An ASC in New Jersey has volunteered to serve as the state's drop-off center for medical supply donations to Haiti, which it will send to the earthquake-devastated nation along with an anesthesiologist, surgeon and OR nurse in the spring.
When the medical and nursing staff at the Ambulatory Surgical Center of Union County, N.J., saw television coverage of the earthquake aftermath in Haiti, they knew there had to be something they could do to help, says Marcy Sasso, director of operations. The American Red Cross and the United Way don't accept medical supply donations, but the aid organizations told Ms. Sasso they'd help get the supplies to Haiti if the ASC would collect them. Inspire Haiti is providing the jet to transport the supplies and medical team for an aid mission in late March or early April.
Medical facilities and members of the community can drop off the following items Monday through Friday between 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. from now through March 26:
Ace wraps
Alcohol wipes
Band-Aids
Boxes of gloves (regular and latex free)
Cotton/gauze
Drapes
Dressing supplies
Glucometers, glucose testing strips
Gowns
Insulin syringes
IV solutions, IV starting supplies
Lab coats, scrubs
Masks
Oxygen masks, Oxygen tubing
Sanitary napkins
Sheets, towels
Sterile water & saline
Sutures
Tubing
Unopened sample medications
Walkers, crutches
Wheelchairs
All donations — large or small — will be accepted, and those who cannot drop them off are encouraged to call (908) 688-2700 to set up a time to have them picked up. The surgery center is located on 950 West Chestnut Street in Union, N.J. Call the center or e-mail Ms. Sasso at msasso@ascunion.com for more information.
Ms. Sasso encourages other surgical facilities to lend a hand by contacting the Red Cross or United Way to see about becoming a drop-off center for medical supplies. Project C.U.R.E. is also accepting donations of first aid and hygiene supplies, which can be sent to one of 4 distribution centers nationwide.
Got an idea for how to help the earthquake victims in Haiti? Click here to participate in a discussion thread on this topic.
Irene Tsikitas
