Saint Francis University Donates Healthcare Supplies to Local Facilities
Loretto, PA (04/15/2020) — A spirit of service remains at the heart of the mission of Saint Francis University, especially in times of crisis.
Recently that spirit took the form of faculty in the School of Health Sciences and Education, who, responding to calls for help, donated thousands of pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) to local hospitals and agencies to help relieve the shortage of supplies in the fight against the COVID-19 virus.
When the University first received calls that local nurses needed personal protective equipment, faculty members did not hesitate. "Our first thought was,' We need to help,'" said Dr. Rita Trofino, Associate Dean, School of Health Sciences and Education, and Nursing Department Chair. "Many nursing alumni are working the forefront in this pandemic, and this was one way we could help."
She, along with Ms. Brenda Guzic, Director of the Experiential Learning Commons (ELC), inventoried the ELC and Nursing Simulation Lab lab to gather PPE equipment. Dr. Stephen LoRusso, Exercise Physiology Coordinator and Professor of Physical Therapy, conducted an inventory of the cadaver lab and provided many donations. Dr. Trofino delivered that PPE to Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center's Command Center.
Dr. Heather Mack, Assistant Director of Clinical Education and Physical Therapy Professor, worked with Dr. Trofino to divide and conquer in order to physically deliver supplies to as many local healthcare organizations in Johnstown as possible. Dr. Troifno delivered to several healthcare organizations in Altoona.Dr. Mack shared, "We were able to help a lot of providers but there's still a need out there for healthcare professionals and first responders. Healthcare professionals are being asked to use a mask per week. I encourage anyone out there who has supplies to spare to consider donating."
The supplies were personally delivered to the COVID-19 Command Center at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center, Garvey Manor, Allegheny Lutheran Social Ministries, Atrium Manor;Interim Home Health; Milestones; and Bayada Home Care, as well as the Cambria County Prison.
Special thanks to everyone involved including: School of HS&E Dean, Dr. Don Walkovich, Dr. Rita Trofino, Ralph Trofino, Dr. Heather Mack, Brenda Guzic, and Dr. Stephen LoRusso.
Media Attachments
Dr. Trofino and Dr. Mack deliver supplies.
Saint Francis University
Marie Young (814) 472-3127 myoung@francis.edu,Share this Story
Recent News
- Saint Francis University Reaccredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Saint Francis University Adds Men's Swimming as First New Sport in Division III Era
- Br. Shamus McGrenra to Ride for 15th Annual Dorothy Day Outreach Center Fundraiser
- Saint Francis University to Host Aviation Education Center Open House Saturday, June 28, 2025
- Saint Francis University Celebrates First Graduates of Executive Ed.D. Program
- Six stand-out educators receive Dr. John Powers Outstanding Educator Award
- Saint Francis University to host will 43rd Annual Red Mass/Law Day on April 25, 2025
- Saint Francis University Announces a Move from NCAA Division I Athletics to Division III Athletics
- Saint Francis University Names Jim Brazill as New Director of Athletics
- Saint Francis University Announces 2025 Summer Academies for High School Students