When we recognized that multiple organizations were working in silos to address COVID-19 issues in Macon County, we made a decision to act in the greater good of the entire community and come together under one umbrella. This was the impetus for the Macon County Community Partners Task Force, a consolidation of efforts involving several local entities.
The Macon County Community Partners Task Force meets weekly on Saturday mornings via ZOOM technology. Management of each meeting is rotated among four community leaders who are responsible for efficient administration of the meetings, which typically attract about 25 individuals representing municipalities, businesses, educational institutions, churches, nonprofits, grass roots organizations and concerned citizens. This is a time to share ideas, resources, and information vital to eradicating COVID-19 in Macon County.
Work conducted by the Macon County Community Partners Task Force involves four strategic goals that model successful efforts utilized by other counties, states and parts of the world engaged in combatting the coronavirus pandemic. The strategic goals are centered on these overarching needs:
- A Comprehensive Healthcare Response
- A Unified Coronavirus Public Policy
- An Efficient Management and Distribution of Resources
- A Centralized and Multi Layered Communication System
The task force has been effective at creating an infrastructure for long-term sustainability. Committees are working on their specific areas and significant cross-pollination is occurring. For example, the public policy committee researched various ordinances and resolutions in jurisdictions within the county. This information was submitted to the task force communications committee for posting on www.maconcares.org, a dedicated website that is a hub for COVID-19 related resources.
The communications committee also has developed collateral materials to push out safety messages concerning COVID-19. See the graphics embedded on this page.
We are also developing yard signs, billboards, mobile truck signage, utility bill inserts and other communications’ tools to bombard Macon County with messages about the need to stay safe in this COVID-19 environment.
