Counties in Michigan are in need of more medical equipment, such as N95 masks and gloves. | Pixabay
Counties in Michigan are in need of more medical equipment, such as N95 masks and gloves. | Pixabay
Hospitals in St. Clair County are running low on protective equipment -- such as ventilators, gloves, masks and other medical gear -- which is in high demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer made an announcement that Michigan was given approximately 112,000 N95 masks from the federal strategic national stockpile and 8,000 more are being sent, the Times Herald reported.
Masks were being sent out to counties throughout the state, but Todd Hillman, director of Sanilac County Emergency Management, told the Times Herald that his county didn't receive any materials from the national stockpile.
“Where we’re at right now, we're not in bad shape, but we’re definitely waiting for more stuff to arrive," Hillman told Times Herald.
Other counties in the state need the materials more desperately as they run low on essential equipment.
St. Clair County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Director Justin Westmiller said St. Clair county received 4,000 N95 masks from the national stockpile. But the county is still in need of additional protective medical equipment.
"In St. Clair County, we have 29 ventilators available," Westmiller told the Times Herald. "We do not have enough personal protective equipment or ventilators for a surge and are still looking for and securing more supplies to meet our needs."
An emergency fund for COVID-19 was established by the McLaren Port Huron Foundation in an effort to help raise money to purchase more N95 masks and other materials needed. Monetary donations are being accepted, but McLaren Port Huron and St. Clair County Emergency Management are also taking equipment donations as well.
Ken Cummings, Tri-Hospital EMS and CEO, said homemade masks can't be used in hospitals for high-risk procedures or patients showing symptoms of COVID-19. But they can be used for other health care and office workers.
If individuals want to contribute homemade masks to health care and office workers, McLaren Port Huron suggested they be made from a tightly woven fabric and have cotton ties. McLaren Port Huron posted a sewing guide for masks that can be used in hospitals on MakeVictoryMasks.org.
All donations can be dropped off at lobbies in Marysville, Port Huron and Port Huron Northern high schools. Hospitals ask that all donations remain new and unopened. To drop materials off at hospitals, an appointment must be scheduled. To schedule an appointment, call 810-989-3444.
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