NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Metro Nashville is experiencing a shortage of medical and personal protective equipment (PPE) amid the new coronavirus outbreak, the Office of Emergency Management said.
The city is asking for donations from community members, local medical facilities and professionals who are not involved in caring for patients with COVID-19.
Metro OEM is holding a supply drive, asking for these specific items to be donated:
- Surgical face masks and N-95 masks
- Isolation gowns
- Disposable exam gloves
- Sani-cloth wipes
- Face shields
- Hand sanitizer
- Specimen bags
- Red top viral tubes (lab supply)
- Nasal swabs (lab supply)
- Large trash cans
The items will protect staff members and providers who are involved in the city's response to the pandemic.
"We are preparing our collective resources to ensure we can care for those who may become ill in the coming weeks,” said Dr. Alex Jahangir, chair of Nashville's Coronavirus Task Force. "Though we are taking all appropriate steps to preserve our resources, we must prepare for a shortage. Medical and PPE supplies are essential to our ability to care for each other and keep our healthcare providers and first responders safe. We are so grateful to the individuals and business leaders who are willing to support our efforts by donating supplies in the name of public health."
If you have unused and new medical supplies or PPE to donate, email OEM at OEM@nashville.gov or complete a donation form online by clicking here.
Donors can also drop off smaller donations Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Community Resource Center at 218 Omohundro Place in Nashville.
