HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — Holland Hospital has, so far, only admitted two patients with the coronavirus known as COVID-19.
Knowing that hospitals are expecting a surge, however, some community members have spontaneously organized groups to provide donated equipment, including much-needed masks.
Hospital spokeswoman Jennifer Schmitt told WHTC via email the hospital is open for donations, with certain rules.
“We are grateful for the outpouring of requests from our community to help during this COVID-19 pandemic. We are humbled by the prayers, notes and well wishes we are receiving that uplift our hospital and medical staff. So many within our community have asked about ways to help in this time of need,” she wrote.
“We are truly in this together, said Kathy Early, Holland Hospital’s system risk management director. “With a national shortage of protective gear and supplies, we are very grateful for the generous donations from our community. These supplies will allow us to support our health care staff and protect our patients and the public in the days and weeks ahead.”
Holland Hospital currently has an adequate amount of personal protection equipment for health care workers, Schmitt said, adding “While we are being diligent with the supply, we know these resources will be used quickly and accepting donations now will allow us to provide proper protection into the foreseeable future.
What’s needed? Protective gear — note instructions for making masks:
- N95 mask/surgical mask
- Isolation masks (adult/child)
- Masks with face shield/visor
- Face shields
- Goggles/safety glasses
- Bouffant caps
- Extended extra protection gloves – all sizes
- Isolation gowns
Schmitt provided instructions for those who want to sew masks, “to ensure safety and quality,” and said people who want to donate money to help fund the COVID-19 fight can do so online at https://www.hollandhospital.org/hh/donate.aspx.
All donated materials can be brought to 121 W. 24th St. in Holland — but must be delivered between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Knock on the door and a staff member will take in the donation — with allowances for proper social distancing. Please, she said, ensure that groups of donors maintain indivdual personal spaces.
“We are asking the community to not drop off items if you are sick or have been around individuals with a fever or cough,” Schmitt said.
Holland Hospital’s donations hotline is (616) 294-7720.
