Project C.U.R.E. Hosting Equipment Drive At United Center

CHICAGO, IL — Project C.U.R.E. along with U.S. Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth are teaming up with the United Center, home of the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks, to host a Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) drive from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. According to a news release from Project C.U.R.E, PPE supplies are in critical shortage and are essential in protecting healthcare providers as they respond to the coronavirus pandemic, and as they care for patients.

Donations will be given to Project C.U.R.E. for distribution among local healthcare
providers across the state, the news release said.

This equipment drive announcement comes after the United Center announced Wednesday that the arena and outdoor campus will be transformed into a logistics hub for emergency relief during the coronavirus pandemic, including "food distribution, first responder staging and the collection of medical supplies."

Items for the Project C.U.R.E. PPE drive can be dropped off in Lot F on the west side of the arena on the corner of Damen Avenue and Monroe Street.

Related:

• Illinois Coronavirus Update March 27: U.S. Surpasses China
• Coronavirus In IL: United Center To Serve As Emergency Relief Hub

Project C.U.R.E. is requesting the following supplies, which organizers said will be collected using proper social distancing.

• Sterile and non-sterile gloves (unopened boxes, latex-free preferred)
• Hand sanitizer (unopened containers)
• Bleach bottles or sprays (unopened containers)
• Bleach wipes (unopened containers)
• Isopropyl alcohol (unopened bottles)
• Eye protection and goggles (unused in box or wrapper)
• Clear face shields (translucent, unused only)
• Masks with tie/ear loop (unopened boxes only; no cloth masks will be accepted)
• Respirator masks - N95, N99, P100 (unopened boxes; extra filters are also needed for these devices)
• PAPR respirators — 3M or MaxAir (unused only; hoods, filters, batteries, chargers; tubes to go with these units are also needed
• Disposable isolation gowns (unused only)
• Shoe covers (unopened boxes)
• Biohazard bags (unused only)

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“I’m happy to play a small role in connecting Project C.U.R.E. with our sports teams and I’m proud that all involved are coming together to help our incredible healthcare workers who are on the front lines in responding to this crisis,” Durbin said, in the news release.

For over 30 years, Project C.U.R.E. has been shipping medical supplies and equipment internationally, working in over 130 countries, according to the news release. Last week, with the onset of the coronavirus, local healthcare providers started requesting support, and Project C.U.R.E.immediately shifted focus to distribute supplies domestically to help relieve the immense shortage of medical supplies needed to fight this pandemic, the organization said.

“I was happy to work with Senator Durbin to support Project C.U.R.E.’s partnership with
our local sports teams to bring in more protective equipment for healthcare
workers,” Duckworth said, in the news release. “This weekend’s drive makes me proud that Illinoisans are working to support medical staff during this public health crisis.”
“Project C.U.R.E. is a proud member of this community and we’re heartbroken by the
effects of the coronavirus,” said

In the news release, Dr. Douglas Jackson, chief executive officer of Project C.U.R.E., added that Project C.U.R.E. will mobilize their resources to equip medical professionals, first responders in the state and other C.U.R.E. communities against the coronavirus, to the extent they are able to do so, and will be here for the community and those in need.

More information: ProjectCURE.org

Photo credit: Beth Rottman/Project C.U.R.E