By Joshua Huff, sports editor
BIRMINGHAM — The Jimmie Hale Mission has announced that is will suspend new client intake and halt all public interaction with volunteers until March 31.
The organization had decided to cease services following recommendations from the Alabama Department of Health and the CDC.
“The board and leadership staff have been monitoring the development of the Coronavirus both nationally and locally and feel that these temporary measures are necessary to ensure the health and safety of our clients and employees,” Mission executive director Michael Coleman said in a prepared statement. “We’ve had no reported illnesses at this time and will continue to do everything possible to ensure that residents and personnel are monitored for any adverse health conditions and that they are separated from the general population and directed to the appropriate healthcare facilities if needed.”
The stoppage means that no new clients will be admitted into the programs at the Men’s Center, Jessie’s Place or Royal Pines. In addition, no overnight guests will be accommodated for the next two weeks. The Mission will also stop accepting any prepared food deliveries except from authorized supply services. According to the release, this includes homemade meals, items from restaurants and delivery services. The Mission will still accept non-perishable items such as boxed and canned goods, which can be left outside the facility doors.
The Mission added that family visitations for current clients and all on-site volunteer activities have been canceled and the after-school Discovery Club program has also been indefinitely suspended while Alabama public schools remain closed.
“We are prayerful that this crisis will come to an end soon,” Coleman said. “We will continue to monitor the situation and remain in contact with health officials regarding best practices until that time.”
