Ascension Asking For Face Masks Amid Coronavirus Emergency

MOUNT PLEASANT, WI — Last week, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers and state health officials said they're facing a critical shortage of face masks and other personal protective equipment as more and more health care workers tend to people infected with the new coronavirus.

As hospitals face critical shortages of protective gear, Ascension Wisconsin is now accepting donations for personal protective equipment.

People or companies interested in making a donation are urged to contact Ascension Wisconsin's Foundation partners at AscensionWIFoundations@ascension.org. Once the donation is confirmed, arrangements will be made to pick up the donation and deliver it to the appropriate Ascension Wisconsin facility.

Supplies being requested for donation:

• Isolation Gowns
• Earloop or Tie Masks
• N95 Respirators
• Hand Sanitizers
• Face Shields
• Surface disinfectants
• Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPR)
• Controlled Air Purifying Respirators (CAPR)
• Other approved PPE supplies advised by the CDC

According to a news release, the Ascension Wisconsin Foundation team will work directly with people and companies to assess each donation.

Ascension Wisconsin cannot accept donations that are handmade, such as hand-sewn face masks, and is working with local and state health officials to determine if such items could be an option in the future, officials said.