If you’re looking for ways to help in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Riverside Health System announced its guidelines for community members who wish to provide assistance for staff members.
“Riverside is incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support it is receiving from the community, and we encourage people to keep it up in ways that will help the most,” said Riverside Health System CEO Bill Downey. “These guidelines will help ensure that Riverside facilities continue to get the supplies and support that provide the greatest benefit, while keeping patients, team members and the community as safe as possible.”
First, Riverside continues to advise community members to follow health experts’ guidance on practicing social distancing and staying home—the number-one thing each person can do to help stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus and end the pandemic.
For those wishing to make donations, Riverside is making the following guidelines available on its website at riversideonline.com/howcanihelp. These guidelines will be updated as material needs and safety requirements warrant.
Make A Difference Fund
Supporting Riverside’s Make A Difference fund allows for immediate impact in the areas of greatest need, a release stated. Community members can donate online safely and securely at supportremarkable.riversideonline.com or mail a check to Riverside Health System Foundation, 701 Town Center Drive, Suite 1000, Newport News, Va. 23606. Donations can be directed to:
—COVID-19 Emergency Fund: Helping Riverside respond quickly with the critical supplies and resources required at various facilities.
—Patient Assistance: Enabling Riverside patient navigators to respond more efficiently to patients’ needs.
—Team Member Help Fund: Offering assistance to Riverside team members who may be financially impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.
Give Blood
The Red Cross is in desperate need of blood, which can still be donated in a safe manner while practicing social distancing. Visit the Red Cross website at redcrossblood.org to schedule a donation appointment at a Riverside facility or other location.
Donate supplies
Riverside is welcoming donations of certain medical supplies that are difficult to obtain. These items must be new and in unopened boxes and clearly labeled. They should be dropped off at any Riverside hospital location on Wednesdays between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Acceptable items include the following.
N95 respirator masks; PAPR (powered air-purifying respirator) equipment and hoods; surgical masks; disposable gloves (all sizes, latex-free); disposable surgical caps; disposable foot covers; protective eyewear; nasal testing swaps; viral testing kits; face guards and face shields; alcohol-based hand sanitizer, and touchless thermometers.
At this time, Riverside cannot accept 3-D printed materials, medications, blankets or homemade food items.
Face masks
Riverside is accepting homemade face covers at its hospital locations any weekday at the main entrance. They are currently being used by the hospital’s skilled nursing facility residents to help decrease any chance of transmitting the virus even if showing no symptoms. This allows for medical-grade masks and other protective equipment to be saved for health care workers interacting with COVID-19 patients. To learn more, visit riversideonline.com/covid_19/donations.cfm.
For more information about COVID-19 and Riverside Health System’s response, visit riversideonline.com/covid-19.