As we continue to see a surge in COVID-19 patients, many people in the Chicago area have reached out to Rush to see how they can help. Rush is accepting a variety of donations that include support of systemwide response efforts, frontline staff support and patient and family support.
Rush is uniquely prepared to handle a response to a pandemic like COVID-19. With the help of supporters like you, we can continue to obtain the resources needed to keep our community safe.
Personal protective equipment donations
While Rush does not have a shortage of personal protective equipment, or PPE, contributions to our supply are welcome and helpful. People can donate all types of PPE as long as they are unopened and unused. Rush cannot accept any handmade supplies such as masks or gowns, and will only accept donations if they are of hospital quality.
Because we do not know how long this outbreak will last, it is important that we continue to accept PPE donations so we can stay prepared for future surges.
To donate PPE supplies, email Rush Supplies or Quincy Stanley, associate vice president for supply chain operations. Quincy’s staff will help coordinate and set up a time for the donation drop-off. Donations are dropped off at 711 S. Paulina St. and must go through security. It is pertinent to get in contact with Stanley and his staff before dropping off donations as security needs to be notified ahead a time.
Useful PPE donations include the following:
- N-95 masks or surgical masks
- Face shields
- Any type of disinfectant – hand sanitizers, sani wipes, etc.
- Isolation gowns
- Gloves
Food donations
If you would like to donate food to staff please contact James Dravenack in Food and Nutrition. All food donations are being tracked and drop-offs are organized through Room 500.
Philanthropic donations
Rush’s coronavirus response team has indicated three major areas where support from Rush’s generous donor community can have an immediate impact.
Systemwide response efforts
This includes supporting emergent and evolving COVID-19-related needs across the Rush System, such as personal protective equipment for clinical staff, testing supplies and medicines for COVID-19 patients with serious illness.
Frontline staff support
These types of donations include providing for the clinicians and support staff who are testing and treating patients for the virus by funding daycare programs for employees with school-aged children; meals and food service for on-site staff; and safe transportation so employees can avoid public transit.
Patient and family support
Patient and family support includes immediate challenges affecting patients and families by funding temporary facilities to screen and monitor patients, additional technology so patients and loved ones can remain connected amid restricted hospital visitation policies, and other supports for patients experiencing hardship
If you would like to help combat COVID-19 in the Chicago area by making a philanthropic gift, please visit Rush’s COVID-19 Response Fund page on rush.edu. To learn more about how you can help in these areas, please contact Martha Nosal, associate vice president of philanthropy.
In the face of a global crisis, Rush is stepping forward. We know it will take a community of supporters by our side to combat this disease and flatten the curve. Join us as we fight this public health challenge together
