Gov. Gina Raimondo Calls On Healthcare Workers To Help R.I.

EAST PROVIDENCE, RI—At Thursday's coronavirus press conference, Governor Gina Raimondo called on healthcare workers to volunteer or apply for positions to help the state's hospitals handle an increasing number of COVID-19 cases.

There are currently 900 extra beds in field hospitals, but not enough people to staff them, said Raimondo. There are also fewer out-of-state health care professionals available to help because of nationwide spikes, a contrast from what Rhode Island experienced in the spring.

"What good is a bed if you don't have adequate staffing?," said Raimondo.

In response to the pandemic, the Rhode Island Department of Health is currently issuing temporary licenses to retired and out-of-state workers without the usual wait period and calling on all available volunteers to assist the state.

Nursing schools, including the University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College, and Community College of Rhode Island, have also stepped forward to offer the help of over 100 student interns and graduate nurses.

"We're really in the thick of it now, and we need volunteers," said Raimondo.

Other options for healthcare workers who are willing to offer their assistance include open positions available on skillsforri.com and lifespan.org.

All medical professionals who are interested in volunteering to help Rhode Island can find more information at riresponds.org.