VENTURA — The County of Ventura is encouraging the public, businesses and organizations to donate new, unused personal protective equipment to assist health care providers, health care facilities and first responders responding to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
“We are facing an unprecedented public health emergency, and the increasing demands of our health care system is contributing to shortages in personal protective supplies,” said County CEO Mike Powers. “This generous community is already responding and making a difference we just want to keep that momentum going. We are already getting so many donations from individuals, schools and businesses. Protecting and supporting the needs of our health care workers and first responders is critical to safeguarding the health of our community during this crisis. We are urging the community to make donations of personal protective gear so that we can protect the health and vitality of our frontline first responders.”
The following items are requested: surgical masks, N95 masks, procedure masks, isolation gowns, medical goggles, dacron culture swabs and Tyvek suits.
The addresses for donation drop-off locations are as follows:
VCCF address: 4001 Mission Oaks Blvd, Camarillo, CA 93012
Two addresses for Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin:
2301 E. Daily Drive, Suite 200, Camarillo, CA 93010
230 West 7th Street, Suite B, Oxnard, CA 93030
Drop off time is from 9 am to 4:30 pm
“Our time to have an impact on this disease is now,” said Doctor John Fankhauser, CEO at Ventura County Medical Center and Santa Paula Hospital. “This crisis is real and is going to hit us like no other infectious disease crisis has hit this community.” Having seen the Ebola crisis in Africa firsthand, Dr. Fankhauser emphasized the critical need to stay home now in order to stop the spread and to protect yourself, your loved ones, first responders, medical providers, neighbors and community members throughout the County and State. Community members can make a big impact on the need for more equipment by following the orders to social distance.
All supplies collected from donations will be distributed to local hospitals, first responders and essential medical facilities. Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin’s office and the Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF) will be drop-off locations for the Ventura County Office of Emergency Services.“During these difficult times we need to come together as a community to meet our most urgent needs,” said Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin. “My office is completely focused and determined to do all we can to support our medical professionals as they fight this dangerous virus.”
Vanessa Bechtel, President and CEO of the Ventura County Community Foundation also commented on the response effort stating, “We are profoundly grateful for the rapid and courageous leadership by our county and local hospitals. As members of the community, each of us can make a difference. We strongly encourage all who have access to these vital and lifesaving supplies to donate them now.”
For questions about donations and needed supplies, please email Ashley.bautista@ventura.org
ABOUT VENTURA COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION: Established in 1987, the Ventura County Community Foundation builds philanthropy in the region by stewarding legacies through careful management of charitable capital. The foundation honors donor intent by protecting endowments. The nonprofit specializes in connecting philanthropic resources with community needs for the benefit of all. The organization also serves the community through scholarships, grantmaking, and collaborative partnerships. For more information, please visit www.vccf.org.