During a time of crisis, many people want to help by supporting those in need. The most important thing you can do is to stay home if you can. Practicing social distancing can help us flatten the curve.
Area businesses and organizations are stepping up to help meet the demand for personal protection equipment needed by health professionals. South Dakota School of Mines & Technology is using 3D printing technology to create reusable masks. Rapid City Area Schools staff went through the district’s now-empty classrooms to gather gloves, Clorox bleach wipes and hand sanitizer. Rushmore Plaza Civic Center donated hand sanitizer to Monument Health’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit’s transport teams.
You can help by donating unused personal protection items (see list below) that could help the physicians and caregivers who are fighting this disease on the front lines. As the global pandemic of COVID-19 spreads to the Black Hills, Monument Health is facing unprecedented challenges with the supply chain.
“To protect our patients, we need to protect our physicians and caregivers,” said Brad Haupt, vice president of supply chain and contract management. “Each day we are monitoring a long list of supplies that will help keep our physicians and caregivers healthy as they care for the next round of patients.”
Based on statewide projections, the number of positive COVID-19 patients is expected to rise. Caring for these patients requires significant personal protective equipment (PPE). At this time, Monument Health has a supply of the necessary equipment. However, as the global pandemic continues to disrupt supply chains, it will be a challenge to obtain more PPE.
