As more and more cases of COVID-19 are confirmed around the world and here in Idaho, there is a critical shortage of PPE, or personal protective equipment. Medical professionals are pleading for more supplies as they help people infected with the coronavirus.
NOTE: This drive is considered "essential" business under Governor Brad Little's new stay-at-home order. It will go forward as planned.
Former state senators Maryanne Jordan and Cherie Buckner-Webb are joining forces with a Nampa nonprofit to ask businesses and other organizations to donate un-used and un-opened PPE. They’re holding a PPE fund drive this weekend. Both former senators and Todd Durbin, the executive director of Nampa-based Hands of Hope Northwest join Idaho Matters live.
Items can be dropped off Saturday, March 28th from noon to 4 p.m. at Albertson’s Stadium on Boise State University's campus (east lot). They're looking for:
- Sterile and non-sterile gloves
- Unopened hand sanitizer
- Unopened commercial bleach bottles, sprays, or wipes
- Unopened Isopropyl alcohol
- Eye protection and goggles
- Clear face shields
- Masks – tie, ear loop (no cloth masks)
- Respirator masks – N95, N99, P100 of all sizes. Extra filters also needed.
- PAPR respirators – 3M or MaxAir and unused. Hoods, filters, batteries, chargers, tubes to go with these units are also needed.
- Disposable gowns (unused)
- Shoe covers
- Biohazard bags (unused)
As COVID-19 cases spread through the U.S. and Idaho, we’re committed to keeping you updated and informed. You can get updated info on cases, closures and how to stay healthy at any time on our Coronavirus news blog.
Idaho Matters is working on a story about how families are dealing with school closures during the coronavirus outbreak. Parents: What do your days look like now? Are you creating structure, or are you letting your kids have an extended spring break? Kids: What do you like about being at home, and what do you miss about school and being with your friends? Using your smartphone, please send us a voice memo with your family. Tell us about your daily routine, or about what your’e doing to stay distracted or learning. Send the voice memo to idahomatters@boisestate.edu. We might use your message in an upcoming show.
Have a question or comment for the show? Tweet @KBSX915 using #IdahoMatters
Member support is what makes local COVID-19 reporting possible. Support this coverage here.
