Weems Receives Medical Supplies from Gulf Coast State College

George E. Weems Memorial hospital received a van-load of medical supplies last week from the Gulf Coast State College of Health Sciences and Public Safety Departments. The donations, which were also made to other local hospitals in Gulf and Bay counties, were in response to an increasing demand for

critical medical supplies resulting from the COVID-19 virus pandemic.

“Since Gulf Coast made the transition to remote instruction back on March 30, the lab supplies are notbeing used,” said Dr. John Holdnak, GCSC President. “With medical supplies in such high demand, they will be more useful in the hands of the men and women on the front lines who are working tirelessly to

protect us in this time of need,” he said. “Gulf Coast is committed to helping our community in any way that we can.”

Al McCambry, Dean of Workforce Development & Director of the Gulf/Franklin Campus, said that they are so thrilled to show their appreciation for their local healthcare partners.

“Our President very much wants everybody to understand that we are the community’s college, and so he rallied the troops and we were able to come up with equipment we thought you guys could use. We are just so proud to be partnered with the medical industry,” he said. McCambry said this was the best way to utilize the excess resources going unused due to the lack of lab courses currently, in the wake of COVID-19 concerns.

The donated supplies include a variety of health care items including gloves, masks, caps, gowns, disinfectant wipes and safety glasses from the labs of GCSC Health Sciences and Public Safety.

The items are a much needed and appreciated gesture, according to Weems Interim CEO David Walker. “As a Critical Access Hospital with limited resources, we appreciate the donations very much,” Walker said. “Gulf Coast has always been a partner of Franklin County, this donation will aid our effort to increase our supply chain so we are prepared in the event of a convergence of COVID-19 patients in our hospital, clinics, and EMS departments.”

According to Walker, Weems is still accepting donations. “We would appreciate partnering with local businesses and/or a local group of volunteers who could provide us with any amount of N95, KN95, surgical and homemade masks,” Walker said. “We have masks for our front-line medical staff but we are always looking to increase our supply chain in an effort to be prepared to respond to COVID-19,” he said.

Anyone interested in sewing or donating masks may contact Courtney Alford at (850) 653-8853 ext. 108.

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