(Robbinsdale, MN, June 23, 2020) North Memorial Health is grateful for the numerous individuals and organizations who have donated supplies, food and money to support healthcare workers during the early weeks and months of the COVID-19 pandemic. From preparing meals for healthcare workers to providing thousands of masks and face shields, the members of our community have demonstrated their ingenuity, thoughtfulness and most importantly that we are all in this together.
These generous donations helped us to ensure the safety of our staff and patients while we managed global disruption and pressure on our existing supply chain for essential supplies. Supply chains are now stabilizing and there are significant other needs in our community that continue to need the public’s ongoing support. Over the next week, the donation centers located at North Memorial Health Specialty Center – Robbinsdale and Maple Grove Hospital will be operating with reduced hours. Both donation centers will close on June 30.
“We’ve been humbled and grateful for all of the support we have received for our healthcare heroes on the frontlines. Many of these donations have been from individuals and small businesses who we’ve come to know,” said Samantha Hanson, Chief Administrative Officer for North Memorial Health. “Several local restaurants in particular have shown up in a big way for us, delivering nearly 5,000 meals and other items that have gone far to support the well-being of our healthcare workers. We are so appreciative!”
“Along with meals, we’ve received thousands of donated PPE items,” said Kent Spaulding, vice president, North Memorial Health Foundation. “This includes face shields and masks as well as ear savers and hand sanitizer. We are also grateful for the financial generosity of our donors including Polaris, Dalvin Cook, Danielle Hunter, the Wilf Family Foundation and the Minnesota Vikings.” Spaulding added that donations have consisted of everything from handmade items such as knitted mask extenders, to N95 masks, other types of masks and face shields from local companies including Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, Stratasys and Boston Scientific. Donations have arrived from states as far away as Louisiana, California, and Texas as well.
“People have gotten really creative in their efforts to help,” said Spaulding. “For example, one former patient commissioned a local kayak company to produce 250 face shields for us. A nail salon sent manicure/pedicure sets for our nurses. And events like Move4Masks, sponsored by Virtual Fitness, have raised thousands of dollars to help buy masks and other PPE.”
Media Relations Contact
Katy Sullivan
katy.sullivan@northmemorial.com
Direct: 763-581-2402
About North Memorial Health
At North Memorial Health, we are on a mission to change healthcare. We’re delivering unmatched customer service and empowering our patients throughout the Twin Cities to achieve their best health. North Memorial Health provides access to high-quality, low-cost care throughout the Twin Cities through its medical transportation services and two hospitals – North Memorial Health Hospital and Maple Grove Hospital. North Memorial Health Clinics which include primary care, specialty care and hospice are part of a joint venture with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota that is transforming the healthcare experience for consumers. Across the North Memorial Health system, 900+ doctors and 5,000+ team members are dedicated to delivering a more connected experience for our patients.