GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Hospitals and emergency services across West Michigan have announced they will be accepting donated hospital supplies from area businesses and community members amid the COVID-19 crisis.
Many hospitals in Michigan are facing potential shortages of essential medical supplies and personal protective equipment as the state total of COVID-19 cases grows. On Tuesday, March 24, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer called on residents and businesses to donate any available supplies to hospitals, medical providers and even local law enforcement and firefighters.
Accepted supplies will include:
- Masks & face shields
- Gloves
- N-95-N100 and CAPR masks
- Ventilators
- ISO (Isolation) gowns
- Powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) supplies
- Disinfectant wipes (Lysol or Clorox)
- Hand sanitizer
- No-Touch Thermometers
- Swabs (flexible mini-tip)
- Bouffant caps
- Goggles/safety glasses
For some hospitals, even commercially prepared and packaged food items will be accepted.
Here's a list of hospital systems and emergency service departments that are accepting donations:
Mercy Health
Mercy Health hospitals are not accepting handmade personal protective equipment such as gowns, surgical masks or shields. If you have unused, unopened supplies and are interested in making a donation, contact one of the following people to coordinate:
Grand Rapids donations:
Angela Paasche
angela.paasche@mercyhealth.com
616-695-1426
Muskegon donations:
Claudine Weber
weberch@mercyhealth.com
231-672-3896
►Find more details: https://bit.ly/2UzkF0j
Mary Free Bed
Donations may be dropped off at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital, 235 Wealthy St. SE. A donation bin is located inside the Main Entry doors.
The following items will be accepted:
- Handmade reusable masks
- N95 masks
- Surgical masks (disposable three-ply paper masks)
- Isolation gowns
- Hand sanitizer
- Latex-free gloves
- Bleach wipes
- Lunch-sized paper bags (brown or white)
- Impermeable hair nets
Mary Free Bed asks that all handmade, reusable masks be bagged up and the bag placed inside the donation bin. They will be sanitized before being distributed.
The Centers for Disease Control recommends handmade cloth face coverings should:
- Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face.
- Be secured with ties or ear loops.
- Include multiple layers of fabric.
- Allow for breathing without restriction.
- Be capable of being laundered and machine-dried without damage or change to shape.
- Click here for sewing instructions.
- Click here for instructions from the U.S. Surgeon General on how to make a face covering without a stitch.
All donations of masks and other medical supplies are eligible for a tax receipt. Please visit the Screening Station in the lobby for an in-kind donation form, or email foundation@maryfreebed.com.
Holland Hospital
Holland Hospital currently has an adequate amount of PPE for health care providers, however, they will accept donations to keep their supply up.
The hospital is also accepting monetary donations along with handmade protective masks. Those looking to make masks must follow these instructions to ensure safety and quality.
All donated materials can be brought to 121 W. 24th St. in Holland, between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. A staff member will receive the donation at the front door. Just knock.
Ascension West Michigan
Starting Tuesday, March 25, Ascension West Michigan hospitals will have a drive-thru donation site for personal protective equipment.
The drive-thru will be at Borgess Hospital Lawrence Education Center, located at 1521 Gull Rd. in Kalamazoo. Donations will be able to be accepted Monday-Sunday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
►Find more details: https://bit.ly/2UBQEgk
Newaygo County Emergency Services
Newaygo County Emergency Services is hosting a donation drive on Wednesday, March 25 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Newaygo County Maintenance Building located at 1020 E Wilcox Ave. in White Cloud.
County officials said they are accepting handmade or sewn reusable masks.
If you have items but are unable to donate this Wednesday, contact Newaygo County Emergency Services at 231-689-7354.
Pilgrim Manor Nursing Home
Pilgrim Manor is accepting donations of needed medical supplies as Grand Rapids prepares for an anticipated surge in COVID-19 cases.
Donations of new, unopened supplies will be accepted between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday at the main entrance at 2000 Leonard St NE Grand Rapids, MI 49505.
Additionally, Pilgrim Manor is accepting homemade cloth masks to help protect residents and staff. A preferred pattern and instructions can be found here.
►Find more details: https://bit.ly/2Uk3XD7
Many hospitals in Michigan are facing potential shortages of essential medical supplies and personal protective equipment as the state total of COVID-19 cases grows. On Tuesday, March 24, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer called on residents and businesses to donate any available supplies to hospitals, medical providers and even local law enforcement and firefighters.
The state said many businesses have stepped up to do their part in helping medical providers respond to COVID-19. On Tuesday, Ford, 3M, the UAW, and GE Health Care announced a partnership to manufacture respirators. In addition, distilleries like Coppercraft Distillery in Holland and Mammoth Distilling in Traverse City have announced plans to manufacture and distribute hand sanitizer to health care providers in their areas.
STATE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR COVID-19
Patients with confirmed infection have reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
The best prevention for viruses, such as influenza, the common cold or COVID-19 is to:
- If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19, call your health care provider. If you do not have a health care provider, call the nearest hospital.
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. If not available, use hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or upper sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid contact with people who are sick.
- If you are sick, stay home, and avoid contact with others.
- Stay at least 6 feet away from others when in a public setting.
MORE CORONAVIRUS NEWS:
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