Blog

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Media Contact: Lani Schiff-Ross, 

Executive Director, First 5 San Joaquin 

(209) 468-0250 or (209) 603-5968 

lschiff-ross@sjgov.org 

Local Businesses Encouraged to Donate Personal Protective Equipment Amid COVID-19 Pandemic Stockton, CA – March 27, 2020 – 

For Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs), just one donated box of masks or gloves can help a medical staff be safer in working with their patients. Across the country, medical staff are facing a critical shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE), particularly face masks, amid the COVID-19 Pandemic. As the number of local COVID-19 patients rise, medical supplies are quickly dwindling, putting front line responders and patients at risk. First 5 San Joaquin, in partnership with the Family Resource and Referral Center and Leadership Stockton 2018, have partnered together to quickly call upon local businesses and residents alike to donate life-saving supplies. With a “stay at home” order mandated by Governor Gavin Newsom for an undetermined amount of time, several “non-essential” businesses have closed their doors, opting for telecommuting whenever possible. This means that PPE that many businesses may normally require are going unused, creating a perfect opportunity for donations. “We are in need of gowns, gloves, and eye protective wear, and most of all, masks. It is critical that we keep our SNF medical personnel healthy and protected from the COVID-19 virus, because they are on the front lines of this crisis,” said Lani Schiff-Ross, Executive Director of First 5 San Joaquin. “We're hoping to receive donations from people who may have these items — dentists, schools, construction workers, and manicurists,” continued Schiff-Ross. While normal business hour phone lines are down, residents can help make a difference by posting about the donation drive on social media or calling their personal and professional contacts to urge them to donate any PPE possible. “I'm so grateful for First 5, Family Resource and Referral Center, and Leadership Stockton 2018, who are taking the lead on this effort,” said Dr. Maggie Park, San Joaquin County Interim Public Health Officer. Drop offs can be made at the Teen Impact Center (TIC) located at 725 N. El Dorado St. in Stockton, from 9:30-11:30 a.m. on April 1-April 3, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Staff will be on-site to do a drive through drop off to maintain social distancing. Please contact Amanda Bauer at 209-461-2936 at Family Resource and Referral Center with any questions regarding donation drop-offs. About First 5 San Joaquin Research shows that a child’s brain develops most dramatically in the first five years, and that what parents and caregivers do during these years to support a child’s growth and development will have meaningful impact throughout life. Based on this research, California voters passed Proposition 10 in 1998, adding a 50-cents-per-pack tax on cigarettes to support programs for expectant parents and children, ages 0 to 5. First 5 San Joaquin allocates approximately $15 million each year in Prop. 10 revenue to support programs and services that meet local needs. ###