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Western New York senior care facilities in need of PPE & cleaning supplies

Submitted

Mon, Mar 23rd 2020 04:55 pm

By Stephen Hanse

President and CEO

New York State Health Facilities Association

New York State Center for Assisted Living

The shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) has been acknowledged in several media reports and by state and federal agencies as an ongoing concern during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent public and private sector support for our acute care providers has been commendable and it is making a difference for these dedicated health care workers.

Today, the New York State Health Facilities Association (NYSHFA) and the New York State Center for Assisted Living (NYSCAL), together with skilled nursing and assisted living providers in Erie and Niagara counties, are appealing to the public for a similar response to support nursing homes and assisted living providers in Erie and Niagara Counties.

The men and women working in our nursing homes are caring for the most vulnerable among us during these difficult days. There is a dangerous shortage of PPE in these health care facilities and, in this setting in particular, this equipment provides important two-way protection in terms of restricting the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

In addition to PPE, there is a growing need for cleaning supplies and disinfectant.

Many colleges and universities, school districts, construction companies, and even municipalities throughout Western New York have the same type of cleaning supplies our facilities need – it would be a tremendous help to receive donations of cleaning supplies and disinfectants from organizations like these.

NYSHFA/NYSCAL is working with Elderwood, the region’s largest senior care provider, to coordinate donations and distribution to all nursing homes in Erie and Niagara counties.

“We would be tremendously grateful to receive any support during this time of urgent need,” said Jeffrey Rubin, DMD, co-CEO for Elderwood. “We have directed Elderwood Transportation, our medical transportation division, to coordinate pick-ups of supplies, and we have made space available at our development offices at 1142 Wehrle Drive in Williamsville to receive supplies for distribution to senior care facilities in Western New York.”

Any organization able to donate PPE or cleaning supplies can contact Elderwood at 716-250-0062 or via email at [email protected] to coordinate pick-up or drop-off. Drop-offs will be accepted at 1142 Wehrle Drive in Williamsville between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays, and pick-ups will be coordinated by appointment.

Supplies urgently needed by area nursing homes include professional-grade materials that are unopened and within expiration dates:

  • Disposable PPE
  • Respirator masks (N95), all sizes, fit test kits and solutions, unopened boxes
  • Masks, tie, ear loop, procedure/surgical, with or without face shield, unopened boxes and cloth
  • Thermometers, No Touch
  • Cleaning/disinfecting supplies, solutions, wipes
  • Gloves, sterile, non-sterile, nitrile – all sizes, unopened boxes, latex or vinyl
  • Hand sanitizer – unopened containers, any size, pumps needed (unexpired)
  • Bleach bottles or spray, wipes – unopened containers
  • Eye protection – glasses, goggles, face shields, unused in box or wrapper
  • PAPR respirators – 3M or MaxAir – unused; hoods, filters, batteries, chargers, tubes to go with these units are also needed
  • Gowns, isolation disposable or reusable– unused, any style or color

Unfortunately, used, partially used, or items other than those listed here cannot be accepted.

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