Press Release from the Reopen Rock Task Force:
Rock County residents in need of reusable masks and thermometers will soon have free access to them, thanks to a partnership between the Reopen Rock Task Force, Rock County and the United Way Blackhawk Region.
Reopen Rock is comprised of volunteers representing various sectors, formed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to serve as a focal point for community information sharing and collaboration to address priority areas of concern. Two of Reopen Rock’s sector groups–nonprofits and diverse communities–identified that disadvantaged families and underserved communities in Rock County would benefit from help procuring protective masks, which are vital to limiting the spread of COVID-19. Another important way to stop the spread of COVID-19 is ensuring that those exhibiting symptoms stay home. Thermometers are one simple tool individuals and families can utilize to know whether symptoms may exist. Further, many employers, schools and organizations require people to attest that they do not have a temperature before entering a facility.
On August 27, 2020, the Board of Health approved the purchase of 7,000 adult masks, 7,000 youth masks and 1,000 thermometers for public distribution. A portion of Rock County’s $2.6 million federal CARES program allocation was used for the purchase.
An active member of the Reopen Rock Task Force, United Way Blackhawk Region convened a diverse group of volunteers and advocates to spearhead a distribution plan for the masks and thermometers.
A drive-thru mask give-away will take place at various sites on Saturday, October 17 from 12 until 2 p.m., while supplies last. The mask give-away locations were intentionally selected as trusted community hubs utilized by populations disproportionately impacted by the virus. Volunteers orchestrating the mask give-away will adhere to proper social distancing and other preventative measures to ensure a safe distribution process.
Beloit and Janesville Drive-Thru Mask Giveaway Noon to 2 p.m., Saturday, October 17, 2020
| Beloit Locations | Janesville Locations |
|---|
Brother Dutton School
717 Hackett St.
Beloit, WI 53511 | First Congregational United Church of Christ
54 S Jackson St.
Janesville, WI 53548 |
Merrill Community Center
1428 Wisconsin Ave.
Beloit, WI 53511 | Rock County Job Center
1900 Center Ave.
Janesville, WI 53546 |
St. Thomas Church
822 E Grand Ave.
Beloit, WI 53511 | 12 & 12 Drop-In/ Club House
402 W Delevan Dr.
Janesville, WI 53548 |
To reach disadvantaged families and underserved neighbors in the smaller communities across Rock County, masks and thermometers will be distributed by local nonprofits to their clientele and other community members upon request during normal business or food pantry hours, beginning the week of October 19, 2020.
Surrounding Communities Mask Giveaway will take place during normal business or food pantry hours beginning the week of October 19, 2020
CLINTON
Christ Lutheran Clinton Food Pantry
300 High St., Clinton, WI
(608) 676-4994 | EVANSVILLE
AWARE Evansville
209 S 1st St., Evansville, WI 53536
(608) 882-9900 |
EDGERTON
Edgerton Community Outreach
106 S Main St., Edgerton, WI 53534
(608) 884-9593 | MILTON
Milton Food Pantry
36 Hilltop Drive, Milton, WI 53563
(608) 868-1166 |
“The Reopen Rock Task Force applauds the advocacy of United Way Blackhawk Region, the nonprofit sector and diverse communities’ volunteers to conduct collaborative problem solving on this identified gap,” said Reopen Rock Task Force Co-Chair and Milton City Administrator Al Hulick. “At a time when Rock County is experiencing an alarming increase in COVID-19 cases, it is important that people have access to and continue wearing protective masks.”
For more information on the mask give-away call United Way’s 211 or visit Reopen Rock’s website, at www.reopenrock.com.
About Reopen Rock
In May 2020, the Rock County Board of Supervisors, the City of Beloit, YWCA Rock County and United Way Blackhawk Region approved a resolution supporting the creation of a community-led task force to address pandemic-related issues. Today, the Reopen Rock Task Force meets regularly to identify, prioritize and address challenges related to reopening. Reopen Rock is comprised of three co-chairs and 12 sector leads representing: Chambers of Commerce, Consumer Retail, Diverse Communities, Education/Schools, Entertainment, Faith Communities, Food/Agriculture, Government, Hospitality, Manufacturing and Distribution, Non-Profit and Services. Sector leads meet regularly with their community leaders from their sector to identify sector-specific issues, which then are shared with the larger Reopen Rock Task Force during meetings facilitated by the co-chairs. By working openly, collaboratively and proactively together, the task force is able to quickly identify potential issues and speed resolution. Learn more at www.reopenrock.com.