HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital accepting donations of masks

As potential shortages of masks and other personal protective equipment are being reported in the news, HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital has received several messages from members of the community inquiring whether St. Elizabeth’s will accept homemade, sewn cloth masks.

There are several ways the community can help with the efforts against COVID-19. Those include staying home, practicing good hand hygiene, giving blood if possible, making a donation, or consider making masks for non-clinicians.

St. Elizabeth’s Hospital will accept cloth face masks to help with the national shortage during the COVID-19 outbreak. To be clear, currently St. Elizabeth’s has sufficient supply of surgical masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE) for clinicians and continues to follow CDC guidance for the safety of patients and staff.

If you or someone you know is able, please consider sewing face masks. These masks will be used in accordance with CDC guidelines. Homemade, sewn face masks are being accepted for use by patients as they enter the facility (non-COVID-19 diagnosed) and for the limited visitors allowed under the “no visitor” policy exceptions.

For those who wish to make masks, St. Elizabeth’s Hospital has established criteria that must be followed. For precise directions and videos on making masks with elastic straps or with cotton straps where no elastic is needed, visit www.steliz.org/covid-donate. Donated masks must also be bundled in no more than 25 increments in a sealed zip-close bag.

Volunteers should follow the state’s Stay Home Order and should not leave their homes to purchase supplies but please consider donating if you already have supplies at home.

Please do not drop off the masks at the hospital. The hospital has partnered with Scott Credit Union, which has agreed to be drop-off sites on the following dates and locations:

East Belleville, 2020 N. Belt E. on Thursday, March 26, 8:30-11:30am
Fairview Heights, 555 Lincoln Hwy. on Thursday, March 26, 12pm-3pm
O’Fallon, 712 W Hwy. 50 on Friday, March 27, 8:30am-3pm
St. Elizabeth’s Hospital Foundation Director of Philanthropy Dave Garris shared, “We are grateful for the community’s support and willingness to help during these unprecedented times. It is another demonstration of the compassionate and servant hearts of our area residents.”

 

For more information and resources, visit HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital’s website at steliz.org/Covid-19-Updates.