Gundersen asks for donations of masks, gloves, other protective items

News release from Gundersen Health System, Wednesday, March 25th:

Gundersen Health System is accepting donations for new and unused protection supplies.

Because of the spread of COVID-19, health officials have warned that staff in busy hospitals may see a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE). Gundersen says it has adequate amounts of PPE, but the health system wants to prepare for a potential surge in patients.

Items requested include:

• Face shields
• Digital thermometers
• Eye protection such as safety glasses and goggles
• Hand sanitizer that is at least 60 percent alcohol
• Sanitizing wipes
• Masks including both N95 and surgical masks (any level) *
• Gloves
• Gowns

To donate any of the above and help keep staff, patients and community as safe as possible, please contact Gundersen Medical Foundation at (608) 775-6600 or [email protected].

*Note: Homemade masks are being accepted if they meet specific criteria. For directions and a pattern, please contact Gundersen Medical Foundation at (608) 775-6600 or [email protected]. Mask specifications can be found here (how-to video here). To align needs and supply of PPE, PLEASE call Gundersen Medical Foundation first. This will allow staff to track the number of masks being made and who is making them.

Monetary donations for purchasing equipment and supporting medical research—such as the COVID-19 test our Microbiology Research Lab recently developed—also are being accepted here.