"Right now, medical professionals across the state are forced to reuse face masks," Governor Whitmer said.

Tuesday, March 24, 2020 5:40 p.m. EDT by Will Kriss

KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) -- Due to shortages of medical supplies in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, both Ascension and Bronson hospitals are asking the public for help with donations of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Bronson began accepting donations of this nature Monday. The donations are needed due to what is described as a "critical shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) and disinfecting supplies nationwide."

The following items will be accepted at five locations:

Bronson cannot accept medication, blankets, toys, clothing or other medical supplies.

In addition to these critical items, Bronson will also accept sewn face masks to conserve supplies. More information on how to do so can be found at this link.

Items that list expiration dates must be unexpired. Officials add that it is essential nobody involved in the distribution or delivery of new/unused materials have any symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath) or have recently been around someone who does.

Bronsonwill collect acceptable new/unused items from businesses, organizations and community members at the following five locations Monday through Friday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.:

In addition to Bronson needing donations, Ascension West Michigan announced Tuesday that they are in need of medical supply donations as well.

The organization will begin accepting items on March 25 using a drive-through center. The center will be located at Ascension Borgess Hospital Lawrence Education Center, located at 1521 Gull Road in Kalamazoo.

The items requested by Ascension are largely the same as Bronson:

Tuesday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued a statement about the shortage of hospital supplies and PPE equipment.

Ourbrave medical professionals and first-responders are on the front lines of keeping us safe,and we must do everything we can to protect them and everyMichigander we can from the spread of COVID-19,Whitmersaid.Right now, medical professionals across the stateare forced to reuse face masks.Thisincreases the risk of spreading COVID-19 during a timewhenwe shoulddo everything we can to mitigate it.Were not getting the tools we need from the federal government, so its on all of us to work together to protect each other.

According to Whitmer's office, several Michigan businesses have begun manufacturing personal protective equipment in the last two weeks. As of Tuesday,Ford, 3M, the UAW, and GE Health Care have announced a partnership to manufacture respirators.

The most up-to-date information about the COVID-19 outbreak can be found athttps://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus/and the CDC website.

Excerpt from:

Ascension and Bronson seeking medical supply donations - Midwest Communication