Columbus hospital accepting medical donations, homemade masks
Columbus Community Hospital issued a news release on Friday.
By News Channel NebraskaNews release:
(COLUMBUS, Neb.) – Homemade masks are being accepted by Columbus Community Hospital.
The masks are for visitor use to conserve medical masks for patients and healthcare providers in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Those wishing to donate masks specific to hospital standards can do so starting Friday.
The public is asked to contact Dorothy Bybee, vice president of nursing and patient care services, at [email protected] or (402) 562-4745. Bybee will provide pattern specifics to CCH standards. Donations of homemade masks will be laundered by CCH before visitor distribution. Wear and care instructions will be provided on an instructional insert in English and Spanish to visitors who receive masks.
Homemade mask donations will only be accepted from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday at the east entrance of Columbus Community Hospitals’ South Campus, 3005 19th St. Donations of elastic for use in the assembly of the masks will also be accepted at this location.
CCH has been astounded and impressed with the members of the community in wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Many generous individuals, nonprofits, private companies and others have reached out to support the hospital’s response to coronavirus.
Donations of new of new and unopened medical supplies that continue to be accepted at CCH include surgical masks and ear loop masks, N95 respirator masks, goggles, isolation gowns (impervious) and hand sanitizer (ethyl alcohol 60%).
“While our hospital is making the most of our inventory of personal protective equipment (PPE), there is still a need to call for additional medical supplies due to increased national demand,” said Amy Blaser, vice president of physician relations and business development. “We want to make it clear that we haven’t run out of supplies. We are monitoring supplies daily and creating backup supplies in case there is a surge in patient volume.”
Donations of new and unopened medical supplies can be coordinated by contacting Zac Kavan, director of materials management, at [email protected] or (402) 562-4606.
The community is still encouraged to follow safety measures to limit the spread of COVID-19. That includes social distancing and staying at home. Limiting the number of people that come in contact with each other helps protect the critical supply of masks by reducing the spread of COVID-19.