The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) received its share of personal protective equipment from the Strategic National Stockpile in full this week, granting an equipment influx of hundreds of thousands to meet the threat of COVID-19.
Ohio was among early requesters for additional equipment and its allocation was informed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidance. However, with the strain put on the system by those flooding hospitals with respiratory symptoms, the supply has been strained.
“The supplies we received, and the state’s reserve will not meet the immediate or future needs of Ohio’s healthcare providers and first responders,” ODH Director Amy Acton said. “This shortage is why our message has been to conserve. Industries with PPE are encouraged to donate what they have to their local Emergency Management Agencies.”
All shipments received by ODH will be sent on to county locations for further distribution. Gowns, gloves, goggles, and masks are among the equipment, which will go to healthcare providers, Emergency Medical Services, law enforcement, and long-term care workers.