HAMILTON CO. — A Hamilton County woman created something several years ago to help hospital patients, but amid the pandemic, her invention can help anyone, anywhere.
For most, washing our hands is easy; we have sinks and running water, but that’s not the case for everyone. That’s why a Fishers woman created the "Portare," a portable hand washing station.
Angie Washburn created the Portare in 2017 after a family member contracted the healthcare-acquired infection C. Diff. Colitis while in the hospital.
She said for some patients washing their hands isn’t always an option, so she used the passion from her personal experience to create something that she hopes will save lives.
“Nothing like that exists patients have had trouble in the past getting out of their hospital beds to get to the sink, and we started this mission because of healthcare-acquired infections in the patient need, but then covid came about, and so we know handwashing is very important, and so this is a way for people to have a kit at their bedside, and they can wash with soap and water on their own or with assistance,” said Washburn
Since COVID began, she said they have had more interest from people outside of healthcare, from mothers who may have to change a dirty diaper in the car to farmers and even delivery drivers.
This tool gives them a way to have good hand hygiene on the road.
She says now more than ever we know the importance of hand hygiene, and this small kit can travel anywhere.
“We’re just on the mission to try to help people wash their hands on a regular basis and stay healthy,” said Washburn
The kit does come with two bags of little soap papers to make washing easier for more information on the Portare, click here.
