What We Need - Thomas Mangrum

April 24, 2020

My name is Thomas Mangrum, Jr. I live in Washington, DC in a senior citizens building. I have a disability and other serious medical conditions. I use a motorized wheelchair for mobility. I am a co-president of Project ACTION! an advocacy group in DC. Before the COVID-19 crises, I received personal support services from a direct service provider (DSP) five (5) days a week from 8am-4pm, but haven't received services lately, except for 4-6 hours once every 2 weeks. I do still receive periodic visits from a nurse to monitor my medical conditions. I've been told that the DSPs won't come to my home because I live in senior housing and they're afraid of being infected with COVID-19. I feel very isolated.