Coronavirus: Broward Health seeking donations and medical supplies to handle pandemic – WPLG Local 10

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Broward Health says it needs the public’s help as it treats patients during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Broward Health Foundation has launched a COVID-19 Relief Fund and is seeking donations of N95 and surgical masks, face shields, gloves and isolation gowns.

“Our caregivers have a passion for caring, and now we’re asking the public to show their passion for caring for them,” said Bill Diggs, the foundation’s president. “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.”

Diggs said Broward Health has enough equipment “to handle today’s issues, but we know the trajectory of this virus is going to be large.”

The foundation has also requested iPads that could be used for isolated patients to communicate with friends and family.

And monetary donations are being accepted to allow Broward Health to purchase more supplies.

“With the prices the way that they are today, for us to be able to go out into the market place and to buy the products and service that we need are very vital,” Diggs said.

If you’re able to help, Broward Health is urging you not to just show up at their hospitals. Monetary gifts can be made online at BrowardHealthFoundation.org, by phone at 954-712-3980 or by mail accompanied with the donation form available on the foundation’s website. The foundation is also accepting donations of personal protective equipment. For more information about in-kind gifts, call 954-712-3980 or email BHFoundation@browardhealth.org.

Separately, the Broward County Medical Association is looking for volunteers with medical degrees or related backgrounds to assist as more people are hospitalized.

“We’re looking for doctors, nurses, technicians, administrative assistants or other medical practitioners,” Dr. Warren Sturman said.

Broward County had 614 confirmed cases of the new coronavirus as of Friday morning’s update from the Florida Department of Health, second-most in the state.

ALSO SEE: Broward issues ‘shelter in place’ order. Here’s what that means.