For so long, hospitals and medical facilities across Hernando County have tirelessly and successfully provided top quality care and services to the public. Now these trusted institutions are turning to this same public for help. And, little by little, the people of Hernando are answering the call.
Hernando Pasco Hospice serves more than 600 patients in Hernando County and surrounding areas, providing around the clock healthcare if needed to patients with a life expectancy of six months or less, either in their own homes or at one of two hospice houses in the area.
“Hospice personnel are treating the same illnesses as all other medical facilities,” said Fay Van Fleet, Executive Director, HPH Hospice. “We practice infection control following CDC guidelines to protect not just patients, but families and our healthcare team members.”
HPH Hospice (Hernando, Pasco and Citrus Co.), LifePath Hospice (Hillsborough Co.) and Good Shepherd Hospice (Polk, Hardee and Highlands Co.) are in immediate need of hand sanitizer and sanitary wipes (i.e., Clorox wipes) and are also seeking donations of masks, gowns and other personal protective equipment.
“Like other healthcare organizations across the country, the ability to order and receive necessary resources, such as personal protective equipment, is difficult. Every day we are evaluating our inventory of supplies to care for our current census of patients and trying to stay ahead of the curve of our needs,” said Van Fleet. “Our concern would be if the curve does not flatten and the numbers of COVID-19 patients continue to double rapidly. We want to make sure we have the supplies needed to care for all our patients who might need infectious disease precautions.”
HPH administrators can arrange pickups or drop-off services for any donations. Anyone who can spare any of those items is asked to contact [email protected] or (813) 871-8444.
HPH also is accepting donations of respirators critical in treating COVID-19 patients as well as paper stocks that are starting to be in short supply. Accepted respirators include N95,N99, N100, P95, P99, P100, R95, R99, and R100. Toilet paper, tissues, etc., are needed, as are monetary donations and non-perishable food donations for the HPH pantry.
Oak Hill Hospital, the largest employer in the community with more than 1,500 employees and 800+ nurses and Patient Care Techs (CNAs), and hundreds of medical providers, also is in need of medical supplies at this time.
“Your support is paramount and appreciated by our entire team,” said Katie Stacey, Oak Hill Hospital Director of Public Relations & Communications. “We have been called upon to support our local heroes at Oak Hill Hospital by donating any available Personal Protective Equipment (specifically N95 masks) to aid in the anticipated surge of COVID cases in Hernando County.”
“The hospital will also accept hand sewn masks as a precautionary measure,” Stacey added. “The hospital is not using hand sewn masks at this time, but is preparing for such a crisis in an abundance of caution. Any unused masks will be shared with either one of the 185 other hospitals in our hospital system, or with another facility in need. The best link I have found to share is listed here: https://www.deaconess.com/How-to-make-a-Face-Mask?fbclid=IwAR1H25JhviFlqeBjj-LEwCUCGNf-PbJcst4fHxcnXOThUqoTk6CVQ8cuyRM.”
For more direction on delivery or pick up options, reach out to [email protected] or call 352-597-6317.
Bayfront Health in Spring Hill and Brooksville also are requesting donations at this time.
“As we prepare to respond to more cases of COVID-19 in our region, we are accepting donations of FDA approved personal protective equipment (PPE) and supplies, including surgical masks, N95 masks (medical and construction grade), gloves, gowns, face shield and eye protection,” said Jennifer Siem |System Director of Marketing & Public Relations, Bayfront Health Brooksville|Bayfront Health Spring Hill | Bayfront Health Seven Rivers | Bayfront Health Medical Group. “While we have sufficient supplies on hand to treat the patients who are now in our care, we are increasing our resources so we are prepared for a potential surge in COVID-19 patients. We appreciate the community’s support for all of our caregivers during this time. If you have supplies to donate, please email [email protected] for donations to Bayfront Health Spring Hill or [email protected] for donations to Bayfront Health Brooksville.”
