BROOKINGS – Brookings Health System is currently accepting personal protective equipment (PPE) donations, including home sewn surgical masks.
“So many community members have reached out to us, asking us how they can help us through the coronavirus pandemic,” Foundation Director Sara Schneider said. “With the worldwide shortage of critical PPE caused by the pandemic, we need to make sure we maintain an adequate supply to care for our community.”
The health system is currently accepting donations of the following items in original, unopened packaging:
• Latex free/nitrile gloves
• Surgical masks
• N95 respirators and N95 filters
• PAPR 3M Versaflo TR-600 supplies/parts
• Face shields
• Eye protection
• Gowns
• Hand sanitizer
In addition, Brookings Health System is also accepting donations of home sewn gowns and fabric surgical masks. Brookings Health’s preferred surgical mask pattern for protecting health care workers (https://www.instructables.com/id/AB-Mask-for-a-Nurse-by-a-Nurse/) has a double-layered cotton or cotton blend with a pocket to insert a filter and tie straps instead of elastic.
Jo-Ann Fabrics in Brookings is also providing free kits with materials to make masks. Brookings Health prefers these masks for patients. Customers can pick up kits curbside at Jo-Ann Fabrics, craft the masks at home, and drop off completed masks at the store. Masks will stay local within the community.
To donate PPE and schedule a drop-off time at the health system, call the Foundation at 696-8855. Community members who are wondering if the health system can use other items should email details of their idea to sjschneider@brookingshealth.org. Please include your name, phone number and email address.
The public can learn more about COVID-19 and what is being done locally by healthcare providers at brookingshealth.org/COVID.
