Ramsey County Sheriff's Office launches COVID-19 'Help Team'

Sheriff's deputies in Ramsey County are using their resources to help the community during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Ramsey County Sheriff's Office announced the creation of a COVID-19 "Help Team," which will assist vulnerable populations who are at the highest risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19.

"Coronavirus has affected all of us,” Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher said in a statement. “Times like this can bring a lot of uncertainty and leave people wondering where to turn for help. Our Help Team will help fill that void.”

The Help Team consists of 15 deputy and civilian employees and is led by Undersheriff Bill Finney and Inspector Chy Nou Lee.

Services the Help Team will provide include:

• Picking up and delivering prescription medication, prepaid food and groceries.
• Coordinating the collection and distribution of donated goods.
• Providing referrals to different resources, including social services, financial assistance, medical assistance and mental health resources.

You can request assistance from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. The Help Team can be reached by call or text at 651-448-3874 or by email at helpteam@co.ramsey.mn.us.

The sheriff's office said the Help Team is not a replacement for 911 and that you should call 911 for any situations that require immediate emergency services.