Got N95 masks? Please donate them...
by Trinity Gruenberg trinity@inhnews.com
Hospitals and other healthcare facilities are facing a shortage of N95 facemasks and personal protective equipment as they prepare for the spike of COVID-19 cases. Many people wish to help by donating supplies and making masks at home. The Meadows of Wadena The Meadows of Wadena reached out on Facebook to anyone willing to donate any new, unused N95 masks, as well as those handy with a needle and thread to craft some out of fabric. The purpose of the “homemade” fabric masks is to use them to cover the N95s so they will last longer. “With the shortage of N95 masks these allow staff to increase the wear time. The fabric ones are able to be washed which the N95 are not,” explained Tami Mench, director of resident services/housing manager for The Meadows. Donations can be left inside the front door. Tri-County Health Care Andrew Ronningen, public information officer with Tri-County Health Care, explained they too are looking for N95 masks, unopened hand sanitizer and similar items. He added homemade masks are good in certain situations, but you could consider giving them to businesses for their employees. “We’ve been really prepared for this,” said Ronningen. They have waived the $25 fee for the E-clinic on their website that people can utilize if they suspect symptoms. Also, please go to these websites if you have COVID-19 questions: CDC.gov and www.health.state.mn.us. . . . .