Description

With Rhode Island school and daycare closures, many providers are scrambling to figure out childcare. As the number of COVID-19 cases in Rhode Island rises, many additional needs have become apparent.  This project is for medical student volunteers at all levels to offer volunteer childcare and other services to providers. We provide services such as dog walking, grocery shopping, electronic learning help, and tutoring to families of all sizes and children of all ages. We have opened our services to all providers in Rhode Island, with an emphasis on those affected by school closures in the acute and emergent setting. We have prioritized frontline workers and emergency department (ED) staff at Lifespan Corporation, the major affiliate hospital system of the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. Through communication with Lifespan Corporation, we have reached ED staff at the largest hospitals in Rhode Island directly. Moreover, we maintain communication with the Rhode Island Department of Health to stay informed about state-funded childcare services. When applicable, we connect providers with these services to fill any care gaps. 

Contact

Lindsey G. Kahan, BS, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, lindsey_kahan@brown.edu
Kristy Blackwood, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, kristy_blackwood@brown.edu

Project Category

Support for healthcare workers

Mode of Participation

In-person non-clinical

Credit Status

Extracurricular

Project Type

Childcare for healthcare workforce
Grocery delivery/meal coordination for healthcare workers