UOttawa med students collect over 80,000 units of protective equipment for health care workers in five days

A team of medical students at the University of Ottawa has raised an impressive volume of PPE (personal protective equipment) for local health care providers in just five short days, including over 4,000 surgical masks, over 600 N95 masks and more than 80,000 pairs of gloves. The equipment drive was set up in response to a “growing shortage of PPE that is used to keep our frontline workers safe,” according to a google form set up by the group.

In his tweet, MD candidate Ethan Lin thanked the over 150 local small businesses and community groups who stepped up to help collect or donate items. Supplies were sourced from Ottawa dentists’ offices, nail salons, construction companies, and hardware stores. All items were vetted and will be distributed by The Ottawa Hospital to local hospitals and health care providers.

Lin also shared that despite the impressive haul, there remains a significant need for surgical and N95 masks. Anyone with items to donate is invited to get in touch with the student group at: covidsourcingottawa@gmail.com or by using this google form.

Source: Twitter