WHA’s personal protective equipment (PPE) supply resource listing was created earlier this month after companies and individuals began reaching out to WHA and member hospitals and health systems, offering to help with reported PPE shortages. Medical supply companies, area manufacturers, individuals with contacts and engineers all offered their assistance.
WHA invited these businesses to list their offers of PPE on a WHA web-based listing so potential buyers could contact them directly. Hospitals can use this service to replenish depleted PPE stock, as well as create another supply chain for future use. The WHA listing has grown to 17 vendors and suppliers (and still growing), offering much needed N95 respirators, face masks, face shields, gloves, and hospital gowns.
Some listings exist as a direct result of WHA drawing attention to PPE supply issues, including one contact that reached out after hearing WHA President and CEO Eric Borgerding and WHA Chief Medical Officer Mark Kaufman, M.D. speak during last month’s Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC) daily briefing on business strategies during the pandemic. There are local Wisconsin-based suppliers, some of whom have transitioned from their regular manufacturing lines to produce PPE equipment of face shields and gowns in this time of need. One company who manufactures and retails identification supplies pivoted to PPE production, while a sportswear company who normally makes letter jackets and letter awards has begun producing Level 1 medical barrier fabric gowns.
“WHA has made PPE supplies for hospitals and health systems a top priority,” Borgerding said. “As we all work together to the next phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s gratifying to see businesses in Wisconsin and around the nation step up to help in this critical area. We’re pleased we can add another potential option for sourcing PPE for our members.”
The PPE Supply Resource listing is located in
Resources (must be logged in), behind the Member Login link on the WHA home page. If you need assistance, please contact
Beth Dibbert.