Donations of respirator masks and other medical supplies needed
TRI-CITIES, Wash. — Health care providers are in critical need of supplies as COVID-19 continues to hit Washington. Critical health supplies are in demand for Trios, Lourdes, Kadlec and Prosser Memorial. The Tri-Cities Business and Visitor Center is volunteering to be a central donation point to drop off supplies. Jim Hall, a representative of area health organizations, explains what type of items are needed.
"Hand sanitizer, wipes, PPE equipment, gowns and more, the more we can accumulate the better position we are going to be," explained Hall. According to Hall, the Tri-Cities community is stepping up.
"Thank you to the community and thank you to the Business and Visitor Center for putting this collective effort together," said Hall. You can drop off supplies Monday through Wednesday from 11 am to 7 pm at the Tri-Cities Business and Visitor Center.
"I know all of the medical providers in the area have really been swamped with inquiries from the public on how they can help,” said Hall. You can help by donating or help by practicing good hand washing and social distancing.
Health officials say we will get through this together. "I know nurses and doctors and health care providers are working around the clock to take care of our entire community," said Hall.
Here is a list of supplies in critical shortage:
- Masks- Surgical Masks, N95 Masks, or Handmade
- Face Shields / Goggles
- Finger Oximeter
- Gloves (Non-Latex preferred)
- Disinfecting Wipes
- Thermometers
- Hand sanitizer
- Isolation Gowns
According to the Washington State Department of Health, many items were delivered to Washington State given from the Federal Strategic National Stockpile.
Here are the numbers of supplies given:
- Gowns: 26,459
- Gloves: 104,250
- Masks: 133,760
- Suits: 13
Here are the numbers of supplies given directly to the state:
- 1.6 Million N95 Respirators
- 560,000 Masks
- 12 Million Disposable Gloves
- 600,000 Masks
- 74,000 Disinfectant Wipes
