Aiken Regional Accepting PPE Donations
Aiken Regional Medical Centers has received an overwhelming amount of interest from the community regarding donating medical necessities that our team may need in the near future. This includes masks, hand sanitizer, gloves, etc. The team is continually monitoring personal protective equipment (PPE) and appreciates the outpouring of support the Aiken community has displayed.
“Our associates and medical staff are busy caring for our community patients during this uncertain time of COVID-19,” said Jim O’Loughlin, Chief Executive Officer at Aiken Regional Medical Centers. “Our staff and healthcare providers are currently equipped to keep patients and our team safe. However, the number of COVID-19 patients is expected to rise in the coming weeks and it is expected that over the next few weeks we may experience a severe shortage of PPE supplies, such as masks, gloves, goggles and gowns. We are asking community business leaders for their help in donating supplies now to ensure we are prepared.”
How to Donate
For those who would like to donate unopened and unused supplies to Aiken Regional, donations will be accepted each Tuesday and Thursday beginning Tuesday, March 31 from 9 – 11 a.m. A donation tent will be located at the front right corner of the hospital. People are asked to place items in a good conditioned, unwanted container (such as a box or bag), pull up to the tent, remain in your vehicle and allow a hospital employee to retrieve the items from the trunk or bed of your truck.
“We thank each of you in the community for the continued support in ensuring the safety of our healthcare workers and patients,” said O’Loughlin. “Their safety is our top priority.”
As of March 26 at 3 p.m., Aiken Regional Medical Centers has confirmed two cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Aiken County. Both individuals received testing at the hospital and self-quarantined at home. There are additional individuals who are being tested for COVID-19. Test results have not been received yet.
Aiken Regional is working closely with the South Carolina Department of Health & Environmental Control (SCDHEC), Aiken County Health Department, and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to evaluate and treat patients and follow appropriate protocols. As more information becomes available, it will be communicated.
We encourage the public to practice flu precautions by thoroughly washing your hands, covering your cough and sneeze, and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth to prevent the spread of disease.