‘We need to work together.’ SCF donates supplies to hospitals to battle the coronavirus

America has entered into “wartime” production to increase the medical supply chain to battle the novel coronavirus pandemic, but critical shortages remain until crucial products can get into the hands of health professionals.

The State College of Florida has stepped in to offer some much-needed relief.

“In times like these, we need to work together and help each other where we can,” said SCF Dean of Nursing and Health Professions Matt Connell in a prepared statement. “Our faculty were eager to help local healthcare providers serve our community. And we know our students would be proud.”

Boxes of critical supplies were loaded up Tuesday to be delivered to Manatee Memorial Hospital from SCF’s two locations in Lakewood Ranch and Venice. SCF has representatives on each hospital’s board of directors.

Supplies include personal protective equipment such as masks, isolation gowns, and exam and sterile gloves in the thousands.

“On behalf of our patients, staff and physicians, I want to personally thank President (Carol) Probstfeld and Mr. Connell for stepping up and supporting our community,” said Kevin DiLallo, CEO of MMH. “Their donations during this healthcare crisis is much appreciated. We are all in this together.”

Supplies also went to Venice Regional Hospital.

“We are grateful to SCF for donating supplies to help our medical teams and patients,” said Karen Fordham, Venice Regional CEO. “Ours is a special community where people and institutions pull together to help one another.”

Medical supplies can be donated to MMH by calling Betty Chambliss, director of marketing and communications, at 941-745-7545 or to Venice Regional by calling Julie Beatty, marketing manager, at 941-483-7797.