(WWJ) The State of Michigan has closed a deal with two Detroit-based firms to help with contact tracing to contain the coronavirus pandemic.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said contact services provider, Rock Connections LLC, will oversee volunteer management.
Business management consultant company, Deloitte, will help with integrating technology to make the program most effective.
“Contact tracing is a proven public health strategy and another tool we’re utilizing to help limit the spread of COVID-19 and reduce the loss of life in our state,” Dr Joneigh Khaldun, Chief Medical Executive, said in a press release. “Our team has been working around the clock to stand up this new operation and look forward to significantly expanding the current contact tracing system in place.”
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services stated Rock Connections will ensure close contacts of a COVID-19 positive patient receive daily check-ins. Volunteers will help educate the contacts about monitoring their health, and preventing the spread of the virus. The tracers will also log a person’s reported symptoms to determine if they need a referral to medical services.
These calls will be made seven days a week, for at least the next six to 12 months, according to the press release.
Rock Connections is not new to the frontlines of the COVID-19 response in Michigan.
The company has ‘operated’ a coronavirus call center at the State Fairgrounds with 40 full-time employees.
Deloitte will help with a program that includes opt-in text messages following a person’s first call with a contact tracer.
The press release stated all of the deals were approved by the State Emergency Operations Center.
The one-million-dollar contract with Rock Connections L.L.C was evaluated by the Department of Technology, Management and Budget and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Deloitte had a pre-existing technology integration agreement with the State, according to the release.
State health officials said more than 3,500 contact tracers have already completed training and are ready to start. If you are interested in volunteering to be a contact tracer, you can learn more here. Select the Public Health Volunteer option.