April 2, 2020

EveryStep Receives Personal Protective Equipment Donations From Community Partners

In a time of uncertainty and anxiousness, there is still kindness and generosity in the community. We’ve seen this first-hand at EveryStep as we work to ensure our staff and patients receive continued compassionate care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As a non-profit health care and human services organization, EveryStep operates more than 30 programs impacting Iowans in each county of the state. While the current situation has resulted in interruptions to many of our services, our dedicated home care and hospice teams continue to provide vital care to patients in their homes, as well as in our hospice homes in Des Moines and Creston.

Many of EveryStep's patients are medically vulnerable - they are recovering from illness or injury, living with chronic conditions, or have a life-limiting illness. Many are also elderly and have other risk factors for COVID-19. 

With that in mind, EveryStep is making every effort to build its stock of vital personal protective equipment (PPE) and other essential supplies to enable EveryStep to care for patients with the COVID-19 virus. However, like other health care providers, EveryStep is facing challenges and shortages as we do our best to prepare.

Fortunately, in this time of need, several organizations have stepped up to help. 

EveryStep’s nurses, aides, doctors and ARNPs rely on PPE – including N95 masks and other protective gear – to safeguard against the spread of COVID-19 both to themselves and those they care for.

Recently, EveryStep was honored to be the recipient of 110 N100 Respirator masks and 70 N95 Respirator masks from Habitat for Humanity.

"Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International, says: 'When any disaster hits — a storm, a disease, a financial crisis — it is always those who struggle most who suddenly find themselves struggling even more. They are our neighbors.' At Habitat we are thankful we were able to help our neighbors in some small way by providing a donation of masks to be used by the healthcare providers at EveryStep," says Lance Henning, executive director and president at Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity. 

Graham Construction also kindly donated 31 N95 masks to EveryStep, while St. Francis of Assisi parish donated four boxes of gloves and Plaza Dental Group donated 6 boxes of gloves.   

“There are few words to express the gratitude we have for our generous community partners during this difficult time,” said Tray Wade, EveryStep president and CEO. “These donations - and the gifts we receive throughout the year - show that we are all working together to bring care and support to those in our community who need it the most.”

If you or your organization is interested in providing a donation of isolation gowns, surgical masks, thermometers, thermometer cover sleeves, gloves, N95 or N100 respirators masks, please first contact Vickie Perry, EveryStep materials management & facility director, at 515-975-5554 or email vperry@everystep.org.