Coronavirus: Mercy Health is accepting donations of supplies

Mercy Health Springfield Regional Medical Center. Bill Lackey/Staff

Mercy Health Springfield Regional Medical Center. Bill Lackey/Staff

Mercy Health is accepting donations of personal protection equipment as health care facilities throughout the country face supply shortages amid the COVID-19, also known as coronavirus, outbreak.

The hospital network has created a central donation mechanism for anyone looking to donate supplies to its facilities. Mercy Health, which operates the Springfield Regional Medical Center, Urbana Hospital and Mercy Health — Dayton Springfield Emergency Center, is accepting goggles, face shields, masks, latex gloves and tyvek suits.

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“In regards to handmade and non-clinical masks, standard issue masks are still the best way to protect our health care professionals,” said a Monday news release from Mercy Health. “However, for the time being, we will be accepting handmade mask donations. These masks will go through an evaluation process before being used by either a health care associate or a patient.”

The release also added that the health network’s quality, safety, supply chain and clinical teams are working together to evaluate the donations being gathered.

Nanette Bentley, a spokesperson for Mercy Health, said that donations will stay local or go to the nearest Mercy Health facility that needs them.

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Those seeking more information on how to make a donation or find facilities to donate to can email APRush@bshsi.org and write “Donation” in the subject line or call 1-888-383-8000.

Representatives of Mercy Health said that donations should not be brought directly to their facilities in order to protect the health and safety of patients and their care teams.

Those who do not have supplies but would like to make a financial donation can do so by visiting foundation.mercy.com/covid-19 or by calling 1-800-999-2744.