July 1, 2020 3:40 a.m.

After more than 3 months of waiting, the professional staff at Douglas C.A.R.E.S. will resume seeing clients in their Umpqua Street office again, starting on Thursday July 2nd.

Executive Director Mike Nores said since mid-March services provided by C.A.R.E.S. were carried out through virtual platforms and phone calls where possible. That included mental health therapy and assessment, child advocacy services and more. As C.A.R.E.S. was deemed essential during the closure, onsite emergency forensic and medical examinations continued, with appropriate precautions being taken.

Nores said as clients begin returning to the office for in-person sessions and appointments, visitors will have their temperature checked at the door and offered a mask if they don’t already have one. He said visitors and staff will be asked to use hand sanitizer, and everyone will be asked if they a cough or if they have been exposed to anyone with COVID-19 that they are aware of. Nores said furniture, surfaces, and equipment in all rooms will be sanitized after each visit as required by federal and state guidelines. He said other precautions are taking place as well.

Nores said restrictions related to COVID-19 have also left Douglas C.A.R.E.S. with a less certain financial future. He said the agency is anticipating cuts in state funding, and said individual giving has fallen off as well. He said with child abuse on the rise due to COVID-19, additional funding from the public, whether it is large or small, is needed right now.

Nores said C.A.R.E.S. can also benefit from donations such as stuffed animals, quilts pillows and pillow cases.

Go to www.douglascares.org for more information.