The Dallas County Hospital and Family Medicine Clinics is asking for donations to its stock of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as N95 respirators and surgical masks, hand-sewn masks, face shields and goggles.
DCH is at the front line of efforts to contain and mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and wants to ensure its health care providers have the equipment they need to give safe care. Healthcare workers rely on PPE to protect themselves and their patients from being infected and infecting others.
Currently, there is a worldwide shortage of this PPE equipment, and the shortage is affecting the Dallas County Hospital and Family Medicine Clinics.
“It’s a challenging problem,” said Macinzie McFarland, DCH marketing and foundation manager, “and we’re working to solve it in several ways.”
McFarland said the DCH is also accepting hand-sewn masks. The hospital is committed to providing the appropriate protective measures for patients and staff according to CDC guidelines, she said. Hand-sewn masks will be used by employees who are not in direct patient contact and have not been directed by local and state health departments to wear PPE. Hand-sewn masks will also be used by patients who request a mask but do not present with respiratory symptoms.
If you are interested in donating hand-sewn masks, DCH requests that the fabric used be clean 100% cotton and a softer material. Masks should be constructed with a double layer for protective purposes. Both tie and elastic loops are acceptable. If elastic is used, it should be latex free.
A stiff, bendable wire is also desirable for better protection as long as it is washable and will not puncture the material or injure the wearer’s face. There are many templates online that can be used. Please use one that provides adequate face coverage for an adult, as seen in the accompanying image.
If you have this equipment to donate, call McFarland at 515-465-7516 ahead of time to make arrangements for delivery to the Dallas County Hospital.
