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FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) - Broward Health Foundation, the fundraising department of Broward Health Medical Center, is seeking the public’s assistance in providing donations and medical supplies to protect their nurses and doctors fighting the coronavirus outbreak.
Broward Health is one of the largest public healthcare systems in the nation.
“We need local community support right now,” Dr. Joshua Lenchus, Broward Health Medical Center’s Chief Medical Officer, said. “There is a dearth on personal protective equipment across the country.”
The foundation is in dire need of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as N95 masks, surgical masks, face shields, gloves, goggles and isolation gowns. Without access to these supplies, both the health and lives of the caregivers and the patients are at risk.
“Our caregivers have a passion for caring, and now we’re asking the public to show their passion for caring for them,” said Broward Health Foundation president Bill Diggs. “During this global health crisis, we need our community to help us secure the medical supplies that caregivers need to safely care for patients suffering from COVID-19.”
The foundation has set up a COVID-19 Relief Fund that also outlines the need for iPads, so patients can keep in contact with their loved ones.
They are also accepting monetary donations so they can tend to any other needs that may arise during the spread of the virus.
“Gifts of all sizes are welcome and will make a tremendous difference as we unite to combat the COVID-19 pandemic,” Diggs said.
Meanwhile, hospitals in other parts of Broward County are getting creative with getting new supplies. Memorial Health System staff are making new face shields for doctors and nurses, and they have made 10,000 of them in just two days.
7News cameras captured healthcare workers at Memorial Hospital West receiving donations from members of the Chinese American community in South Florida. The hospital was given boxes of surgical masks and gloves.
“We hope that every face mask we collect can really protect our doctors and nurses,” Jing Xue said.
However, Broward Health hopes their call for action can make a difference before it is too late.
“We have enough equipment right now, today,” Lenchus said. “What we’re trying to prepare for is we’re trying to prepare for the potential of a surge that may happen tomorrow or next week.”
To make any monetary contributions to the COVID-19 Relief Fund, visit their website or call them at 954-712-3980. If donors wish to donate via mail, they should also include the donation form which can be found on their website.
For any other information on the hospital, the foundation or other ways to help, email them at BHFoundation@browardhealth.org.
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