With medical professionals statewide facing shortages of critical protective gear to safely and quickly combat coronavirus, Samford University’s College of Health Sciences worked quickly to deliver donated supplies to teams in need. 

The University of Alabama in Birmingham (UAB) Hospital asked if Samford would be willing to donate any type of personal protective equipment, which includes items like face masks, gloves and eye shields—all of which are experiencing a nationwide backorder.

“The request is unfortunate because it reflects the crisis our community is in, but of course, our immediate reaction is to help in any way that we can,” said Jane Martin, professor and senior associate dean of Ida Moffett School of Nursing. “Our relationships with local health systems are incredibly meaningful to us, and we know they are doing all they can to serve our community and protect their health care staff.”

Jill Pence, executive director of the college’s Experiential Learning and Simulation Center was able to return to campus to gather hundreds of masks, protective gowns and shoe covers—in addition to thousands of gloves and surgical hats provided by Ida Moffett School of Nursing, McWhorter School of Pharmacy and the School of Health Professions. 

Pence worked with Cindy Berry, professor and the director of clinical partnerships and clinical education in the nursing school, to load her car and deliver the supplies.  

As other hospitals in the area reached out with similar requests, faculty who oversee labs in Samford’s Howard College of Arts and Sciences contributed their resources as well.

“I’m thankful we are able to contribute to the immediate need of local hospitals, which ultimately impacts our community,” Pence said. “While we didn’t have a great number of resources to share, we know that the amount will make a difference.”