ATHENS, WV – A shortage of protective face masks and other equipment is plaguing health care professionals as they battle the coronavirus outbreak. Concord University is helping alleviate the local shortage by donating more than two thousand masks to Princeton Community Hospital (PCH).
After learning that PCH had a dwindling supply of masks and would welcome any that could be directed their way, Dr. Jill Nolan, associate professor of Health Education, took action.
She checked with various departments on campus and hit pay dirt with the Art Department and the physical plant.
James Biggs, chair of the Art Department, explains about his department’s donation.
“The masks were in the art building to be used occasionally when a student would undertake a woodworking task that would require a lot of sanding. Our art classes are all remote now. Jill Nolan was asking about masks, and I didn’t think they should just sit there if the hospital was in need.”
James Biggs
President Kendra Boggess personally delivered the masks to PCH on behalf of Concord University.
Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Mark Pickett, RN, explains how this donation will help the hospital.
“Under normal operating times, the hospital struggles with personal protective equipment (PPE) due to existing allocations that we are under from suppliers. Now, with the COVID-19 threat, the increase in our PPE usage, and the ability for our regular supply chain to provide for our needs, shortages are occurring,”
Mark Pickett
“Princeton Community Hospital Association is grateful for this donation, not only to help meet the needs of our organization, but also allowing us to assist with our healthcare coalition partnership of public health, emergency medical services, law enforcement, fire services and county emergency management,” he said. “If someone is in a greater need than us, this allows our partners to stay safe.”
-CU-
CONTACT:
Sarah M. Pritchett
Concord University
Office of Advancement
PO Box 1000, Athens, WV 24712
(304) 384-6312, news@concord.edu
http://www.concord.edu
After 4 p.m.
pitzer@concord.edu
Office: 304-384-5211
Cell: 304-320-6405