NewsCoronavirus

Actions

'Michigan needs you': Detroit's professional sports teams call for health care volunteers

Posted at 1:33 PM, Apr 04, 2020
and last updated 2020-04-04 13:33:41-04

LANSING, Mich. (WXYZ) — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer teamed up with the Detroit Lions, Pistons, Red Wings, and Tigers Saturday to release a call to action video encouraging nurses and doctors to bring their skills to Michigan as a way to volunteer and help bolster the number of health care professionals on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I am grateful for the health care professionals who are on the front lines of this pandemic every single day, but these brave men and women can’t do it alone,” Whitmer said. “That’s why we are asking nurses, doctors, and qualified health care professionals across the country to bring their expertise to our state to combat this virus. If we work together, we can slow the spread and save lives.”

Detroit’s professional sports teams joined forces to deliver a powerful message to fans across the state:

“If you’re a health care professional anywhere in America, Michigan needs you. Detroit needs you.”

  • Dwane Casey, Head Coach, Detroit Pistons

“We’re calling on doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, and other health care professionals to volunteer to sign up to help us fight COVID-19 and save lives.”

  • Matthew Stafford, Quarterback, Detroit Lions

“All you have to do is visit www.Michigan.gov/FightCOVID19, and complete a simple form.”

  • Ron Gardenhire, Manager, Detroit Tigers

“We’ll share your information with hospitals and reach out soon if there’s a good fit for you.”

  • Matt Patricia, Head Coach, Detroit Lions

“Please join our courageous health care professionals already on the front lines here in Detroit to fight this deadly virus.”

  • Jeff Blashill, Head Coach, Detroit Red Wings

View the full video below:

Additional Coronavirus information and resources:

Read our daily Coronavirus Live Blog for the latest updates and news on coronavirus.

Click here for a page with resources including a COVID-19 overview from the CDC, details on cases in Michigan, a timeline of Governor Gretchen Whitmer's orders since the outbreak, coronavirus' impact on Southeast Michigan, and links to more information from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the CDC and the WHO.

View a global coronavirus tracker with data from Johns Hopkins University.

Find out how you can help metro Detroit restaurants struggling during the pandemic.

See all of our Helping Each Other stories.

See complete coverage on our Coronavirus Continuing Coverage page.