MARTINSVILLE, VA – This week, Patrick Henry Community College’s health science department is donating thousands of items of personal protective gear to local healthcare providers.
In the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic, healthcare providers around the world are facing a shortage of personal protective equipment that will help them stay safe as they care for patients.
To support these providers, PHCC pulled the equipment it had on hand for its labs and clinical classes to donate to Henry County Public Safety, Martinsville Fire and EMS, and SOVAH Martinsville.
In total, PHCC is donating 10,000 gloves, 1,800 alcohol swabs, more than 125 isolation gowns, and 1,000 different kinds of face masks.
“The college felt the supplies were in high demand and that our inventory could support the communities front line health care providers. We are committed to slowing the spread of COVID 19 and are currently in a position to share the resources that are truly key in this public health crisis. We have three instructional laboratories for nursing, paramedic, and physical therapist assistant programs and were able to pool our resources for the donation,” Amy Webster Director of Nursing and Allied Health said.
In an email to the college, Matt Tatum, Director of Henry County Public Safety said the donation “not only is very much appreciated, it is needed. PHCC’s contribution further confirms their commitment to and partnership with our community.”
In this time of public crisis, the college’s central mission remains to do all it can to protect and support the PHCC family and the local community and to continue providing quality education so students still have every opportunity to achieve their goals.