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.

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