Meridian Supports Michigan Communities Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
In an effort to support Michigan communities affected by COVID-19, Meridian, a subsidiary of Centene Corporation, has been continuously partnering with local organizations and state agencies to help support the people of our communities, as well as the first responders and essential workers who are on the front lines during the pandemic.
“At Meridian, the health and safety of our members, providers and local communities is – and continues to be – a top priority,” said Sean Kendall, Meridian Plan President and CEO for Michigan.
Supporting First Responders and Front Line Workers in Michigan
Meridian partnered with Governor Gretchen Whitmer and her COVID-19 response team to help ensure those working on the front lines have the protective equipment they need to stay safe.
In total, Meridian donated 130,000 units of PPE to the following Michigan emergency response offices, including Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s COVID-19 response team: Michigan’s State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC), National Guard, State Police, and Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division; City of Detroit Police and Department of Transportation (DDOT); Wayne County Sheriff’s Office; and Oakland County Emergency Management.
“No words can explain or describe our gratitude and appreciation for organizations such as Meridian that have stepped up in support of the men and women of the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcement agencies across our country,” said Wayne County Sheriff Benny N. Napoleon.
Additionally, Meridian donated 25,000 disposable face masks to the Michigan Primary Care Association (MPCA) in April to distribute to providers and other healthcare workers at Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) across Michigan. MCPA distributed the masks to FQHCs based on the highest priority and to those communities most in need.
Addressing Food Insecurity across Michigan
Meridian is also helping to increase access to food and essential supplies by supporting community-based organizations and programs across the state.
“The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic extend far beyond medical care, impacting access to food, education, and other critical resources in Michigan,” adds Kendall, “These social determinants of health have a significant impact on overall wellbeing, especially among vulnerable populations.”
In partnership with Feeding America, Centene and Meridian will coordinate a donation of 1 million meals a month for the next 12 months to feed those in Michigan and across the country.
In Michigan, Meridian also donated $45,000 to seven food banks across the state to help purchase meals for local residents and purchased more than $60,000 worth of Walmart gift cards for use on essential healthcare and educational supplies. Each gift card is worth $35 and can be used to purchase essential items like food, diapers, over-the-counter medicines, cleaning supplies, and books.
Meridian is thankful for our state partners and community organizations that have come together to make these initiatives possible.