Santa Cruz Co. Receives 700 Donations For Health Care Workers

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA — Santa Cruz County has received more than 700 pieces of personal protective equipment, including masks, for health care workers, KION reported.

Last week the county set up an online system for donations, asking people with surplus protective gear to donate it to the county.

"Personal protection equipment is in high demand nationally as the health care infrastructure prepares for a surge in COVID-19 patients," the county said in a statement. "Any donations will be prioritized and distributed according to medical need within Santa Cruz County."

Nearly 60 people and businesses have stepped up to donate, KION reported.

Also last week the county announced plans to distribute its stockpile of 27,000 N95 masks to critical health care facilities in the county, with five percent of the stockpile to be reserved for unanticipated needs in the future. The stockpile included 10,000 masks donated by Facebook, the county said.

Santa Cruz County plans to establish an in-person drop-off site.

For now, anyone interested in donating gowns, coveralls, face shields, masks and other protective gear may do so by filling out this online form.