The Week in Philly from KYW Newsradio

For people battling addiction, the social isolation brought on by the COVID-19 response can mean a dangerous diversion from the routine of meetings, support, and accountability. Some facilities and groups are turning to online meetings, but is that enough? Jerry Stahler, a clinical psychologist and professor in Temple University’s Department of Geography and Urban Studies joins the podcast to break down what those with a substance use disorder or alcohol addiction may be facing right now and what loved ones can do to help during these unprecedented times.

Learn more about Prevention Point: https://ppponline.org/

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The Origami Mask Project was created by engineers and scientists in the Philadelphia area to develop simple, inexpensive, DIY face masks while there continues to be a shortage of personal protective equipment caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

University of Pennsylvania Material Sciences and Engineering Professor Shu Yang and President & CEO of Archimedic Eric Sugalski join KYW In Depth to talk about how The Origami Mask Project got started and how you can join the team.

Find out how to make your own origami mask online: https://www.openmedicalinnovation.com/projects/origami-mask

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The Red Cross says there's an urgent need for blood donations during the coronavirus pandemic, as blood drives have been cancelled and social distancing has kept people inside. There's also a need for plasma donations from people who have recovered from COVID-19, in the hopes that their antibodies can help very sick patients fight off the virus. But not everyone who wants to donate is allowed to, even after the Food and Drug Administration made an adjustment to their guidelines preventing sexually active gay men from donating blood. Today on KYW In Depth, a COVID-19 survivor reacts to the FDA's new rule governing whether he can donate plasma, and a Mazzoni Center doctor explains the science behind the new guidelines.

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Alyssa Kirk is a nurse spending her time volunteering at a COVID-19 testing center at Citizens Bank Park. She joins KYW In Depth to describe what the day to day is like at a drive-through testing center, how the volunteers and medical professionals doing the work are holding up, and what this pandemic looks like from the perspective of someone spending every day interacting with people who think they have coronavirus. 

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Managing mental health can be tough in the best of times. But right now, as millions are being laid off and told to stay at home for the forseeable future, stress levels are through the roof and people can quickly find themselves in crisis. Amy Federer with The National Alliance on Mental Illness Philadelphia joins KYW In Depth to discuss ways you can manage your own mental health or help your loved ones during this extremely challenging time.

Find NAMI Philly online: https://namiphilly.org

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Six states have now moved primary elections to June 2nd, including Pennsylvania. The Keystone State will also allow polling places to be consolidated for the upcoming primary. University of Pennsylvania Political Science Professor Marc Meredith joins KYW In Depth to break down how these changes, expanded mail-in voting, and the coronavirus pandemic might impact voter turnout, campaigning, and the Presidential election later this year 

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This pandemic has changed the way we live and is causing an incredible amount of stress. People are worrying about getting sick, about losing income, and we're all being told to stay at home. For people who are now spending all their time at home with abusive partners, the situation is dangerous. Beth Sturman is the executive director at Laurel House, a comprehensive domestic violence agency serving Montgomery County. Sturman joins KYW In Depth to talk about the work they do and what options victims of domestic violence have to stay safe during the coronavirus crisis.

Laurel House's website: https://laurel-house.org/

If you need help escaping a bad situation, call Laurel House's toll-free 24-hour Hotline: 1-800-642-3150

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Can looking at recessions from the past help us get an idea of what the recovery from the coronavirus recession might look like? Tristan Potter has studied the Great Recession extensively, he's an Assistant Professor of Economics at the Drexel LeBow College of Business, and he joins KYW In Depth to help answer a few questions about what the other side of this crisis could have in store.

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The unemployment numbers released Thursday, April 2nd are staggering. More than six million people applied for unemployment benefits last week, and that number is going to rise. Right now, people who are being furloughed or laid off are wondering if their jobs will be there for them when the pandemic is over, or if they'll be able to get another job at all. Diane Lim, Director of Outreach and Senior Advisor at the Penn Wharton Budget Model returns to KYW In Depth to take a hard look at the unemployment numbers, break down which sectors are being hit the hardest by this crisis, and discuss what the recovery might look like. 

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The Trump administration is giving hundreds of millions of dollars to SEPTA as part of emergency grants to public transportation across the country. SEPTA has seen an unprecedented drop in the number of riders because of coronavirus shutdowns. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao spoke with KYW's Ian Bush on Thursday afternoon, April 2nd, to announce that $700 million dollars will be heading to Philadelphia area mass transit systems. The Secretary also talks about whether flights should be grounded, and says that you are due a refund if your flight was canceled during the coronavirus pandemic. 

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