By TAYLOR BROWN
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Monongahela Area Historical Society is making a “Plea for PPEs.”
PPE stands for personal protective equipment that is necessary to protect, nurses, doctors and other medical staff as they work on the front lines during the spread of the virus.
PPEs include protective clothing, helmets, goggles and other garments and equipment designed to protect the wearer from injury or infection.
Monongahela Area Historical Society President Laura Magone said the first monetary donation of $500 was given Thursday.
“We think we currently have a higher calling than meeting our own needs, and our officers are therefore working to launch a campaign to get personal protection equipment and donations to buy what MVH needs,” Magone said. “We are hoping this first substantial donation inspires others to do the same.”
The campaign, which launched this week, is looking for residents to volunteer and businesses to partner with to ensure its success.
So far, the historical society has partnered with the Mon Valley Independent, the Mon Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce, CFS Bank, the Mon Valley Alliance and Delmar Signs.
“The historical society is putting all of the moving parts together, but we will need help,” Magone said. “We will need individuals, businesses and other nonprofits to step up and help as well.
“To be successful, this will have to be a community effort.”
Magone said the hospital is in need of several items including N95 and N100 masks, isolation and procedure masks, “bunny suits,” face shields or visors, goggles and latex gloves.
Donations can be made directly by contacting MVH Foundation Director Melissa Marion at 412-310-1305.
To donate snacks or food for staff, go to bit.ly/foodforMVH.
Monetary donations are also being accepted online at www.themvhfoundation.org or by check at cfs bank locations in Charleroi, Monongahela, Rostraver Township and Bentleyville.
Marion said the hospital is facing difficult and unprecedented times.
“MVH has always provided and will continue to provide excellent care for our patients and community members of the Mon Valley,” she said. “While we are facing difficult and unprecedented times right now, it has been really amazing to see these communities come together to support their health care system.
“From monetary support, to donations of personal protective equipment to providing meals and snacks for our staff, we are incredibly grateful for everyone’s assistance.”
The greatest need right now, she added, is for isolation masks and gowns.
The hospital keeps track of inventory and adjusts needs nearly every day as the crisis continues to change.
“We have to rally behind our hospital because it is so essential to our economic health and well being and not only our economic health abut our physical health and well-being too,” Magone said. “The historical society is one small group with our own needs, but we are hoping others agree and see this as a higher calling.
“We know looking for some of this equipment is like looking for a needle in a haystack, but we believe the products are there and right now our hospital needs them.”
To find out how to help or volunteer for the “Plea for PPE” campaign, e-mail Magone at [email protected].