INDIANAPOLIS -- These are challenging times for hospitals and medical staffs, so much so that IU Health says it will accept donations of certain supplies from the public, and that includes homemade face masks.
Groups and individuals are sewing masks together for hospitals to use if they run short. As for cotton masks, spokesperson Jonathon Hosea says they would be used only as a last resort.
Hosea shared with RTV6 this list of items that could be donated.
- - Respiratory mask, including industrial N95 and N99 masks
- - Facial and eye protection
- - Hand sanitizer with 70% alcohol content
- - General personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves and observation gowns
- - Disinfectants
If you have supplies for donation you should contact IU Health Supply Chain Operations at COVID-19.Supplies@IUHealth.org.
As the number of coronavirus patients in Indiana increases from the current 259, hospitals face a possible influx of patients.
Hosea says there are plans in place for this at the IU Health facilities. "This includes evaluating and ensuring adequate staffing, space and equipment," said Hosea. "Most importantly, we are working closely with the Indiana State Department of Health and other hospitals and health systems to ensure the needs of our communities are met. We are closely monitoring supplies, including personal protective equipment (PPE) for health care workers."
"The IU Health Supply Chain Operations team will work directly with individuals and companies to assess each donation, including homemade face masks," said Hosea. "We are grateful for the generosity of individuals and companies as we work together to meet the needs of our communities during this unprecedented time."
