Detroit sports figures join Michigan governor's video plea for volunteer health-care workers

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has enlisted the help of Detroit's pro sports figures as the coronavirus continues to overwhelm the state's health-care system.

Pistons coach Dwane Casey; Lions coach Matt Patricia and quarterback Matthew Stafford; Tigers manager Ron Gardenhire; and Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill are in a Twitter video asking nurses and doctors across the nation to volunteer their services in Michigan, one of the hardest-hit by the scourge.

As of 10 a.m. Saturday, there are more than 14,000 cases of COVID-19 infections, and 540 deaths. The state has the third-most cases and deaths, behind New York and New Jersey.

From Casey: “If you’re a health care professional anywhere in America, Michigan needs you. Detroit needs you.” 

From Stafford: “We’re calling on doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, and other health care professionals to volunteer to sign up to help us fight COVID-19 and save lives.” 

From Gardenhire: “All you have to do is visit www.Michigan.gov/FightCOVID19, and complete a simple form.” 

From Patricia: "We’ll share your information with hospitals and reach out soon if there’s a good fit for you.” 

From Blashill: “Please join our courageous health care professionals already on the front lines here in Detroit to fight this deadly virus.” 

TCF Center has been converted to a field hospital with 1,000 beds and is expected to be ready by Thursday. However, state officials have said there are not enough health-care workers even as more facilities are being built.

Whitmer has signed an executive order that, among other directives, will allow those licensed in another state to practice medicine in Michigan during the pandemic, and make it easier for certified nurse anesthetists and physician assistants to treat patients without having to get a written practice agreement with a physician.

Whitmer made the initial call for volunteers on Monday with a Twitter video. 

“I am grateful for the health care professionals who are on the front lines of this pandemic every single day, but these brave men and women can’t do it alone.

"That’s why we are asking nurses, doctors, and qualified health care professionals across the country to bring their expertise to our state to combat this virus. If we work together, we can slow the spread and save lives.”