Month: March 2020

Senator Needleman Visits Portland Business Developing Reusable Silicone Mask To Fight COVID-19

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Senator Needleman Visits Portland Business Developing Reusable Silicone Mask To Fight COVID-19

Silicone Mask Producer Developing Self-Adhering Mask With Replaceable Filter To Counter Healthcare PPE Shortages

Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) visited SilTec Labs in Portland, Connecticut to see firsthand the company’s innovative developments to help counter shortages of personal protective equipment, or PPE, in Connecticut healthcare facilities and beyond during the COVID-19 outbreak.

SilTec Labs which designs and manufactures silicone prosthetics for amputees, working with joint business Stickfx, which makes silicone masks originally for parties and Halloween costumes, are developing a silicone mask with a replaceable filter to protect health care workers.

The companies are working with Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory to craft a . Company representatives believe the latest prototypes will be able to provide protection like the current N95 respiratory mask, and better than existing surgical masks and homemade solutions, with a more secure seal overall. By using replaceable filters, these new masks could be safely used multiple times – even by different individuals, after being washed in soap and water or rubbed with alcohol. The reusable nature of this product will also reduce waste, providing environmental benefits.

“I am visiting SilTec Labs in person during the COVID-19 outbreak to stress the tremendous importance of these innovations,” said Sen. Needleman. “Meaningful and timely breakthroughs like this are crucial to flattening the curve of the coronavirus. I am proud to say their Yankee ingenuity has great potential to protect and save lives while minimizing the use of disposable materials. It’s crucial we get this product into broad distribution as quickly as possible.”

Representatives said while their long-term objective was to provide a superior alternative to existing medical masks, but given COVID-19 pandemic, they shifted focus in the hope to immediately provide an alternative to the current medical masks, and a significant upgrade from homemade cotton masks and bandanas. With a rather modest amount of private and or public investment SilTec Labs estimates initial large-scale production could start within 6 days at a rate of 3,500+ masks per day.

To see this work in real time, a video is available here.

Senator Abrams Releases List of Food Resources in 13th District To Assist Those Impacted By COVID-19

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Senator Abrams Releases List of Food Resources in 13th District To Assist Those Impacted By COVID-19

Today, State Senator Mary Daugherty Abrams (D- Meriden, Middlefield, Rockfall, Middletown, Cheshire) released a list of food resources, including food banks, food pantries and soup kitchens, in light of the COVID-19 outbreak. As the crisis continues and unemployment rises, families facing food insecurity may struggle in coming weeks. This list of resources is intended to support them.

“As this crisis continues, we must support everyone in our communities, and that includes those who have experienced financial hardship due to COVID-19’s impact on the economy,” said Sen. Abrams. “I hope that those who find themselves in need can receive assistance during these tough times, and those who are in a position where they can make donations support these vital community resources. We must remain united in the face of this extreme challenge.”

Please note many of these locations require paperwork or proof of residence. Please call before visiting any location as they may have new protocols in place due to COVID-19.

This list may not include every location in the 13th District but is intended to support members of the community in need.

Meriden Food Assistance

Salvation Army
23 St. Casimir Drive

Meriden Corps Community Center

203-235-6532

  • Emergency Food Pantry 9 a.m.-noon Tuesday/Thursday
  • Soup Kitchen serves individuals and families on Saturdays and Sundays 12 p.m.-1 p.m.

New Opportunities of Greater Meriden

Old Nappier Building

74 Cambridge St.

203-235-0278

  • Meals on Wheels to continue delivery – anyone who received meals at a site should call to arrange home delivery
  • Operation Pantry, food bank offering three-day supply of food to those in need Monday, Wednesday, Friday at noon;
  • recipients can receive once per month, distribution dependent on available supply

Apostolic Community Church

Food Pantry and Soup Kitchen

146 Center St.

203-639-0780

  • Tuesdays and Thursdays 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Meriden Soup Kitchen

First Baptist Church

460 Broad Street

203-980-3372

  • Weekdays 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Cheshire Food Assistance

Cheshire Community Food Pantry, Inc.

175 Sandbank Avenue

203-699-9226

  • Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, 9 a.m. – noon; Tuesdays, Thursday 2:30-6 p.m.
  • Shopping by appointment only
  • Donations can be left in donor vestibule during hours
  • Information on donations at www.facebook.com/cheshirefoodpantry

Middlefield Food Assistance

Middlefield Food Bank

Middlefield Social Services

405 Main Street Middlefield

860-349-7121

  • Open by appointment

Middletown Food Assistance

Amazing Grace Food Pantry

St. Vincent de Paul

16 Stack Street, Middletown

860-347-3222

  • Open Wednesdays and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Mobile Food Pantry

Cross Street AME Zion Church

440 West St.

  • 10-11 a.m. on the second Thursday of every month

St. Vincent De Paul Soup Kitchen

617 Main Street, Middletown

860-344-0097

  • Due to COVID-19, the soup kitchen will offer takeout meals 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday through Saturday
  • Seeking donations – please call to arrange

Shiloh Baptist Church Food Pantry

346 Butternut Street, Middletown

860-346-8295

  • Distributes food on second and fourth Tuesdays of the month from 4 to 5 p.m.

