San Jacinto College responds to need for medical supplies

Mar 29, 2020Amanda Fenwick
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Transfer to Harris County Public Health includes gloves, masks

PASADENA, Texas — In response to the ongoing need for medical supplies and PPE for medical professionals on the front line fighting COVID-19, San Jacinto College has transferred a pallet full of medical supplies to Harris County Public Health.

"This challenging situation has put our health care partners in critical need of PPE and equipment, and we are glad to be able to lend a hand to our neighbors in this way," said San Jacinto College Chancellor Dr. Brenda Hellyer. "As an institution that works closely with our local health care providers to train the next generation of their workforce, it is important for us to support them during this pandemic."

Included in the supply transfer were latex and nitrile gloves, surgical and N-95 masks, safety glasses, disposable wipes, gowns, hand sanitizer, and alcohol prep pads. Items were delivered Saturday, March 28, to Harris County Public Health.

"We are extremely grateful to San Jacinto College for their generous donation of PPE," said Umair A. Shah, executive director and local health authority for Harris County Public Health. "Our dedicated public health workforce is on the frontlines serving the people of Harris County and combatting the spread of COVID-19. As the well documented need for PPE rises across the country, we are fortunate to have a strong network of community partners to help us serve our community."

Last week, the College lent three respirators from the respiratory therapy program to Methodist Hospital Baytown to assist with the shortage in that location.

"Everyone in health care is acutely aware of the crisis we currently have within our communities and health care systems," said Dr. Rhonda Bell, dean of health sciences at the San Jacinto College Central Campus, who coordinated the loan to the hospital. "The opportunity to assist our health care partners is one small bright spot in an extremely difficult time."

San Jacinto College is currently in an altered operations period during the COVID-19 situation. Additional information is available on the College website at sanjac.edu/coronavirus.

About San Jacinto College

Surrounded by monuments of history, evolving industries, maritime enterprises of today, and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has served the citizens of East Harris County, Texas, since 1961. San Jacinto College is among the top 10 community colleges in the nation as designated by the Aspen Institute for Community College Excellence, and was named an Achieving the Dream Leader College of Distinction in 2020. The College serves approximately 45,000 credit and non-credit students annually, and offers more than 200 degrees and certificates across eight major areas of study that put students on a path to transfer to four-year institutions or enter the workforce. San Jacinto College's impact on the region totals $1.3 billion in added income, which supports 13,044 jobs. The College is fiscally sound, holding bond ratings of AA and Aa2 by Standard & Poor's and Moody's.

For more information about San Jacinto College call 281-998-6150, visit sanjac.edu or join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter.