In order to help keep local hospitals and health departments equipped to respond to the expanding COVID-19 pandemic, the Iowa Department of Public Health is asking for donations of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Any business, organization, or individual who has extra PPE can donate the equipment to their local public health department or emergency management agency. Ken Sharp — the Division Director of Acute Disease Prevention, Emergency Response, and Environmental Health — said in a statement, “ This is an unprecedented public health disaster, and stocks of personal protective equipment for health care providers are being used rapidly. Any organizations that have extra PPE supplies that aren’t immediately needed should consider donating them to help those on the front line of this disease.”

Sharp adds, in particular they need donations of gloves, gowns, eye protection, and masks. To donate equipment in Dallas County, contact the Health Department at 515-993-3750 to set up a drop off time. In Guthrie County, donations can be made at the GC Public Health Office. Call ahead at 641-747-3972, as the doors are locked. In Adair County, drop PPE off at Greenfield Lumber during regular business hours.