Local hospitals are on the hunt for donations as health care workers combat the growing COVID-19 pandemic and deteriorating supplies.
Medical supplies such as masks, gloves and gowns are low as health care workers continue to battle the virus, which has infected more than 1,700 Hoosiers, with 92 confirmed cases in Johnson County.
Johnson Memorial, Community South and Franciscan hospitals are accepting donations of unopened packages of supplies, such as regular medical masks, respirators, non-surgical gloves, eye shields, cleaning supplies and more. Handmade masks are also accepted, and instructions for sewing can be found on Community Health Network’s website.
Hospital officials want to make it clear they haven’t run out of supplies, but that donations would serve as backups, said Joe Stuteville, spokesperson for Franciscan Health. They are actively monitors supply levels every day.
"We are by no means in a desperate situation, and we are adequately supplied at this time," Stuteville said.
Johnson Memorial Hospital staff goes through about 600 masks a day, said Dr. David Dunkle, the hospital’s president and CEO. They’re low on masks, but expecting a new shipment of supplies.
"When I think about how many masks an organization our size goes through, I can’t even imagine the hospitals larger than ours, what they must go through," Dunkle said.
But right now, hospitals are in most need of cleaning supplies, such as surface disinfectants, sanitizer and disinfecting wipes, Dunkle said. Franklin Community Schools recently donated most of its cleaning supplies since they are not using it while school is out, he said.
"One thing people don’t think about is cleaning supplies," Dunkle said. "These things are running low on the grocery shelves and also for our suppliers."
Since last week, Community Health Network received more than 1,500 personal protective equipment donations. Franciscan has also received several donations so far, including people dropping off carry-out meals to clinicians, Stuteville said.
"Boy, that’s just a generous gesture," he said. "They are working long hours, working tirelessly."
For those who wish to donate, Community Health and Franciscan have instructions on their websites to schedule drop-off times. At Johnson Memorial, donations can be arranged by phone or dropped off at one of the hospital’s entrances.
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Here is a look at what each hospital needs. Most donated supplies must be in its original, unopened packaging.
<strong>Supplies needed</strong>
<ul>
<li>Masks (medical or handmade)</li>
<li>Non-surgical gloves</li>
<li>Medical robes</li>
<li>Face shields</li>
<li>Cleaning supplies (anti-bacterial disinfectants, wipes, hand sanitizer)</li>
<li>N-94 respirators</li>
<li>Eye shields, visors or safety goggles</li>
<li>Disposable personal wipes</li>
</ul>
<strong>How to donate</strong>
<strong>Johnson Memorial Hospital</strong>
Call the hospital at 317-736-3300 or drop off items at one of the hospital’s entrances.
<strong>Community Hospital South</strong>
Schedule a delivery: visit <a href="http://eCommunity.com/givePPE">eCommunity.com/givePPE</a>, send an email to <a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a> or call 317-355-5599.
<strong>Franciscan Health</strong>
To learn more about where to drop off items, contact: <a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a>
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