Triton College donates personal protective equipment

Local first responders and area healthcare facilities receive donated supplies amid COVID-19

During this unprecedented time, Triton College is supporting surrounding communities and those on the frontlines trying to contain and slow the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19). Personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies have increasingly become strained across the country as healthcare providers treat patients with COVID-19. Even with the campus closed, as currently mandated by the state, some Triton faculty and staff volunteered to collect much-needed PPE from several departments on campus to distribute to first responders and local healthcare facilities.

The donated PPE supplies included over 9,000 gloves, 2,000 masks, 2,000 wipes and 600 gowns. Sanitizer, biohazard bags and hundreds of caps and shoe covers were also among the donated supplies. The supplies came from the Radiology and Surgical Technology programs in the college’s Health Careers & Public Service department, Engineering Technology in the Business and Technology Department, Chemistry & Biology in the school of Arts & Sciences, and the Center for Health Professionals.

“Triton College continues to be a resource to our local community especially during challenging times. Around the world and across the region people are pulling together and deciding how to best support healthcare workers as they care for the sick. We are fortunate to be able to donate much needed resources to support our local community,” said Paul Jensen, Associate Vice President of Academic Innovation and Workforce Education.

PPE supplies were distributed to the fire and police departments of River Grove, Norwood Park and Leyden which serve the following communities: Rosemont, Elmwood Park, Franklin Park, Berkeley, Maywood, Melrose Park, Broadview, Hillside and Stone Park. The donations were also distributed to local healthcare facilities including Loyola University Medical Center, Gottlieb Memorial Hospital, Rush-Oak Park Hospital, and Cantata Adult Life Services.