FORT MYERS, FL (February 23, 2021) Ronald McDonald House Charities® Southwest Florida (RMHC SWFL) announces that after closing its doors in April 2020 due to COVID-19, it has begun welcoming families back this month at 25% capacity. The charity, which provides free-of-charge housing and related services to families with hospitalized children, has begun executing a four-phase reentry plan focusing on serving families while ensuring the highest safety. In conformance with the CDC and other safety requirements, capacity in the House will increase to 50%, 75%, and 100%, in phases two, three, and four respectively. Stringent safety precautions include:
Air Purifiers: RMHC SWFL thanks Dr. Tom Sievert with Sievert Chiropractic Clinic in Fort Myers for generously donating ten Vollara brand air purifiers for the House.
Masks and Social Distancing: All staff and families must wear a face mask while in the House. Most common areas are restricted for the time being, and laundry times are being scheduled.
Cleaning and Disinfecting: RMHC SWFL thanks Wexford Labs, Inc., a global donor for RMHC®, for donating cleaning and sanitizing supplies to aid in the House’s upkeep.
Wellness Checks: A checklist of individual wellness questions will be asked of all employees, families, and essential visitors before entering the House. Daily temperature screenings will also occur.
Meal Service: Meals will be individually packaged and delivered to guest rooms. All guest rooms are equipped with mini-refrigerators for storage.
“We are thrilled to have begun welcoming back families to our House at 25% capacity,” said Laura Ragain, Executive Director. “Our four-phase reopening plan requires strict compliance with CDC and other protocols with the safety of our residents and staff of primary concern. We will resume 100% capacity and full operations as soon as possible,” Ragain added.
Philanthropy funds 100% of Ronald McDonald House operations and is vital now more than ever. For several recurring, naming, and one-time donation opportunities to support our families, please contact Karen Zelden at 239-437-0202 or kindly visit https://rmhcswfl.org/
About Ronald McDonald House Southwest Florida
The mission of Ronald McDonald House Southwest Florida is to create, find, and support programs that directly impact the health and well-being of children and their families in Lee, Charlotte, Collier, Glades, and Hendry counties. RMHC SWFL supports The Ronald McDonald House®, The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile® program, and The Ronald McDonald Family Room® at Golisano Children’s Hospital. For more information about RMHC SWFL, visit www.rmhcswfl.org or check us out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/rmhcswfl.
