Local hospitals request donations of protective gear

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SAN DIEGO — Sharp Healthcare put out a call Monday for new and unused medical supplies to help protect healthcare workers and patients against the spread of coronavirus.

Vice President of Public Relations John Cihomsky said Sharp hospitals and clinics are in need of personal protective gear. Starting Wednesday, volunteers will accept donations at four Sharp facilities. Drive-through donation sites will allow for safe social distancing.

While supplies are sufficient to meet the current need, Cihomsky said they are looking ahead.

“The hard part is not knowing how long the crisis is going to last,” Cihomsky said. “Our biggest concern is to make sure that the protective equipment that we have, the PPE, remains at an optimal level.”

Industries that may have needed supplies include construction companies, hardware stores, schools, nail technicians and others.

New or Unused Products to Donate

Disposable face masks
N95 masks, sometimes called respirators
Eye protection including face shields and safety goggles
Disposable gowns
Disposable gloves, especially non-latex
Disposable surgical caps
Disposable foot covers
Wipes: bleach or antimicrobial
Hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol)
Infrared thermometers

Specialized Items to Donate

PAPRs (powered air-purifying respirators) and PAPR hoods
Nasal testing swabs
Viral testing kits

What Not to Donate

At this time, Sharp is not accepting hand-sewn reusable masks or 3-D printed ventilator parts.
Donations of other items such as medications, food, blankets, medical equipment or other supplies are not needed at this time. If that changes, an announcement will be made.

How to Donate

Donations can be dropped off at any of the locations listed below.
Donors will be directed into and out of the donation location.
Donors will not need to get out of their cars if they prefer not to.
Staff will maintain safe physical distance from donors, and will wear gloves and regularly clean their hands.
Donors will be asked to provide basic contact information and may request a receipt for their records
Donation sites can accommodate donations of all sizes.

Drive-Up Donation Locations