Calhoun County: Consider donating personal protective equipment to assist in COVID-19 response

Businesses and organizations are urged to donate personal protective equipment, or PPE, by contacting their local public health department and the county emergency management agency, according to a March 19 new release from Calhoun County officials.

The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) is encouraging Iowa businesses and organizations to donate extra personal protective equipment to assist health care providers and health care facilities responding to COVID-19.

"This an unprecedented public health disaster, and stocks of personal protective equipment for health care providers are being used rapidly," said Ken Sharp, division director of Acute Disease Prevention, Emergency Response and Environmental Health. "Any organizations that have extra PPE supplies that aren't immediately needed should consider donating them to help those on the front line of this disease."

Any type of health care PPE will be welcomed, especially gloves, gowns, eye protection and masks. Local public health and local emergency management officials will can work to address needs locally and beyond.

To donate PPE, please contact Calhoun County Public Health at (712) 297-8323 or Calhoun County Emergency Manager at (712) 297-5104.