With the school closed, but an enormous community need, Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School donated medical supplies Monday to Greater Lawrence Family Health Center.
Whittier Superintendent Maureen Lynch said the medical supplies are best given to the health center that has primary care services in Methuen and Lawrence in light of the evolving novel coronavirus situation.
“Medical professionals need masks, gloves and gowns to protect themselves and their patients from this virus, and fortunately we had some of those supplies in our facility and were able to donate to support the work the Greater Lawrence Family Health Center is doing for our community,” Lynch said, adding, “It’s important, as our communities address this evolving public health issue, that we all do what we can to help.”
Whittier Tech is closed until at least Tuesday, April 7. While the school was closed last week, administrators and educators collected 1,300 masks, more than 200 isolation gowns, more than 1,000 gloves and approximately 100 safety glasses for donation to Greater Lawrence Family Health Center. The supplies came from the school’s medical assisting, health assisting, dental assisting, auto body/collision repair, masonry, carpentry and science programs.
Richard Napolitano, senior vice president and external relations/chief development officer at the Greater Lawrence Family Health Center, said the Center, its staff and clinicians are most grateful for the generous and thoughtful donation of personal protective equipment.
“With the challenges we are all facing with the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic, healthcare providers are especially at risk as the available supply of this personal protective equipment and medical supplies becomes more and more in demand. Thanks to the generosity of Whittier Superintendent Maureen Lynch and her faculty, GLFHC staff and clinicians can continue to provide the care needed by our patients in a safe, protected environment,” he said.