Last month, the RMHC headquarters, based in Chicago, announced a global temporary suspension on the acceptance of new families into Ronald McDonald Houses, as well as the temporary closure of all Ronald McDonald Family Rooms.
With the understanding that the moves were made out of the concern to help stem the spread of COVID-19, as well as protect guest families and RMHC staff, and support public health efforts, there was still a pressing need to help those standing on the front lines dealing with the coronavirus outbreak.
RMHC Dayton sprung into action and decided to lend a helping hand to those who are lending theirs to help others.
“We are taking a disciplined approach to every decision we make in order to maximize resources and serve the greatest number of individuals during these unprecedented times,” said Rita Cyr, RMHC CEO. “Right now, repurposing our Dayton House is the best way for us to do this.”
To accommodate the healthcare workers, it was imperative that the organization first provide families currently utilizing the Guest House with alternative housing.
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RMHC identified hotels near the medical facility each family was using and secured rooms with extended stay options, complimentary shuttles to medical facilities, and other accommodations to continue to provide the support the families need.
Each family received a care package with many of life’s basic necessities such as toothpaste, deodorant, laundry detergent, and other necessities.
RMHC also provides a daily food voucher to families and is providing ongoing social support to ensure the general well-being of these families throughout this tumultuous time.
“In first 72 hours of making the house available to hospitals, 13 essential medical personnel registered to stay. We are hearing about individuals self-selecting to live in their cars to avoid exposing family members, along with nurses commuting daily from Columbus to provide our hospitals extra support,” Cyr explained. “Though heartbreaking, these stories demonstrate how a small pivot in how we operate can have such a significant impact.”
RMHC Director of Development Amanda Burks told the Dayton Daily News that the organization has been able to accommodate the requests for housing so far.
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“While our total number of requests have exceeded the number of rooms we have, the requests have been staggered over time,” she said.
The community can help RMHC as it extends its reach and mission through donations.
“Financial support is the most effective contribution in this time as we prepare to meet the needs of our families when hospitals and treatment options re-open,” Burks explained. “We already see increased use in summer months and we expect to see additional demand as families in need of specialty care and surgeries, those in the 4 Paws for Ability programs and those families seeking Proton Therapy treatment return to the House.”
She added, “as our resources currently shift to supporting our front-line essential personnel, we are looking ahead to the financial needs that are routine to our operations: everything from bread to electricity.”
Healthcare providers interested in staying at the Ronald McDonald House are asked to contact Cara Arnold, RMHC House Director, at carnold@rmhcdayton.org.
RMHC Dayton is a private nonprofit organization that provides community, comfort and hope to families of seriously ill children.
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