Due to a nationwide shortage in supplies, Samaritan Health Services is asking local and regional businesses for personal protective equipment (PPE) and testing supplies to help care for coronavirus patients.
Such equipment includes facemasks of all kinds, including but not limited to N-95 masks, disposable gowns, eye protection, swabs and viral transport tubes, and 70% or greater isopropyl alcohol. Samaritan will accept donations of both unopened and opened packages of PPE and supplies with the exception of open bottles of isopropyl alcohol, which cannot be accepted.
Local veterinarians and dentists are encouraged to donate, as well as any clinic that is ramping down services due to Gov. Brown’s order that all hospitals, clinics and health care providers must cease all non-emergency medical procedures. Non-health care industries that might consider donating include construction, manufacturing, breweries and mining, for example.
“I have been encouraged to see the many ways our communities, clinicians and employees have been pulling together to respond to this pandemic threat, including the commitment to social distancing that will help reduce the number of cases and prevent hospitals from getting overwhelmed,” said Samaritan President and CEO Doug Boysen. “This is another incredibly helpful way our community partners can assist us to care for patients. I thank you on behalf of everyone at Samaritan Health Services for any donations.”
Questions can be emailed to SHSFoundations@samhealth.org. Donations may be tax deductible as approved by the IRS.
Where can I drop off my donation?
Donation drop sites will be staffed on the following dates:
- Monday, March 23, 2 to 4 p.m.
- Tuesday, March 24, 2 to 4 p.m.
- Wednesday, March 25, 2 to 4 p.m.
Donation site locations:
- Corvallis: Samaritan Square: 815 NW 9th St. (entrance on former Baja Fresh side of the building).
- Albany: Kimsey-McClain House: 940 SW 6th St.
- Lebanon: Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital Front/Registration Desk: 525 N Santiam Hwy.
- Newport: Bayview Building: 749 SW 11th St.
- Lincoln City: Foundation Office Building: 3010 NE 28th St.
Can I mail my donation if I live out of town?
Yes. Please send your donation to the following address: Samaritan Foundations, 815 NW 9th St., Suite 136, Corvallis, OR 97330.
Can I make handmade facemasks?
In settings where facemasks are not available, health care professionals may use homemade masks for care of patients with COVID-19 as a last resort. Tight-knit cotton fabric is preferred and please be sure the fabric is pre-washed. Masks can have elastic and fabric binding straps. The following video provides instructions on how to make the preferred mask, which has a filter pocket. Filters will be sourced separately by Samaritan.
Can I donate handmade gowns?
No, at this time we need commercially-produced disposable gowns.
Can I donate opened items?
Samaritan will accept donations of both unopened and opened packages of PPE and supplies. The only exception is isopropyl alcohol. We cannot take donations of opened bottles.
Will donated items be sanitized before use?
Yes, we have a protocol that requires a period of isolation/quarantine of the items and then sanitization before use in patient care.
Are there other ways I can help?
Philanthropy matters more than ever. Our Samaritan Foundations are already experiencing an increased need for Patient Support and Employee Emergency Assistance funds at each of our local hospitals. The Patient Support program serves low-income patients by funding resources such as transportation, medical bills, durable medical goods, nutritional supplements and prescription assistance. The number of financially vulnerable patients is on the rise and we need your support to help meet this increased need. Additionally, we anticipate some of our caregivers who are on the front line of the fight against COVID-19 will face hardships within their families and may need additional financial assistance through the Employee Emergency Assistance fund. Visit samhealth.org/Giving to make a gift to your local hospital foundation.
A wealth of information about coronavirus, how to prepare and take care of your family, what to do if you feel ill, caring for family members at home and much more is available at the Oregon Health Authority and CDC websites or by calling 211. Samaritan-specific information may be found at samhealth.org/Coronavirus.