Fresno County wants your masks, stat. Call goes out to public for medical supplies
Have a medical mask or gloves that aren’t being used?
The Fresno County Department of Public Health is asking the public for medical donations as supplies dwindle due to the coronavirus outbreak locally.
During a teleconference Friday, Dr. Rais Vohra, Fresno County interim health officer, requested the community donate medical supplies in particular to help first-responders who might be low of essential protective wear.
And the supplies don’t necessarily have to be brand new.
“If you have anything that you’re not using that’s in good condition or unpacked or unwrapped, like masks or other medical supplies,” Vohra said, “please go ahead and contact us or an area hospital or even a fire station.
“I’m sure that they will help you get those medical supplies to a place that’s needed.”
As of Friday evening, there were 31 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Fresno County and more lab results await.
“Our brave health care heroes and partners, our first-responders, all of our public servants are doing their best to try to continue the essential functions in our city — but may be limited in terms of the medical supplies that they have,” Vohra said. “So please continue donating medical supplies if you’re not using them, and if you’re not actively in the front lines in one of those essential professions.”
Blood donations
Even if you don’t have any masks or gloves, you could still help the community by donating blood, Vohra added.
Blood banks across the country have seen a decline in donations with more people staying inside to avoid potentially catching the coronavirus.
Fresno County’s blood banks are no different.
“Please consider donating blood if you’re in good health,” Vohra said. “Because the supply of blood and blood products is also short at this time. And I know the blood banks would also appreciate having a helping hand during this time.”
This story was originally published March 27, 2020 at 8:33 PM.
