When Black Hawk College transitioned to online-only classes because of the COVID-19 pandemic, an opportunity arose for the college to give back to the community.
There was a supply of masks, gloves, gowns and other personal protective equipment in college labs intended to be used for student safety and training.
Since students weren’t going to be on campus to use the equipment, the college decided to donate its supply to area health care organizations.
The PPE was distributed among Genesis Health System, UnityPoint Health, OSF Saint Luke Medical Center in Kewanee and the Henry County Humane Society Kewanee chapter.
Items donated were:
- 10 packages of masks
- 159 boxes of exam gloves
- 933 pairs of surgical gloves
- 3 packages of shoe covers
- 55 disposable gowns
- 75 personal protection kits
The college also donated dog food, cat food and pharmaceuticals from its Veterinary Sciences Program to the Henry County Humane Society.
“We were happy to honor the partnership Black Hawk College has with the health care providers – human and animal – throughout the region by donating personal protective equipment,” said Dr. Amy Maxeiner, vice president for instruction.