The recent outbreak for COVID-19 has struck a considerable amount of fear, uncertainty, and worry into the hearts of many. The number of cases are climbing worldwide, and healthcare centers around the world are scrambling to give patients the care they need in a challenging time. But as things seem grim and foreboding, many people are searching for ways to help one another when physical distance keeps them apart.

Grande Prairie in Alberta, Canada has done just that with it's COVID-19 Community Care Program.

What Is The COVID-19 Community Care Program?

The regional municipal partnership, the Grande Prairie Regional Emergency Partnership—or GPREP for short, has launched a program to make sure vulnerable residents can get the essential items they need while keeping themselves safe.

GPREP's Information Officer Lesley Nielsen-Bjerke said they recognize that these are challenging times, and wanted to offer something to help residents.

"This program is dedicated to those at heightened risk who have no other supports available, and are in urgent need of groceries, medication or essential goods," she said.

The service area includes Beaverlodge, City of Grande Prairie, County of Grande Prairie, Hythe, Sexsmith and Wembley, and covers necessities such as food and medication. This initiative helps vulnerable citizens who have been directed by the Alberta Health Services to stay isolated indoors during this pandemic, and includes those who don't have the financial means to purchase these essential goods.

How Does The Program Work?

Residents can fill out an online request form below, or directly call the COVID-19 Community Care Program Hotline at 780-830-7070. Once the request is processed, a program assessor will call them back within 24 hours to conduct an assessment and see if they meet the program’s criteria. This program protects the confidentiality of those who participate. 

Once approved, a driver is dispatched to deliver the goods within 72 hours. The delivery team is made up of staff from the City and County of Grande Prairie, who take serious safety precautions to protect citizens and other team members. The eligible goods delivered include groceries, personal hygiene products, medications, and baby formula or baby food. 

How Did PerfectMind Play a Part?

The City of Grande Prairie wasn't sure how to charge customers for the groceries. So, using PerfectMind’s platform, an adjustable point-of-sales item was created to collect the fees called 'GPREP Payment'.

First, the customer places their order with city/county staff. Next, the team buys the groceries and delivers them to the customer. Using a tablet with data or connected via hotspot on their phone the delivery driver can accept the payment on the go by selling the point of sale item in PerfectMind.

Learn More About The COVID-19 Community Care Program

For more details about this program, see GPREP's page here.