(McLeansboro) – Hamilton Memorial Hospital is welcoming fabric masks from the community
as they prepare for COVID-19. Orders for standard/disposable masks are on long back orders,
due to both demand and supply chain issues. Other hospitals across the country are reporting the
same supply concerns.
According to the CDC, fabric masks are a crisis response option when other supplies have been
exhausted. “Before the modern-day disposable masks, washable fabric masks were once the
standard for hospitals, and even though it’s less than ideal, we want to do our best to protect our
staff and patients alike during this pandemic,” said Patty Blazier, Chief Nursing Officer. The
fabric masks will have to meet certain criteria, but you can find that information on HMHD’s
Facebook page or at hmhospital.org/news.
If you would like to make a mask/masks donation to Hamilton Memorial Hospital, call Bethany
Reyling, Marketing & PR Manager at 618.838.0857 to arrange a time for drop off. Collected
masks will be immediately sent to laundry to be prepared for use, and any surplus in supplies
will be distributed to other organizations in need.
