As the number of reported coronavirus cases continues rising, waves of resources have poured in from people and businesses eager to help frontline workers aiding those affected by the pandemic.

Grateful for support

Franciscan Health recently established gratitude walls at its hospitals in Crown Point, Dyer, Hammond, Michigan City and Munster.

The walls were set up as a way for Franciscan to acknowledge the many residents and businesses who have donated supplies and dollars to help health care workers and other groups in their efforts to care for those affected by the coronavirus. The walls, which feature thank you cards, notes, and drawings from children, also has provided a morale boost for Franciscan employees during the crisis as it reflects the community’s support for the work being done by frontline workers.

Donations support service groups

• First Merchants Corp. said it’s committing $1 million to support nonprofit organizations experiencing financial hardship as it provides aid to those affected by the pandemic. “The negative economic impact caused by this pandemic cannot be overstated, and First Merchants is committed to doing everything we can to assist our communities during these difficult times,” said First Merchants CEO Michael Rechin. The $1 million commitment will be distributed to groups in Indiana, Ohio, Illinois and Michigan. First Merchants and many other financial institutions also have allowed customers to defer payments on installment and auto loans, mortgage loans and home equity loans. First Merchants operates 18 locations in Northwest Indiana and Northeast Illinois.
• Teachers Credit Union said it will donate a total of $30,000 to support food banks, with each receiving $10,000. The Food Bank of Northern Indiana in South Bend, Northwest Indiana Food Bank in Merrillville, and Gleaners Food Bank in Indianapolis, each will receive funds from TCU. “These funds help meet an immediate need,” TCU President and CEO Paul Marsh said. “The food banks that we’re supporting serve their communities on a daily basis. The strain on them, and on the people who need them, requires a community response equal to the challenge.” Teachers Credit Union operates 51 locations.

Ivy Tech provides training

Ivy Tech Community College is offering a one-day, eight-hour course to train people to serve as personal care attendants, a temporary position created by the Indiana State Department of Health for the duration of Gov. Eric Holcomb’s executive order spelling out directives during the public health emergency.

The course consists of five hours of classroom work and three hours of simulation and skills training and is designed to train someone to perform defined resident care procedures, which don’t require the skill or training of a certified nurse aide.

For registration information contact Martha Moody, mmoody24@ivytech.edu and for information on content and materials, contact Charlene Mantock, cmantock@ivytech.edu.