Why can't hospitals and health centers purchase the supplies directly?
Hospitals in the area were severely in debt prior to the COVID-19 outbreak. Now, the demands being put on their finances are more than they can handle alone. Many healthcare workers are being told that they will have two weeks of PPE available, then they will need to use makeshift protection, like bandannas instead of masks. Additionally, hospitals may have only 1-2 staff members each to work on purchasing supplies. We are a large cohort of displaced students persistently searching for companies able to produce and provide this essential equipment. We have a large network of colleagues doing similar work in other major cities like Chicago and New York City.
Why aren't companies donating them? Why do we have to buy them?
It would be amazing if companies were donating all of their inventory. However, the economy is failing and at the end of the day companies need to make a profit to survive. Also, many of us have been reaching out to companies daily. There simply not enough N95 masks being donated to overcome this virus. We have the power to help. Our ultimate goal is the get masks and other PPE as quickly as possible to the hospitals. We have purchased and are in the process of allocating masks and other PPE throughout 24 Philadelphia hospitals.
What are some other ways to get involved?
We are so inspired by people like YOU who are looking to help! Visit our Facebook Group for information regarding other amazing, student-run initiatives.
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
1. Monetary donations can be sent to: https://phlcovid19fund.org/covid-19-response-fund/
2. Other monetary donations to deserving programs: Philly Inquirer
3. We are also looking for:
- Masks
- N95 Masks
- Gowns: surgical and isolation gowns
- Gloves
- Goggles
- Face shields
- Tyvek coveralls
- Hand sanitizer + sanitizing wipes
We have medical students able to pick up in the surrounding Philly areas and will coordinate with the hospitals for donations.
4. Direct N95 mask donations: https://sites.google.com/…/philly-mask-donati…/donate-masks…
5. Donate PPE: https://getusppe.org/give/
6. Donate directly to Temple Hospital: covid19@tuhs.temple.edu (same medical supplies as listed under bullet 3)
7. VOLUNTEER!! Ask us how to get involved!!
8. Follow us on social media - the more followers and "likes" we get, the more other people see our pages!
Instagram
Facebook
Twitter
Update: Another 160 masks purchased..
As of 3/27/20, we have purchased a total of 4280 N95 masks for our local healthcare workers!!
A sincere and special thank you to our donors. None of this is possible without you.
