Want to help hospitals? Here's how
Laurie Pierce, North Valley Hospital's director of patient financial services, sewing an isolation gown. (Photo provided)
Kalispell Regional Healthcare has launched Project PPE (personal protective equipment) and has supplied information about how the public can help KRH health-care workers.
“While KRH is fortunate to have a current supply of personal protective equipment, we know a time may come when those supplies may be significantly reduced as the COVID-19 situation evolves,” a statement from the hospital said. “Help us reach our goal of building an inventory of 10,000 masks.”
How to help if you don’t sew or have supplies
The Emergency Response Fund has been created to ensure that those who are working on the front lines continue to have the resources they need to care for this community. Make your tax-deductible donation online at https://support.montanachildrens.org/give/278261/#!/donation/checkout
To send a word of encouragement or thanks to employees, letters can be sent to 310 Sunnyview Lane Kalispell MT 59901 or email foundation@krmc.org.
KRH welcomes the following supplies. Items must be unused and in the original manufacturer’s unopened packages:
- ?Latex-free gloves
- N95 face masks
- Other disposable face masks
- Clear face shields
HOW TO MAKE MASKS
Sewn cloth masks: Washable cloth masks are also welcome and helpful for general daily use. 100% cotton (tightly woven) is the recommended fabric. Note: Cloth masks will not be used in sterile environments or in place of recommended PPE in certain circumstances.
Download basic mask instructions at https://www.krh.org/data/content/Image/How-to-Make-a-Mask1.pdf
Download ADVANCED mask pattern at https://sarahmaker.com/how-to-sew-a-surgical-face-mask-for-hospitals-free-pattern/
3-D Printed: 3-D Printed masks can help bolster supplies of N-95 masks.
Download files for 3-D printed masks at https://longliveyoursmile.com/3d-printable-mask-for-covid-19/
Face Shields: Plastic face shields are in short supply, as well. Watch tutorial video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IDxM1x7QQA
HOW TO DROP OFF DONATIONS & SUPPLIES
Clean, unused supplies can be dropped off at the north entrance of the Summit Medical Fitness Center at the circular drive. The drop-off site will be open Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
To practice social distancing, community members can leave the items on a designated table and drive away. Staff will collect the items after you leave.
For more information or questions call the Kalispell Regional Healthcare Foundation at (406) 751-6930.