As the number of COVID-19 cases rises in Colorado, medical providers are looking for more personal protective equipment (PPE) to keep them safe while treating patients. The University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine has donated thousands of PPE to CU Medicine to help those on the frontlines.
Boxes of PPE line the CU Dental hallway
Medical supplies became available after a state government order. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis mandated all elective and non-emergency medical procedures, including dental work, be postponed until after April 14.
“We knew we had medical supplies coming to our school and clinic, and we felt, as medical providers, this donation was critical,” said Lonnie Johnson, DDS, Ph.D., senior associate dean for clinics and practices. “We must help our partners and the community.”
Johnson and his colleagues have been working on logistics and with CU Anschutz campus partners to get this equipment delivered.
On March 26, CU Dental facilities employees loaded seven pallets filled with PPE. In total, they delivered more than 50 cases of disinfectant wipes, 260,000 gloves, 45,000 gowns and 35,000 masks.
The donation also included hand sanitizer and cotton tip applicators. Gov. Polis estimates Colorado health facilities use about 70,000 masks per day.
December 7, 2021