As organizations that focus on environmental health and consumer-based issues, Ohio Citizen Action and the Ohio Consumers Power Alliance hold the well-being and safety of Ohioans at the center of everything we do. Our tireless staff of canvassers and managers work everyday to personally engage members of the public and mobilize them to action around issues that impact us all. Few issues have impacted our day to day lives like the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and the steps being taken in the state to keep people safe and healthy. 

In following the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), and to reduce the risk to our staff and the public, both Ohio Citizen Action and the Ohio Consumers Power Alliance will be suspending all canvass activities until further notice. 

Our staff will not be resuming door-to-door activities or hosting gatherings until it is safe to do so as indicated by public health experts. They will continue in other roles with the organization through this period of change.

It is our goal to serve as a resource to you on the latest information about Ohio Department of Health recommendations, updates on community guidelines, and other services available to help with the challenges we will all face during this time. 

The State of Ohio has established a website and hotline staffed by professionals ready to answer your questions: www.coronavirus.ohio.gov and 1-833-4-ASK-ODH. Information on the site includes ways to reduce anxiety, prevent the spread of the virus, and guidelines for home-based student education. In addition, you can watch Governor DeWine and ODH Director Dr. Amy Acton each afternoon at 2pm for the latest updates at www.ohiochannel.org.

Of course, our first priority is the health and safety of our staff and the community at large, but we can’t ignore the fact that suspending field canvassing represents a significant loss of revenue and a challenge the likes of which we haven’t seen in our 45-year history. For the health of the organization and the Power a Clean Future Ohio Campaign, we’d ask our friends to consider a special gift at ohiocitizen.org/contribute to help us through. 

Thank you for your continued support through the years and in this moment of change for our organizations. We wish you and your families peace and good health.

Rachael Belz, executive director

Ohio Citizen Action