RAPID CITY (MARCH 26, 2020) — During a time of crisis, many people want to help by supporting those in need. The most important thing you can do is to stay home if you can. Practicing social distancing can help us flatten the curve.
Area businesses and organizations are stepping up to help. South Dakota School of Mines & Technology is using 3D printing technology to create reusable masks. Rapid City Area Schools staff went through the district’s now-empty classrooms to gather gloves, Clorox Bleach wipes and hand sanitizer. Rushmore Plaza Civic Center donated hand sanitizer to Monument Health’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit transport teams.
Another way you can help is by donating unused personal protection items (see list below) that could help the physicians and caregivers fighting this disease on the front lines. As the global pandemic of COVID-19 spreads to the Black Hills, Monument Health is facing unprecedented challenges with the supply chain.
“To protect our patients, we need to protect our physicians and caregivers,” said Brad Haupt, Vice President of Supply Chain and Contract Management. “Each day we are monitoring a long list of supplies that will help keep our physicians and caregivers healthy as they care for the next round of patients.”
Based on statewide projections, the number of positive COVID-19 patients is expected to rise. Caring for these patients requires significant personal protective equipment (PPE). At this time, Monument Health has a supply of the necessary equipment. However, as the global pandemic continues to disrupt supply chains, it will be a challenge to obtain more PPE.
If you are able, please consider donating the following:
New and unused:
- Ear loop masks
- N-95 respirator masks
- Surgical isolation masks
- Isolation masks with visors
- Full face shields (with forehead straps)
- Eye shields
- Goggles
- Isolation gowns
- Disinfectant bleach wipes
- Hand sanitizers
- Nitrile gloves (any size)
Hand-sewn masks
People with sewing skills can help out by making two different cloth surgical masks. There are specific fabric and design requirements that must be followed. Specifications and patterns can be found here and here.
Donation Drop Off locations:
In Rapid City:
Dakota Warehouse at 1313 E Saint Patrick St, Rapid City, SD 57701, go to the South Dock Door. Be sure to put your items in a box and label it, large donations please call ahead: 605-389-3344
In Spearfish:
Spearfish Salvation Army, 320 Ryan Road, Spearfish, Monday – Friday 10am – 5pm
Or
Spearfish Library – drop off by appointment. Call 642-1330, Monday – Friday between 8am – 4pm to schedule, 625 North 5th Street.
Custer – COMING SOON
Lead-Deadwood – COMING SOON
Sturgis – COMING SOON
CONTACT:
Stephany Chalberg
Public Relations Manager
Strategic Marketing and Communications
Monument Health
605-755-9086
schalberg@monument.health
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