PEORIA, Ill. — The UnityPoint Health systems in Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin have joined to help secure enough Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to provide to staff.
There are ways that the community can help healthcare providers.
Donations of homemade masks have been very popular, and UnityPoint Health officials say they will always take them. There is a pattern and instructions at unitypoint.org/help to make the masks.
Masks can be donated at the Hult Health Center for Healthy Living weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Officials ask that the completed masks are placed in zip lock bags when they are dropped off.
UnityPoint Health is also accepting supplies such as N95 respirators, surgical masks, face shields, gloves (unopened, non-latex), gowns, ventilators, elastic, and double sided tape.
Also, due to the COVID-19 outbreak, blood centers across the county have canceled many blood drives. Those interested can still donate blood to help with the shortage.
UnityPoint Health is also looking for healthcare workers who know how to treat respiratory infections, with ED experience, critical care experience, nurses who are trained in operating ventilators, critical care, or have relevant experience, and respiratory therapists.
Donations that could be used to buy meals, scrubs, and other support is also an option for the community to help.
Officals say the most important thing that everyone can do is practice social distancing.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommend washing your hands often, avoid close contact with those exposed to the virus, stay home if you do not feel well, cover coughs and sneezes, wear a face mask if you are sick, and clean frequently touched surfaces.
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