Edly-Allen Calls for Help in Procuring Medical Supplies, Personal Protective Equipment for Medical Professionals and First Responders

LIBERTYVILLE, Ill. – State Rep. Mary Edly-Allen, D-Libertyville, is asking local residents and businesses for their help in donating unused personal protective equipment (PPE) for local medical staff and first responders amid a national shortage.

“Currently, we are seeing a shortage of much needed protective gear in hospitals, long-term care facilities and medical facilities. As a community in this together, we have a responsibility to protect those who protect us,” said Edly-Allen. “I am hearing from our own local first responders and health care providers of the urgent need for these supplies. While we expect that our partnerships with manufacturers and help from the federal government will greatly increase the personal protective equipment available in the future, the need is immediate and urgent.”

All items should be unopened and in the manufacture’s, original packaging. PPE includes N-95 masks, earloop masks, surgical masks, isolation and non-descript gowns, gloves (nitrile, sterile and surgical), face shields, googles, infection control kits, hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes and forehead thermometers. Residents should first check with local police and fire departments and hospitals, but may also email ppe.donations@illinois.gov with a description and quantity of the supplies and their address to find a convenient drop-off location in need.

“You may have lifesaving personal protective equipment at home or in your garage and not even remember it’s there, and businesses such as nail salons or tattoo parlors may have inventory currently going unused,” continued Edly-Allen. “All of us should take a few minutes to check our supply closets for anything that could be put to good use during this crisis. Just one pair of gloves or one mask can provide lifesaving protection for a nurse or paramedic in our community.”