

Some key resources available to you:

Register online with CareerSourceSouth Florida

Apply for unemployment benefits or pick up and drop off a paper application from 26 library sites countywide

Visit the Beacon Council's COVID-19 Business Resource Center

I know that Florida's outdated and flawed unemployment system has posed an enormous hurdle for thousands of families already struggling through this crisis. I continue to call for urgent fixes so that residents can get the help they need, and I signed onto this letter asking that benefits be retroactive to the date of unemployment due to these system failures.

Guests & Topics Coming Up this Week
MONDAY, APRIL 13: I'll be joined by Dr. Erin N. Kobetz of University of Miami to discuss a groundbreaking health study just getting underway to try to determine the number of undetected coronavirus cases.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15: Joining leaders from the United Way to discuss our community's nonprofit relief fund.

Tune in live every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 4 pm, and make sure you're following me on Facebook to get updates about the latest confirmed speakers.
Key Information on COVID-19
WHAT TO DO IF YOU FEEL SICK

If you believe you may have been exposed to COVID-19, call the local Florida Department of Health at 305-324-2400 or call your medical provider directly. If traveling to a medical office or facility, call ahead.

COVID-19 TESTING

The following testing sites are now available, and I'm especially glad that my call to bring testing to South Dade and West Kendall was successful.

  • South Dade Government Center: Testing available to those 18 or older showing symptoms associated with COVID-19; call the County hotline at 305-499-8767 to schedule.
  • Miami Dade County Fairgrounds: Testing available to those 18 or older showing symptoms associated with COVID-19; call 305-499-8767.
  • Marlins Park: Testing available for those 18 and older showing symptoms. By appointment only; call 305-499-8767.
  • Hard Rock Stadium: Testing available for those 65 and older who are symptomatic as well as healthcare workers and first responders. Call 305-499-8767 to schedule.
  • Community Health of South Florida: Testing available in two locations for patients who have symptoms and either a recent history of travel to an affected country or contact with someone who has contracted COVID-19.
  • Doris Ison Health Center – 10300 SW 216 St. Miami: Open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 am to 12 pm.
  • Florida City (new location) – 450 W. Davis Parkway, Florida City, FL 33034: Open every Tuesday and Thursday from 10 am to 1 pm.
  • Miami Beach (46th & Collins): Testing available to those with symptoms; call 305-735-3909 to schedule an appointment.
  • Amelia Earhart Park in Hialeah: Testing available to residents 65 and older with symptoms; call 305-268-4319 to schedule.
  • Miami-Dade will launch home testing for the homebound this week and the City of Miami has also launched a testing service for homebound seniors. Learn more.

JACKSON HEALTH SYSTEM

Any patient experiencing serious symptoms of COVID-19 can seek emergency treatment at any hospital emergency room, including any Jackson facility. To prevent the spread of COVID-19, visitation is suspended for most patients at most facilities, and Jackson encourages the use of phone calls, electronic messages, and videoconference. Watch a video from Jackson's leadership.

OTHER RESOURCES