Student Procures Masks for Healthcare Systems and HACC Programs

This story is part of our “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 some of the many HACC employees, students and others who are making a difference. The hero of this story is Brad Harrington, a student in HACC’s Respiratory Therapist Program.

HARRISBURG, Pa. – Brad Harrington, a student in the Respiratory Therapist Program at HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, wanted to do his part to help hospitals with a need for face masks. Harrington, an employee at Lowe’s, emailed the company’s CEO, Marvin Ellison, and explained his position.
 
“After seeing the CEO of Lowe’s pledge to donate $20 million to healthcare workers, I decided our local hospitals would benefit greatly from receiving respirator masks,” said Harrington. He added, “I was inspired by my program director Curtis Aumiller for donating other [personal protective equipment] and ventilators to the local hospitals. I am very #HACCproud to be able to attend the prestigious respiratory therapist program and have a program director who truly cares about his students and community.”
 
After receiving the request, Ellison contacted Harrington directly and donated 2,000 P95 masks for Harrington to distribute at his discretion. 
 
Harrington donated 1,000 masks to Lehigh Valley Health Network and 250 masks to HACC’s Dental Hygiene Program and Respiratory Therapist Program. The donation to HACC will allow dental hygiene students to provide direct patient care in our dental clinic when the Harrisburg Campus reopens. 

Photo Caption: Brad Harrington, HACC student, and Daniel Ofak, respiratory manager for Lehigh Valley Health Network and HACC alumnus.

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.