This story is part of our ongoing “HACC Heroes” series. We recognize the severity of the global coronavirus pandemic and its impact on our communities. During this challenging time, we want to thank and recognize HACC employees, students and others who are making a difference. The heroes of this story are Associate Dean Megan Brightbill, program directors and faculty in the School of Health Sciences and Vito Damone, interim director of safety and security.
HARRISBURG, Pa. – HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, recently donated personal protective equipment (PPE) and supplies to four facilities in the region in response to a need during the global coronavirus pandemic.
Collection and delivery of the items were coordinated by faculty in HACC’s School of Health Sciences. The recipients and the donated items valued at $1,254 follow.
PPE kits (gloves, gown, mask, hair cover and shoe covers) – 51
“We are humbled by the generosity we’ve received from so many people and organizations asking how they can help. HACC’s gift of PPE items is so appreciated and will go to good use for our co-workers to protect themselves, and others, while caring for residents with respiratory symptoms and other illnesses. This gift is as good as gold!,” said Meredith Mills, chief operating officer, Country Meadows Retirement Communities and Ecumenical Retirement Community.
The items received by Country Meadows Retirement Community in Lancaster were sent to the organization’s central location to be dispatched to its campuses in Hershey, Lancaster, Mechanicsburg and York and the nonprofit sister community, Ecumenical Retirement Community in Harrisburg.
“We are extremely grateful for the donation of PPE made by HACC to Roxbury during this critical time. As a provider of healthcare services to patients suffering from mental health and substance use disorders, our highest priorities are safety of both our patients and staff, and the delivery of high-quality care that saves and improves lives. On behalf of our employees and staff, we thank you for your support and generosity,” said Christina Kamau, MBA, director of business development at Roxbury Treatment Center.
Recently, faculty from the Nursing and Allied Health programs at HACC’s Harrisburg Campus donated antibacterial supplies and PPE to UPMC Pinnacle Health for distribution. HACC also loaned ventilators to Geisinger Holy Spirit and Penn State Hershey Medical Center.
HACC is privileged to have been able to give our medical supplies and make loans of equipment to those in need during this global pandemic. However, due to the number of requests that were received, the College’s medical supplies inventory and equipment availability have been depleted.
Photo Caption 1: Ashely Bear, associate professor of nursing at HACC’s Gettysburg Campus, delivers donated supplies to Roxbury Treatment Center in Shippensburg.
Photo Caption2: Medical supplies and PPE equipment donated to Country Meadows Retirement Community.
Photo Caption 3: Cindy Donell, director of nursing, and Greg Blake, security officer, at HACC's York Campus, load supplies for Wellspan York Hospital.
About HACC
HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, is the first and largest of Pennsylvania’s 14 community colleges. HACC offers approximately 100 career and transfer associate degree, certificate and diploma programs to approximately 19,000 students. Also, the College serves students at its Gettysburg, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Lebanon and York campuses; through virtual learning; and via workforce development and continuing education training. For more information on how HACC is uniquely YOURS, visit hacc.edu. Also, follow us on Twitter (@HACC_info), follow us on Instagram (@HACC_edu), like us on Facebook (Facebook.com/HACC64) and use #HACCNews.