The Economic Growth Institute has provided innovative economic development programming and applied research for almost 40 years, and are often called upon in times of economic distress. The Institute leverages the University of Michigan’s resources, research, technologies, and expertise to foster innovation and create positive economic impact for local, state, and national communities and economies by working with community leaders and small to medium-sized enterprises.

Steven B. Wilson; Senior Research Program Officer, Director of Innovation Services and Associate Director of the Economic Growth Institute at the University of Michigan

“The Institute has a longstanding connection with the region’s small and medium-sized manufacturers and tech-based companies, which form a crucial part of the supply chain now and during recovery. This network serves as one important communication channel for announcing immediate needs during the critical times of healthcare delivery.”

The Institute is adept at managing federal and state funded initiatives with effective programming that reaches businesses and communities. In response to the anticipated needs of an economy mobilizing to defeat the COVID-19 pandemic, the Institute has expertise to support manufacturers, tech companies, and their communities to:

• Connect with customers in need of supplies and products to address the pandemic, such as hospital masks, gowns, and other medical hardware.
• Address challenges with a manufacturing shut-down and accelerate recovery when the pandemic is past.
• Link with resources and information coming from state and federal government that can support small and medium-sized companies.
• Help companies think about  and deploy new products they can develop and/or manufacture, either to address future health concerns, or to shore up new challenges to the manufacturing supply chain

Enterprises that wish to connect with information and expertise should feel free to contact the EGI.

Donate to the COVID-19 Community Relief Fund and 100% of your gift will be used to help agencies meet the needs of vulnerable populations. Donor Advised Fund managers are encouraging release of funds to support agencies responding to the COVID-19 crisis. Ways to give include online, stock, DAF, and mailing in a check payable to United Way of Washtenaw County at 2305 Platt Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48104.

Drop-off donation site open daily starting Saturday, March 21 at the North Campus Research Complex, at corner of Huron Parkway and Plymouth Road in Ann Arbor

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What to donate:

New or unused:

• Disposable face masks
• N95 masks, sometimes called respirators
• Eye protection including face shields and safety goggles
• Disposable gowns
• Disposable gloves, especially non-latex
• Disposable surgical caps
• Disposable foot covers
• Wipes: bleach or antimicrobial
• Hand sanitizer

More specialized items:

• PAPRs (powered air-purifying respirators) and PAPR hoods
• Nasal testing swabs
• Viral testing kits

What not to donate:

• At this time U-M is not accepting home-sewn reusable masks or 3-D printed ventilator parts. However, if this changes, an announcement will be made.
• Donations of other items such as medications, food, blankets, medical equipment or other supplies are not needed at this time. If that changes, an announcement will be made.
• Monetary donations to support Michigan Medicine COVID-19 operations can be made at http://victors.us/covid19

When to donate:

Saturday, March 21 and Sunday, March 22, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

How to donate:

• The donation center is at 2800 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, 48109 which is set back from Plymouth Road and Huron Parkway.
• Donors should enter from Huron Parkway and follow signs to the loading dock.
• Donors will not need to get out of their cars if they prefer not to.
• Staff will maintain safe physical distance from donors, and will wear gloves and regularly clean their hands.
• Donors will be asked to provide basic contact information and may request a receipt for their records
• The loading dock can accommodate donations of all sizes.

Donors who are not feeling well should wait until they feel better to donate.

Read full story at Michigan Medicine