By: Roy Wells
For those of you who are clients and friends of the firm, you are aware that Triad Strategies is open for business (remotely from our homes). We have been working diligently to keep our clients aware of how Pennsylvania government at all levels is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. From assisting in getting waivers for life sustaining projects involving our clients and their contractors, to links to critical federal, state, and local resources, we continue to provide the value that our clients expect from us. But we would be remiss not to recognize our clients and their employees who are offering their services and resources as Americans pull together to protect themselves and each other.
Our technology clients, Cisco, Pure Storage, and SHI are offering their services and technologies to provide critical collaboration tools to state and local governments. Cisco is providing remote learning, worker and telehealth services, as well as virtual public session technology for all levels of government. Pure Storage is offering its on-premise and cloud storage service, Pure as-a-Service, free for three months, along with low-touch installation services. SHI is hosting on-line webinars to help companies use Microsoft Teams to aid in collaboration while employees are working in remote locations.
Wakefern Food Corporation has stepped up to ensure that our food supply continues to reach the public by raising the wages of their employees by $2 per hour and installing plexiglass shields at cash registers to protect both their employees and the public from further transmitting.
Dan Hilferty, chief executive officer of Independence Health Group, parent of Independence Blue Cross has been on the airwaves of southeastern Pennsylvania promoting the importance of social distancing and cleanliness.
Magellan Health is bringing clinical expertise and support to individuals, including providing one of its digital cognitive behavioral therapy (DCBT) apps, RESTORE®, at no cost for people experiencing sleep difficulty and insomnia. Check out Magellan’s blog for the latest tips on how to deal with sheltering in place.
Columbia Gas has suspended shutoffs for non-payment, is offering flexible payment plans and has suspended late fees through May 1, 2020. PECO is also suspending service disconnections and waiving new late payment charges through at least May 1, 2020 and is expanding its assistance programs to help customers in need. The West View Water Authority, committed to delivering safe and uninterrupted water service, has suspended water terminations and is providing the public with information on water-related tips on social media.
The College Board is providing free online AP classes and a new at-home testing option so students still have the opportunity to earn college credit and placement.
The United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters and their local chapters are prepared to aid in the building of isolation rooms, temporary hospital wards, as well as sensitive construction projects that can affect our well-being and health.
Also, we can’t forget our first responders on the front lines, who are being tested now more than ever. The Pennsylvania Professional Fire Fighters Association is working directly with the Wolf administration to give up-to-date data on personal protective equipment, to make sure the public is safe.
We are all in this together, and it will take all of us to navigate through this storm and the rough waters ahead. If we all continue to offer our services and assistance to one another, we will get through this as safely as possible. If you are in need of our services, please do not hesitate to reach out for assistance. If it is within our ability, we will be there for you.