500 Masks for WA

Surgical masks for medical staff in the nursing home community with either a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) or an acute care facility.  

Elderly and those with chronic illness/underlying conditions are known to be the most vulnerable demographic from the coronavirus.  It is heartbreaking to witness the coronavirus outbreak in our State of Washington.  It drove me to act and seek ways to support our local community.  


After first reaching out to EvergreenHealth Foundation, they referred me to a nursing home in King County and I subsequently learned that nursing homes are at a lower pecking order with suppliers during the nationwide (in fact, global) mask shortage.  It was early March, and their protective gears were at a critical level.  Weighing between the important work of our medical workers and the extra reserve I stocked up earlier, 500 surgical masks were sent as a donation.  The medical workers would use the masks at the nursing home facility serving the most vulnerable.

The situation in WA is not improving, and National Emergency was declared.  While we are waiting for resources like medical supplies to be released [1] from the National Strategic Stockpile, it is reported that the Stockpile currently only holds 30 million surgical face masks [2].  Even though there is plan to purchase hundred of million masks in the next 18 months, there is an acute and urgent demand for protective gears right now.  As of 1pm of March 16, King5 News reported that fewer supplies are coming in and it may become a “critical issue” for many facilities within the next two weeks [3].

It all started with 500 masks.  What if we can do more?  I would like to help by sourcing surgical masks from different channels and would invite you to support our nursing home community at this challenging time.  Together, we can make a difference.


Disclaimer:

— We expressly disclaim to the fullest extent permitted by law all express, implied, and statutory warranties, including without any limitation, the warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement of proprietary rights.  All surgical masks are donated "as-is" with no warranties.  In no event shall we be liable or responsible for the quality and effectiveness of the surgical masks

— Funds that went unused will go to “COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Critical Needs” Fund of EvergreenHealth Foundation as a donation https://www.evergreenhealthfoundation.com/ways-to-give/donate/


Reference:

[1] https://www.kuow.org/stories/where-are-the-masks-some-seattle-doctors-and-nurses-want-to-know-others-aren-t-too-concerned

[2] https://time.com/5800200/strategic-national-stockpile-coronavirus/

[3] https://www.king5.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/washington-coronavirus-live-blog/281-ce24b5fb-02fb-472e-af9e-5304a79125db?fbclid=IwAR0IvJbtcWbm4DQV6kSEZYZmr-MvoyzG7rTPiB96F008gPLJpP2lMfHyqeg