Coronavirus: Urgent Need For Supplies, Volunteers In RivCo

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — Riverside County is seeking "urgent medical supply donations and medical volunteers" to continue its fight during the COVID-19 pandemic, officials announced Monday.

“The incoming surge is not fake nor a hoax. It is real and we have to be as prepared as possible,” said Riverside County Board Chair and Fourth District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez. “The need for medical volunteers and medical donations is critical at this point. I have heard from many hospitals and they are all concerned about resources and staffing. Your donations and volunteerism will be greatly appreciated.”

The Riverside University Health System created a list for urgent supplies. Some of those items include: ventilators, cardiac monitors/portable tele system, masks (including, surgical, N-95 or handmade), personal protective equipment (which includes hoods and face guards, filters), isolation gowns and gloves.

RUHS is also in need of physicians, nurses, pharmacists, assistants and technicians able to volunteer. Only licensed practitioners or students pursuing degrees in any of these areas may be medical volunteers.

A complete list of items and how to donate or volunteer can be found here: https://www.rivcoph.org/coronavirus. Look for the donate and volunteer buttons on the right-hand side of the page.

RUHS-Public Health Director Kim Saruwatari said the medical supply issue hit every county nationwide. As the region’s hospitals brace for an oncoming surge, the need is critical for supplies.

“We want to thank those businesses and individuals willing to donate and volunteer to help us battle this coronavirus,” Saruwatari said. “The generosity is appreciated — and definitely needed. We’re all in this fight together. Together as a community, we’ll get through this.”

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