How to Apply for EASE Fund Grants
In response to the COVID-19 Crisis, UMass Memorial’s Emergency Assistance Support for Employees (EASE) has received additional funding to help employees who are dealing with financial hardship. The program is open to UMass Memorial employees, including SHARE members. This blog post describes the EASE program, lists the eligibility requirements, and allows you to download and print a copy of the application form.
Hazard Pay & COVID Testing from the Federal Government
Thank you to everyone who has already contacted your Legislators to urge them to advocate for hospitals and healthcare workers. It’s not too late to make your voice heard. The HEROES Act currently aims to create support for front line workers. It has been passed by Congress, and still requires Senate approval to be enacted. The bill includes, among other things, a $200 billion fund for essential worker hazard pay, as well as an additional $75 billion for Covid-19 testing, tracing and isolation efforts.
This website makes it easy to contact your Senators with a pre-drafted message (or, you can create your own.) PLEASE NOTE: For some reason, the hospital’s default browser, Internet Explorer, does not work with that website. You can access the form using other browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, or even your smartphone. Thanks, too, to all of the SHARE members who helped us troubleshoot that glitch!