Contact:media@bannerhealth.com
PHOENIX (March 24, 2020) – As the largest health care provider in Arizona and one of the largest health systems in the western U.S., Banner Health is well prepared to respond to the spread of COVID-19. However, as the virus spreads, needs are evolving every day, placing significant new demands on our health care system and our valued workforce.
To help Banner Health respond to the COVID-19 outbreak and support our health care professionals, the Banner Health Foundation is accepting donations to two charitable funds.
The COVID-19 Response Fund is supporting a variety of needs across Banner related to the outbreak, including community testing and drive-through sites, medical supplies and equipment, and community outreach. The Supporting Our Staff (SOS) Fund helps members of our health care workforce facing financial hardship. Tax-deductible donations can be made to either or both funds online at http://give.bannerhealth.com/coronavirus.
Additionally, Banner greatly appreciates people and companies who want to volunteer in a safe capacity, or have medical supplies or services to donate. Banner Health currently has enough important equipment, including respirators, but leaders acknowledge they are experiencing some challenges given the global demand during the COVID-19 pandemic. Masks, in particular, are in high demand. Specifically needed are N-95 respirator masks, surgical/procedural masks, and protective face shields or goggles that can be worn over glasses. Non-perfumed hand sanitizer appropriate for use in a clinical setting, with greater than 60% ethanol alcohol or 70% isopropanol, is also needed. (No gels containing glitter please.) All donations must be received in an unopened, sealed box or container.
Banner Health also welcomes the donation of homemade masks for use by health care workers for their personal comfort outside of procedure rooms and isolation areas. Due to rigorous infection prevention standards in the hospital environment, only approved, medical-grade masks can be worn by our health care workers directly caring for patients in isolation for COVID-19. While they are not appropriate for preventing disease transmission, homemade masks make some health care workers feel more comfortable at work, and they preserve our inventory of personal protective equipment for those who need it most.
To take part, please complete a brief online form at http://www.bannerhealth.com/COVIDHelp. A member of the Banner Health team will follow up with you to gather additional information and coordinate logistics. Considering social distancing is a priority, careful coordination and a process for dropping off supplies is necessary. We ask that supplies be delivered only after discussions with staff. Please do not bring donations directly to Banner hospitals.
“Amid this unprecedented time in our history, it has been incredible to witness the generosity of our community members who want to give back,” said Andy Kramer Petersen, President & CEO of the Banner Health Foundation. “We continue to be inspired by the many people, groups and companies offering to help, even while caring for their own families in these rapidly shifting times. We hope to make it as easy as possible for them.”
About Banner Health
Headquartered in Arizona, Banner Health is one of the largest nonprofit health care systems in the country. The system owns and operates 28 acute-care hospitals, Banner Health Network, Banner – University Medicine, academic and employed physician groups, long-term care centers, outpatient surgery centers and an array of other services; including Banner Urgent Care, family clinics, home care and hospice services, pharmacies and a nursing registry. Banner Health is in six states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Nebraska, Nevada and Wyoming. For more information, visit www.BannerHealth.com.