UnityPoint calls for community help with COVID-19
UnityPoint Health — Marshalltown joins health systems across Iowa in securing enough Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to meet the needs of health care providers, staff and patients during COVID-19. Hospital officials say they are working tirelessly to obtain PPE from every channel — government, the private sector, new innovative companies and generous members of the public– to get the protective equipment that supports its patients and caregivers. There are two ways community members can get involved to support UPH during this unprecedented pandemic.
Masks
UnityPoint Health is overwhelmed by the generous offers received from the community to make masks and support the hospital in other ways, officials said in a news release.
“We want to begin using these masks in areas of indirect patient care to help us preserve our supplies,” said Sean Hylton, a UnityPoint spokesperson.
UnityPoint Health is collecting handmade masks, he said.
He asked supporters to follow the pattern and instructions at unitypoint.org/help when making masks.
“If you’ve already made masks using another pattern, the hospital will still accept them,” Hylton said. “You can find instructions on how to make masks at unitypoint.org/help.”
Supply Donations
UnityPoint is also collecting supplies for the masks at all drop off locations.
• elastic
• hair ties
• wax covered string
• pipe cleaners
• double-sided adhesive tape
UnityPoint Health – Marshalltown Foundation
The work of the hospital’s foundation is critical during times like these, Hylton said. Donations would be used to buy meals, gift cards, pay for new scrubs and other support as needed. Mail or drop off donations to 3 S. Fourth Avenue. Donations can also be made online at https://marshalltown.unitypoint.org/foundation/make-a-gift/
The most important thing everyone can do is to continue to practice physical distancing, he said. Social distancing refers to public health interventions that can help stop infectious disease transmission by avoiding crowds and large gatherings. Best practice requires maintaining at least a six-foot distance between yourself and others.
CDC Recommendations
Wash your hands properly — and often — or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer
Avoid close contact with people who are sick or have been exposed to COVID-19
Practice social distancing
Stay home if you aren’t feeling well
Cover coughs and sneezes
Wear a face mask only if you are sick, or if you’re caring for someone who is sick
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces