Barton Health accepting the medical supplies in high demand and short supply

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - As people watch the news they see the stories about a global shortage of the supplies needed by medical professionals fighting the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.

Barton Health is South Lake Tahoe is preparing for a potential influx of patients seeking care and is making every effort to ensure their supplies are adequate. They are working with regional health partners, new and existing vendors, local businesses and community members to procure the personal protective equipment (PPE) that may be needed to keep their healthcare workers and patients safe.

“This is an unprecedented time, with unprecedented solutions needed to solve constantly evolving issues,” said Dr. Clint Purvance, President & CEO at Barton Health. “This crisis has brought people and industries together in a joint effort to slow the coronavirus’ spread and save lives.”

The Barton Foundation has taken the lead on being the single access point for donations. They have organized face mask sewing projects and are accepting other N95, surgical, and procedure masks. Other PPE and medical supply donations needed are disinfecting wipes such as Clorox or Sani-cloth wipes, hand sanitizer, face shields, goggles and eye shields, isolation or surgical gowns, Controlled Air Purifying Respirator (CAPR) and Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) machines or disposables.

Businesses and residents can make a tax-deductible donation of these medical supplies by contacting Barton Foundation Executive Director Chris Kiser at ckiser@bartonhealth.org, or 530.543.5612. The drop-off location for supplies is 2092 Lake Tahoe Blvd., Suite 600, located directly across from Fire Station #3, and is open between 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Monday - Friday.

Last week we carried a story about the Barton Foundation leading an effort for community members to sew facemasks at home (see here). Materials and instructions to make facemasks can be picked-up or delivered to participants, and those interested in joining the cause can learn more at bartonhealth.org/foundation or by calling 530.543.5909. Barton reminds donors to follow social distancing guidelines when picking these materials up, or dropping-off completed facemasks.

The latest COVID-19 community information and public health and safety guidelines is available at bartonhealth.org/coronavirus. If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of respiratory illness including fever, shortness of breath, coughing or unusual muscle aches, call Barton’s COVID-19 Health Line, 530.600.1999 for screening and possible testing.