Clark State, Wittenberg programs donate medical equipment, supplies to local hospitals

NEW CUTLINE: Clark State Community College and Wittenberg University programs donate supplies to local hospitals. BILL LACKEY/STAFF

NEW CUTLINE: Clark State Community College and Wittenberg University programs donate supplies to local hospitals. BILL LACKEY/STAFF

Two Springfield colleges have been donating to local hospitals in an effort to help with COVID-19, or the coronavirus.

The Clark State Community College Registered Nursing program recently donated eight hospital beds to be used at an overflow hospital in Logan County if needed, according to the college.

Logan County Emergency Management picked up the beds on April 1 from the Clark State location at Ohio Hi-Point Career Center.

“We want to support our front-line health care providers during this crisis and realized the best way we could do so was to provide some of the equipment they need,” said Dr. Gwen Stevenson, director of nursing programs. “They are the most at-risk. We are grateful for the work they are doing and want to give back in a time of need.”

The beds will help Logan County prepare for a possible overflow of hospital patients due to the virus.

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Students from Wittenberg University also recently donated supplies to local hospitals.

The nursing program donated hand sanitizer, gowns and masks to the Mercy Health - Springfield Regional Medical Center, according to a release from the college.

The biology and chemistry departments delivered a truckload of gloves, goggles, aprons, lab coats, shoe covers and N95 masks to the community after Jennifer Gile, coordinator for chemistry labs and chemical hygiene officer, reached out to the Clark County Emergency Medical Services (EMS).

“Thank you everyone for being generous with the safety equipment we had on hand,” said Gile. “It’s very appreciated and will be a great benefit to many people.”

Gile said EMS will allocate 50% of the total items to Mercy Health-Springfield Regional Medical Center, then to local EMS, fire, law enforcement and long-term care facilities, the release says.

“It was a pleasure to have the opportunity to donate the gloves, lab coats, goggles, aprons, shoe covers, and masks,” she said. “I’m beyond proud of our community.”

READ: Clark, Champaign schools distribute thousands of meals to students

The college has also offered the use of some of its residence halls and other facilities to those in need.

“The University has been in contact with Mercy Hospital and the State of Ohio and will work closely with the Clark County Emergency Management Agency to help meet local needs for additional space to accommodate medical professionals and others who may need temporary quarters,” the release says.

Along with donating hospital supplies, the community also donates to the Campus Cupboard to help address food insecurity for students.

The Cupboard had 405 food items and 166 hygiene items taken in March, which was the largest amount ever taken, the release says. During this time, the Cupboard has temporarily moved to the Benham-Pence Student Center.

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