WHY DONATE
“The Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA), which represents nearly 20,000 workers, said it’s hearing from concerned members-- nurses being told to reuse papers masks, being instructed to not wear masks unless there is a confirmed coronavirus case and being told to re-use face shields without guidance on proper cleaning.” (read source here)
Hospitals in Washington state are running out of personal protective equipment (PPE) as healthcare workers fight against COVID-19 to save lives while protecting their own. Many medical professionals are instructed to reuse their masks throughout the day, and some are having to turn to scarves and bandanas as hospital facilities run out of PPE (read source here ). This is pushing our state’s healthcare system to the limits. Already, we are incurring significant unplanned expenses in order to respond to this crisis, and it is likely that the top of the bell curve in this outbreak is still yet to come.
We are holding this fundraising campaign in order to secure medical masks quickly, and are grateful to have connections to the Well Klein factory, alongside other reputable, FDA approved factories in China. We cannot solely rely on state and federal agencies to distribute masks, as time is critical. Instead, we have the ability to get these supplies to our healthcare workers within 5-7 days.
The overwhelming advocacy from other adults within our community who have stepped up and raised funds has deeply touched and inspired us, and any sum of donation will aid in helping health professionals protect themselves while risking their own. As our community has been so deeply affected from this devastating outbreak, we want to take steps in garnering community support to help in any possible way.
GOAL
The first $25,000 will be committed to obtaining ~50,000 FDA approved medical grade surgical masks from Well Klein factory in China to be distributed across four different hospitals (depending on changing international flight costs).
For every $5,000 raised, we will purchase ~10,000 masks, and so on.
Any additional funds raised will be used towards purchasing additional masks for other medical facilities and first responders across King County.
*If unforeseen circumstances arise and international shipping is blocked anytime in the future, we will ensure that all donations go to domestic orders of the masks.
HOSPITALS
1. Harborview Medical Center - Seattle
2. UW Medical Center - Seattle
3. EvergreenHealth Medical Center - Kirkland
4. Swedish Hospital - Issaquah
FAQ
How much of the donation is directed to purchasing the masks?
100% of the funds will go towards the purchase and delivery of masks for healthcare workers at Harborview Medical Center, UW Medical Center, EvergreenHealth Medical Center of Kirkland, and Swedish Hospital of Issaquah. Our work is completely volunteer-based and grows with community support. If we raise more than $25,000, we will continue to purchase and distribute masks to other hospitals.
How do we know the money we donate will go towards acquiring masks for hospitals?
We will post frequent updates on our Facebook page with photos with receipts, as well as here under the updates tab.
How will the hospitals receive the masks?
The masks will be delivered to one designated house, and we will personally ensure delivery to the hospitals mentioned above.
What makes this fundraising campaign different from other fundraisers?
With a general misconception that this COVID-19 pandemic only impacts the immunocompromised and the elderly, we want to reinforce that everyone, even the youth, is susceptible to this virus. Despite the numerous cases of older people covered in the media, anyone of any age can contract and spread this deadly disease. Many young people remain willfully ignorant of these consequences, refusing to sacrifice their day-to-day social interactions with the belief that the issue is not as severe for them. Along with helping collect materials that will directly support victims and doctors, we hope to spread awareness to other youth about the risks to their health and their key role in stopping the spread. In addition, our connections with the Well Klein Factory, alongside other overseas and domestic factories, will ensure faster delivery of masks.
How else can I help?
Even without money donations, there are other ways you can help in this time of crisis. If you have unopened and unexpired supplies such as hand sanitizer, surgical gloves, face shields, and masks, please donate them to accepting hospitals such as UW Medicine and multiple Swedish locations. You do not need to leave your vehicle, as staff will pick up the items to ensure your safety.
- Please spread the word! Sharing this GoFundMe page AND our Facebook page will be greatly appreciated.
- Contact us through email: wayouthformasks@gmail.com
- If you share our goals and would like to join the #WaYouthforMasks team, please contact us through our email. We are welcoming more members!