The Peninsula Health Care District has donated $3 million to San Mateo County’s COVID-19 response, which will be used to purchase personal protective equipment and other critical needs such as those not covered by federal relief or other funds, according to the County.
The donation adds to contributions of personal protective equipment to the County by Bay Area companies including Facebook and Chimera Bioengineering.
Additional donations are sought. Community members can drop off donations at the County’s central collection center from Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Maple Street Correctional Facility, 1300 Maple St. in Redwood City.
Supplies in demand are:
- Unused N95 respirators and surgical masks.
- Unopened packages of disposable gloves
- Unopened containers of hand sanitizer
- Unopened containers of disinfectants and disinfecting wipes
- Packaged, unused protective goggles
In addition, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors this week approved launching the San Mateo County Strong (website here) fundraising effort with a $3 million seed contribution. The large-scale fundraiser aims to use donations to directly support individuals, families, small businesses and nonprofits serving the most vulnerable residents during this difficult time.
“In these really uncertain times, organizations like Peninsula Health Care District that step up and respond to the community are key to our ability to persevere and come out stronger,” San Mateo County Supervisor Carole Groom said. “We at the County just can’t thank them enough. That money will be put to good use, helping people avoid contracting the virus and helping those who already have it.”
Dr. Lawrence W. Cappel, president of the Peninsula Healthcare District, called upon other organizations to contribute toward the crisis at home.
“There is no denying that our community and the world are facing an opponent that is requiring each and every one of us to stand up and do our part,” Dr. Cappel said. “In that spirit, I am proud to stand here to announce that the Peninsula Healthcare District has unanimously voted to provide San Mateo County’s health system with up to $3 million in support in the fight against COVID-19. It is our hope that through this investment; our community will get one step closer to containing COVID-19.”
For local resources and information related to COVID-19, visit www.smcgov.org.
Photo credit: County of San Mateo
