You’ve probably seen it in the news: due to the worldwide Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, healthcare facilities everywhere are facing a shortage of Personal Protective Equipment.

It’s an unprecedented time and medical staff is working hard to keep up with the demand – to care for the needs of all patients and our staff members.

We need your help!

We are reaching out again for more donations of personal Protective Equipment. Whether it’s just a handful of masks or a box of gloves, no donation is too small!

Contact: Lauren Green at [email protected] or call 214-407-8668

What is Personal Protective Equipment?

Healthcare workers must use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when interacting with patients who are infected with a variety of illnesses, including COVID-19.

Since many diseases are passed through contact with an infected person, it is essential for doctors, nurses, and medical staff to utilize equipment to avoid the spread of the virus.

Protective equipment can include:

• Gloves
• Goggles
• Medical Masks
• Respirators
• Gowns
• Shields
• Aprons

Personal Protective Equipment should match FDA standards to protect against the spread of disease.

The equipment provides “broad barrier protection” against pathogen contamination. For example, certain steps need to be followed in the manufacturing processes to block microbial penetration.

Some PPE can be reused with adequate laundering and sterilization. But many of the items are disposable and have a designated expiration date or shelf life.

Continuing to utilize PPE past the intended use might still offer some protection, but could be putting the healthcare worker and patients at risk.

National Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Shortage

The above supplies are usually available and well-stocked in hospitals, urgent care centers, and other medical clinics. But the ordering and supply chains are based on previous usage, not projected use.

The fast-moving, unexpected COVID-19 pandemic has increased the use and demand of PPE drastically, with a continued need in the foreseeable future.

The outbreak of COVID-19 has affected the global supply chain. There has been an unprecedented demand for equipment around the world.

It is estimated that the current COVID-19 outbreak requires:

• 89 million medical masks per month
• 76 million examination gloves per month
• 1.6 million goggles per month

Not only are medical providers looking to restock the dwindling supplies, but shortages are also influenced by panic buying, misuse, and hoarding.

At the same time, production in some areas has been affected by COVID-19 outbreaks that limit or slow the ability to produce the equipment that is needed around the world.

To meet the above demand, The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that production needs to increase by at least 40%.

Efforts are in place to boost production as much as possible, but our immediate needs are still in question as the rates of Coronavirus infections are spreading everywhere – including here in our own community.

Increased Prices of PPE

As the demand for PPE has gone up, the prices have surged as well. According to the World Health Organization, the price of surgical masks is 6x higher than before, N95 respirators are 3x more expensive, and the price of gowns has doubled.

All medical providers are having problems sourcing the equipment that is needed. Even if these items can be accessed, the supplies can take months to deliver. Additionally, the worldwide market manipulation has resulted in the supplies being sent to the highest bidder.

Your Help Has Been Life Saving

As our Personal Protective Equipment has dwindled, we’ve been looking for solutions. Our team reached out to the community through Facebook to ask ideas on how to access the much-needed equipment that is needed. We are accepting donations of masks, gloves, and gowns.

Many people stepped up, and we are deeply grateful for your support.

These donations make it possible for us to protect our staff as they work tirelessly each day to care for patients. We can see that the best way to make it through the current challenges is by working together. Thank you for your support and generosity in providing the much-needed equipment. Thank you for taking care of us so we can take care of you!

Please Reach Out to iCare with PPE Donations

Our supplies are dwindling and we are still in need of donations. Whether you have just a handful of masks or a box of gloves, anything helps!

iCare is dedicated to caring for our community. If you can help us, you are helping everyone.

If you would like to donate, please reach out to Lauren Green at [email protected] or call 214-407-8668.

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