With a global shortage of personal protective equipment for health care workers, including here in Canada, SafeCare BC recently launched Operation Protect to ensure these critically needed supplies are available for our health care heroes. These workers are facing unprecedented challenges; 55 staff in long-term care and assisted living have already tested positive for COVID-19.
We’re asking British Columbians to contribute and support efforts to contain COVID-19 by donating unused and unopened personal protective equipment and product, such as gloves, masks, gowns, and hand sanitizer.
In just four days, we’ve seen an outpouring of support with 93 individuals and businesses stepping up to donate. The total number of donated items to date is more than 53,000, including 33,000 exam gloves, 17,800 N95 respirator masks, and 22 litres of hand sanitizer.
“We are grateful for the support we’ve received so far. It’s heartening to see British Columbians come together and support health care workers during this exceptional time,” says Jen Lyle, CEO, SafeCare BC. “But we know the need will become even more critical in the coming weeks, with the increased use of this equipment to protect workers and those in care, and before supply networks are able to return to normal. We continue to receive messages daily from our member organizations telling they are low on protective equipment for their workers.”
We are asking people to go to www.safecarebc.ca/operationprotect to learn the exact supplies that are needed and how they can donate. We are coordinating with the Ministry of Health, so these items can be available for health care workers in the provincial supply.
We’d like to acknowledge BC Care Providers Association, BigSteelBox, Tahoe Industries, City of Vancouver and City of Surrey, 94.5 Virgin Radio, 103.5 QMFM and TSN 1040, King of Floors, Guildford Town Centre, Global Carpets and Hardwood, and U-Haul (Port Moody), in supporting Operation Protect.
