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Wayne State providing residence hall for Detroit health care workers on frontlines

Posted at 7:57 AM, Apr 16, 2020
and last updated 2020-04-16 07:57:10-04

DETROIT (WXYZ) — Wayne State is providing a residence hall for frontline health care workers who need a safe and comfortable place to rest.

The university recently finalized agreements with Henry Ford Health System and the Detroit Medical Center to house medical professionals at Atchison Hall, which can house more than 200 guests in private accommodations as needed.

The first guest from Henry Ford arrived on April 14. All guests receive a hospitality snack bag and full linens, along with access to WiFi, community kitchens and in-building laundry.

“For those medical employees who are not able to go home, it’s comforting to know we are able to offer ‘housing that’s home’ for them right on our campus," said Christina Bowen, WSU's director of summer conferences, who has been coordinating the effort.

Nina Ramsey, SVP and chief human resources officer for Henry Ford Health System, said many employees routinely travel 50 miles or more to work.

“Additionally, this will provide a solution for those team members we have recruited from outside our region to help during this crisis,” Ramsey said.

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