As we celebrate Palm Sunday today, we know that in terms of the coronavirus, the medical experts say the toughest days are still ahead of us. The next two weeks could be the worst days of the COVID-19 pandemic so far.
I expect many will be anxious during these coming weeks. People say that we have never faced anything like this before and they are right. We have never experienced anything like this in our lifetime. But throughout history there have been plagues, disease, war and disasters. In Rome, nearly a third of the population was lost in AD 165. During that time, the small Christian community stayed behind in Rome to take care of the sick, even as others fled the city. That was the beginning of Rome becoming a Christian nation.
Throughout history, it has been people of faith and the word of God that has gotten people through times like these.
Every day I pray for wisdom, courage, favor and protection for my family, my fellow Texans, our country and all those suffering in the world. We will prevail as we walk through this valley and we know that God never leaves our side.
These scriptures are God’s words to guide us through the fear, devastation and loss of these dark times, reminding us that there is an angel in the whirlwind, directing the storm. As we move forward with faith, please pray for the people of our great state, our country and the world.
In case you missed it, I was on Fox News@Night with Shannon Bream last week where I talked about Texas’ fight against COVID-19 and the recent stay by the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals regarding Governor Abbott’s Executive Order to temporary suspend all elective surgeries in Texas, including abortion. You can watch the clip here.
I applaud Attorney General Ken Paxton for his quick appeal and win at the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals that stayed the block to Governor Abbott’s Executive Order to temporarily suspend non-essential elective surgeries, including abortion, except to save the life of the mother. If you missed my statement earlier this week, you can read it here.
It is sadly ironic that while America is united in an effort to save lives, the abortion industry has gone to court insisting they be allowed to continue to kill babies. Planned Parenthood is not an “essential” organization, and it never has been.
I joined Rick Roberts on WBAP in Dallas on Friday to discuss Governor Abbott’s most recent executive orders. If you missed the show, click here to listen.
National Doctors Day, 2020
It was so fitting that National Doctors Day was this week. Our nation is tremendously grateful for all Americans who have chosen the noble profession of healing and caring for others, especially at a time like this. Please click here if you would like to read President Trump’s Proclamation on National Doctors Day, 2020.
Taking Care of Mental Health
We know the problems associated with isolation and loneliness while we are sheltering in place. Texas Health and Human Services has launched a 24/7 statewide mental health support line to help Texans experiencing anxiety, stress or emotional challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. People can call toll-free at 833-986-1919.
Adopt a Nursing Home Program
The Texas Health Care Association has launched an ‘Adopt a Nursing Home’ campaign to connect Texans with a local nursing home so they can safely communicate during the COVID-19 outbreak. The initiative allows Texans to visit an online portal, enter basic information, and identify local nursing homes where they can send letters, emails, artwork, crafts, needed materials and more. To get involved, visit www.adoptanursinghome.com.
The Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Department of Treasury have begun releasing the information that will guide the programs created through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Click here for more information.
Apple has released an in-home COVID-19 screening tool and website in partnership with the White House, CDC and FEMA. You can click here to learn more.
Great Stories of Texans Helping Texans
Here are some of my favorite stories from the past week of Texans helping Texans. I know they will make you feel proud.
From distilleries making hand sanitizer to a chocolate company making face shields, businesses across Texas are repurposing their operations to help fight COVID-19.
H-E-B is set to deliver trailers of food to dozens of food banks in Texas to support those in need during the coronavirus outbreak. Their $3 million donation will provide a half million meals to 13 food banks across the state.
Local man offering free plants to ease stress for San Antonians during COVID-19 pandemic.
Austin CEO delivers thousands of masks to Texas doctors in need of protective equipment.
Toyota has begun making face shields to send to Texas hospitals.
Austin-based medical startup creates 15 minute in-home coronavirus Telehealth test.
North Texas manufacturers start making medical equipment for Coronavirus needs.
As people around the globe continue to grapple with the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, a number of Texas biotech firms and researchers say they are answering the call to combat the spread of the illness.
The founders of Desert Door Sotol Distillery in Dripping Springs have sprung into action in response to the COVID-19 crisis by producing hand sanitizer and making it available to the public free of charge.
A Stafford-based company is producing hand sanitizer to aid supplies shortage at Houston hospitals.
For more information and ongoing updates regarding COVID-19, you can visit:
- Texas Department of State Health Services
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Texas Education Agency
- Texas Department of Transportation
Thank you to all of those who are serving on the frontlines to ensure Texas and America stays healthy and great. We appreciate you more than you will ever know. May God bless you and your family in this difficult time, and may he continue to bless the greatest state of all—Texas.
Sincerely,
Dan Patrick
Lieutenant Governor of Texas
