CENTENNIAL, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Project C.U.R.E. is delivering urgently needed examination gloves and other critical medical supplies to West Africa to aid the Ebola outbreak. More than 330,000 exam gloves weighing over one ton will be distributed to hospitals in Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea. The gloves were donated by Medline Industries, Inc., the largest privately held medical supply company in the U.S.
The gloves are just one of the items that will be included in more than 200 World Health Organization-approved Ebola infection prevention kits. Other items include head covers, face shields, masks, duct tape, coveralls, boots and covers, heavy duty aprons, goggles and defogger.
Doctors, nurses and healthcare workers aiding in the worst Ebola virus outbreak in history are now contracting the virus at an alarming rate. The outbreak continues to accelerate with more than 240 healthcare workers infected with the disease and more than 120 who have died.
Lack of proper protective and sterilization equipment, in conjunction with Ebola’s incubation period of 2 to 21 days, are two major factors contributing to the rise in deaths. Additionally, the WHO reports there are only one to two doctors per 100,000 patients in the three countries. The crisis is resulting in healthcare workers fearing for their lives.
“It’s a war. The enemy is Ebola, and we are the soldiers. This public health emergency is crippling my country. I’m scared; everyone’s scared,” said Dr. Sulaiman Conteh, a senior doctor at Connaught Hospital in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
"We are thrilled to be working with Medline on this life-saving effort. This generous donation demonstrates their heart for the world and Medline's determination to be leaders in healthcare. When something as simple as gloves can mean the difference between life and death for so many, we all have both the incentive, and the imperative, to get involved," said Dr. Douglas Jackson, president and CEO of Project C.U.R.E.
The need for basic personal protective supplies like gloves and masks is urgent. Recent news reports reveal the acute need for biohazard bags, body bags, gum boots, boot covers, goggles, masks, handheld and back sprayers, as well as disposable coveralls.
“All healthcare leaders must play a role in aiding this spreading crisis. This is a health emergency that needs the attention and support of healthcare leaders across the globe,” said Paul Lishnevsky, division president, exam gloves, Medline.
Since August, Project C.U.R.E. has assisted in the delivery of four disaster relief containers and one airlift of WHO-approved medical supplies to West Africa in response to the Ebola outbreak.
Multiple stakeholders contributed to funding the delivery of this container including Chevron Corporation, the Project C.U.R.E. Young Professionals Board, civic-leader Susan Hoefling and individual donors.
“When the news coverage about what has evolved into an historic Ebola outbreak ramped up here in the U.S. and we saw the level of decimation, societal upheaval, and fear that was quickly affecting so many communities in West Africa, the YP Board knew that there was no other option but to ensure proceeds from the Poolside with a Purpose went exclusively to assisting in getting this crippling epidemic under control,” said Kai Ravariere, chair-elect for Project C.U.R.E.’s Young Professionals Board.
Project C.U.R.E. is the largest provider of donated medical supplies and equipment to developing countries around the world. Project C.U.R.E. maintains large distribution warehouses in Arizona, Colorado, Texas and Tennessee, and smaller collection centers in 15 U.S. cities. Project C.U.R.E. is the recipient of the GuideStar Exchange Silver Seal, the Charity Navigator Four-Star Rating and ranked by Forbes as one of the 20 Most Efficient Large U.S. Charities. Project C.U.R.E. International Headquarters is located at 10377 E. Geddes Ave., Suite 200, Centennial, CO 80112.
Medline Industries, Inc., is the largest privately held manufacturer and distributor of quality medical supplies and clinical solutions in the U.S. Based in Mundelein, Ill., the company has 1,200 direct sales representatives who are dedicated points of contact for customers across the continuum of care. Because of its capabilities and engagement with leading industry thought leaders, Medline delivers the most robust product portfolio and patient-care solutions to help healthcare providers perform at their very best. For more information on Medline, go to www.medline.com or http://www.medline.com/social-media to connect with Medline on a variety of social media channels.
