During the COVID-19 outbreak, supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE) are running low for hospitals across the state and country. Orders for standard/disposable masks are on long back-orders, due to both demand and supply chain issues. Logansport Memorial Hospital is joining other Indiana hospitals in asking for face masks to be donated in one of two ways so that we are as prepared as possible for COVID-19.
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Donating masks
To donate masks, please consider one of the following options:
- Donate existing surgical masks, N-95 masks, or other face masks that you may not be using at this time. In other clinical services (like dentists, veterinarians, and other settings that have either closed or reduced operations) that also utilize surgical masks, we humbly ask that you consider donating to our staff in this time of need. Farmers, beauticians, and construction workers may also have masks that are not being widely used that could be donated.
- Donate sewn face masks that meet certain acceptable criteria from the CDC. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has stated that if all other supplies are not available, handmade masks that meet certain criteria will be acceptable. Logansport Memorial Hospital is welcoming fabric masks from our community as we prepare for COVID-19. If you or an organization you work with is interested in sewing face masks for our staff, we ask that you please follow these guidelines below to ensure they meet the CDC criteria:
-Please follow the specific directions on the Logansport Memorial Website and Facebook page. They are based on the pattern provided by “The Turban Project” but with a few modifications.
-Please use tightly-woven 100% cotton fabric on both sides of the masks. Please do not use flannel.
-When choosing the cotton fabric, please remember that both women and men in a variety of roles may wear these masks.
-Finished masks are to be placed in clear, Ziploc bags and sealed before drop-off to LMH. Please separate the masks in separate Ziploc bags by size (men, women, and children).
-When your masks are complete, please call (574) 753-1414 to arrange for delivery. You will be met in a facility parking lot at a pre-arranged time for your drop-off.
-Any surplus masks will be distributed to other organizations in need – specifically to our community healthcare partners (long-term care, EMS) and any others who may request assistance from us.
LMH will be able to disinfect these masks and use them repeatedly as needed, under the relaxed guidelines from the CDC during this noted supply shortage. Although it is still not the same as using a standard surgical mask, it is one more way that we can protect our staff and patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Questions
If you have any questions about what can be donated, or how to donate these masks, please contact Vicki Byrd, Vice-President of Planning and Development at (574) 753-1414. Please also reach out to Vicki to coordinate the delivery of any sewn face masks for LMH staff.
Thank you in advance for your consideration and possible assistance at this time.
