A Rhode Island resident tested for coronavirus hadn\u2019t yet received results of the test, but felt she needed to go to work. Another spotted an operating dog groomer while taking a walk and wanted to know if they should be open. Still another was told to get tested but was scared by what a positive result could mean.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think she just needed someone to talk to, to support her,\u201d said University of Rhode Island College of Nursing Professor Patricia Stout<\/a>, who fielded the calls, about the worried caller. \u201cThat can be sort of our role, as well \u2014 being a support person. Sometimes, people just need someone to engage with.\u201d<\/p>\n Stout is among a group of nursing professors from URI volunteering with the Rhode Island Department of Health during the coronavirus pandemic. Along with Professors Diane Martins<\/a> and Dahianna Lopez<\/a>, Stout has been working in the call center, fielding calls from concerned residents looking for critical information to help keep them safe during the pandemic. The volunteers answer the questions they can, refer callers to other resources they need, or sometimes just lend an ear to residents worried about themselves and their families.<\/p>\n \u201cFor most people, I haven\u2019t sensed panic. I sensed more that they just didn\u2019t know where to go to get answers,\u201d Stout said. \u201cEveryone is so busy right now that it can be hard to get answers. Some people don\u2019t know where to turn. That\u2019s what we\u2019re here for. We\u2019re not trying to engage in any kind of consultation or anything \u2014 this isn\u2019t tele-health. We\u2019re here to field calls, answer questions and give people the resources they need.\u201d<\/p>\n As many as 10 volunteers at a time \u2014 spaced appropriately in the center for social distancing \u2014 answer questions ranging from travel restrictions and business closings to treatment advice. Stout advised one caller that driving his elderly mother to the doctor is considered essential travel and is allowed. She referred another who was experiencing symptoms to Rhode Island Hospital, and explained to a frustrated caller why she should stay home from work and remain separated from people, the best way to slow transmission of the virus.<\/p>\n \u201cWe give the advice we can and we have a list of resources to refer people for questions we can\u2019t answer,\u201d Stout said, noting more volunteers are always welcome, and a nursing degree isn\u2019t necessary. \u201cVolunteers can be anyone who has time to volunteer, and is very patient.\u201d<\/p>\n