As the coronavirus spreads in the U.S. and in Alabama, healthcare workers are under tremendous strain to help the sick, while keeping themselves and their loved ones well. The YMCA of Greater Birmingham wants to help the workers on the front line of this pandemic.
The Y is temporarily converting its facilities to provide emergency childcare to first responders and healthcare workers at four local hospitals.
“These professionals are treating and caring for family members, relatives and neighbors, including those who are elderly and sick. Without childcare, these vital healthcare providers will not be able to provide the care patients need in this critical time,” state Dan Pile, president and CEO of the YMCA of Birmingham, in an email to Y members and supporters.
He also asked Y members to maintain their membership while the Y helps the areas healthcare providers. “Your membership will the YMCA will go a long way to fund our efforts to serve our healthcare workers during this crisis,” he wrote.
As of his email on March 17, more than 180 YMCA childcare workers had signed on to help care for children of the healthcare professionals.
The Greater Birmingham YMCA has locations in downtown Birmingham, Alabaster, Greystone, Hoover, Mountain Brook, Northeast, Pelham, Shades Valley, Trussville, and a youth center and Camp Cosby.