Local organization donates much-needed medical supplies to valley hospitals
Rancho Mirage organization, International Medical Alliance Helps donated dozens of medical supplies to Eisenhower Health Tuesday afternoon. Volunteers unloaded several boxes containing disposable shoe covers, hair bouffants, cleaning wipes, stethoscopes and gowns.
"Any personal PPE's that can be used, that our 'frontliners' can use, all of that is being donated," IMAHelps coordinator, Jennifer Padilla said.
PPE's, also known as Personal Protective Equipment, have been donated by the organization to Desert AIDS Project, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Desert Regional Medical Center, and Eisenhower Health.
The much-needed supplies would have been used for IMAHelp's yearly medical missions. The local nonprofit provides free medical care to hundreds of patients worldwide in underdeveloped communities.
The latest mission was scheduled for July in Jamaica. Just like so many other plans, it was canceled due to COVID-19.
The organization quickly realized there was a need back at home.
"This crisis is very personal to us. Normally when we travel into the tropics we’re having to face dengue, chikungunya, other tropical diseases. This time we’re having to face this crisis here in the Coachella Valley," IMAHelps Spokesperson, Jeff Crider said.
The timing of the donations couldn't be better.
"We are at a critical shortage of many things and anything we can get in terms of personal protective equipment is essential," Eisenhower Health Dr. David Romness, MD said.
Dr. Romness said the hospital has a task force designated to mitigate the amount of medical supplies. He said they meet daily to discuss how to conserve what they have, while figuring out how to obtain more.
"We’re going through up to 2,500 gowns a day so we really need to stock up in anticipation of seeing more and more of these patients," Dr. Romness said.
As of Tuesday, the doctor said the hospital's supply was 'adequate' but that could change at any point in time.
The recent donation has given them some of the help they need.
Meanwhile, volunteers at IMAHelp decided to do what they do best-- serve a bigger purpose.
"To help people on the frontline-- you can’t quantify it. It’s what we do as people and that’s all we can keep doing. If we can just keep helping each other, that’s the best thing we can do for each other," Padilla said.
The organization accepts donations. If you would like to help visit:
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