During these unsettling times, the Iowa Federation of Republican Women encourages you – in the words of Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa – to “Stay safe and stay strong.” Understanding the toll that the COVID-19 crisis is taking in terms of both physical and mental health, Sen. Ernst, Iowa’s first female U.S. Senator and a member of the Iowa Federation of Republican Women, urges Iowans to support each other and spread goodwill across the state.
Sen. Ernst launched #MyCOVIDfive on social media, asking Iowans to check in on five people in their lives amid the coronavirus pandemic. To participate, call or text five family members, friends, neighbors or others in your community to see how they are doing. People are encouraged to share their updates on social media using #MyCOVIDfive in their posts.
“The mental health aspects of this crisis are real,” said Sen. Ernst. “While social distancing is important to slow the spread of the virus, we want to make sure Iowans still feel connected and supported. Many are experiencing increased stress and anxiety due to financial and health concerns. I’m pleased that we were able to secure additional mental health resources in the CARES Act to assist community behavioral health clinics and fund mental health emergency grants.”
IowaFRW President Barbara Hames-Bryant said uncertainty in our lives and insecurity in our livelihoods have created a sense of helplessness. “We must replace this powerless feeling with strength. Thank God we have strong champions like Joni Ernst to fight for us in Washington, D.C.,” Hames-Bryant stated.
The Iowa Federation of Republican Women (www.iowafrw.org) unites the voices and values within the Republican Party, and is part of the National Federation of Republican Women, founded in 1938. The NFRW (www.nfrw.org) is the largest and most influential women’s political organization in the nation, proudly representing the party that first made it possible for women to vote in the United States, and working to increase the effectiveness and relevance of women in the cause of good government. Our mission is to recruit and elect Republican candidates, promote the principles of the Republican Party, educate the public, and inform the media.
