BCIT rallies support for healthcare community

Following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s announcement of a new plan that mobilizes businesses and manufacturers to help fight the spread of COVID-19 and boosts the health sector’s stockpile of medical supplies, the BCIT School of Health Sciences is joining efforts by donating medical supplies and lending out equipment to support the Provincial emergency health and operations centre. These materials include 246 boxes of gloves, 94 gowns, 32 boxes of masks, 22 ventilators, face shields, sanitization wipes, and more.

“This initiative demonstrates the power of people coming together to support one another. With collaboration across the school and support from the BCIT Facilities team, we were able to quickly inventory, collect, and contribute medical supplies and equipment to four local health authorities, as well as the industry group that oversees occupational safety to long-term care facilities. We have also been able to lend out 22 ventilators to the health authorities in preparation for increasing acutely ill patients in the coming weeks due to COVID-19,” said Kathy Kennedy, Associate Dean, Specialty Nursing, BCIT School of Health Sciences.

In these unprecedented times, it’s more important than ever for BCIT to be working closely with our industry and government partners. Only as a united community can we fight the spread of COVID-19. Thank you to the BCIT School of Health Sciences and everyone involved for your quick action in cataloging and compiling resources to support our frontline healthcare workers and those impacted by COVID-19.

SEE MORE: BCIT Bookstore shows every little bit helps to support our healthcare workers

The Province of British Columbia has declared a state of emergency in response to the global coronavirus pandemic. Direction from the Provincial Health Officer urges all British Columbians to do their part to help contain the virus by practising social (physical) distancing.

For all non-health related questions related to COVID-19, please call, 1-888-COVID19. This line is established by the Province of British Columbia and covers everything from travel recommendations to social distancing. This line is open daily from 7:30 am to 8 pm. Information is available in more than 110 languages. Alternatively, you can text 604-630-0300 for more information.

Please take care of yourselves and each other.