Zion First Baptist Church Food Pantry

16 James A. Moses Ave., Middletown

860-347-5074

  • Every third Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to noon; emergency food available by appointment only

Senator Anwar, Attorney General Tong, Commissions On Human Rights and Opportunities and On Women, Children, Seniors, Equity and Opportunities Advocate for Unity after COVID-19 Asian-American Discrimination

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Senator Anwar, Attorney General Tong, Commissions On Human Rights and Opportunities and On Women, Children, Seniors, Equity and Opportunities Advocate for Unity after COVID-19 Asian-American Discrimination

Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor), Attorney General William Tong, Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities Executive Director Tanya Hughes, Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity and Opportunity Executive Director Steven Hernandez and Commission Co-Chairman Alan Tan joined together in a virtual press conference to denounce discrimination against Asian-Americans and call for unity in light of the continuing COVID-19 outbreak.

Tan said the Commission has received reports in recent weeks of cyberbullying, violent attacks and discrimination against Asian-Americans and Asian-American owned businesses. Much of that is due to inaccurate information being spread about the virus and xenophobic beliefs. Due to social distancing requirements, leaders came together on the virtual teleconferencing platform Zoom to raise awareness of this discrimination and call for an end to it.

“When we face a pandemic like this, we must come together as one,” said Sen. Anwar. “We must not allow ourselves to become divided. COVID-19 is a serious virus and we must protect everyone. To discriminate against Asian-Americans is an unacceptable response to this threat. If we unify to fight COVID, our response will be stronger.”

“Viruses do not discriminate. There is one way we are going to get through this crisis—together,” said Attorney General Tong. “We have all heard reports of fellow Americans being denied service, harassed, turned away and bullied because of their ethnicity. That is not who we are as Americans. Hate is not a cure, and racist dog whistles won’t get us more tests or ventilators. We need our leaders to stop dividing us, and unite our country behind one single mission—saving lives.”

“We call for unity in the face of coronavirus (COVID-19) and condemn racism and discrimination targeting Asian Americans – or anybody for that matter – related to the pandemic,” said Tan. “We are deeply concerned that recent incidents of racism and discrimination against Asian Americans in Connecticut threaten both our collective well-being and ability to manage this crisis.”

“Emergency can bring out the best in us, and we are seeing acts of heroism, empathy and kindness throughout the State,” said Hernández. “But people are also in despair, and despair can sometimes lead to self-harm and the harm of others. We must remain vigilant and lead by example, act humanely, and work against any injustice.”

“COVID 19 has helped to place our most vulnerable populations in greater danger because of poisonous views and cowardice actions that ostracize and target certain communities without justification, creating dangerous and potentially deadly consequences,” Hughes said. “This behavior cannot be tolerated. The CT Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities remains vigilant in providing opportunities for persons to seek redress for discriminatory actions in housing, employment, places of public accommodation and credit. Our staff stands ready to accept and process claims electronically.”

The collective call to stop discrimination comes as reported incidents of violence and harassment against Asian-Americans have increased considering the spread of COVID-19. As one example, organizations including the Asian Pacific Policy and Planning Council and Chinese for Affirmative Action launched the Stop AAPI HATE Reporting Center on March 19 in response to reported increases in Asian-American discrimination based on misleading information regarding COVID-19. The website has received more than 650 reports.

Senators Anwar, Haskell Cheer East Hartford Packaging Group for Manufacturing, Donating Face Shields to Protect Health Care Workers

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Senators Anwar, Haskell Cheer East Hartford Packaging Group for Manufacturing, Donating Face Shields to Protect Health Care Workers

EAST HARTFORD – After making a public call this week for businesses to find ways to support local health care workers through donating any personal protective equipment available to them, State Senators Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) and Will Haskell (D-Westport) are cheering an East Hartford packaging group for taking extreme steps to protect workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Ardent Display Group of East Hartford, in less than a week, has designed and begun manufacturing of plastic face shields and plans to donate 10,000 to local hospitals and care facilities. Ardent’s companies produce store displays and fixtures, digital signage and food packaging; the company can design, engineer, tool and manufacture all in house.

“I was horrified to see an online post over the weekend from Dr. Anwar, our State Senator and a pulmonologist, showing a physician using a plastic bag as a shield over his face,” said Donald Budnick, President and CEO of Ardent. Budnick was inspired by Sen. Anwar’s challenge to entrepreneurs to find ways to fight shortages of critical PPEs, or personal protection equipment, in the medical community.

Budnick, his son Justin and members of the Ardent team who shared concerns about PPE shortages discussed the matter, and after Ardent team member Chris Meyer suggested the company could make face shields themselves, staff began designing ways they could create PPEs in-house. After material sourcing on Monday, creating prototypes Tuesday and reviewing details with doctors Wednesday, production on the PPE equipment begins today.

Budnick hopes to manufacture 32,000 face shields daily. The first 10,000 face shields will be donated to local hospitals. After those donations, future face shields will be produced and sold at cost until material supplies run out or the COVID-19 outbreak passes.

“The incredible innovation and selfless dedication to the local community Ardent is showing through these donations shows that we can all make a difference during these difficult times,” said Sen. Anwar. “As a medical doctor myself, I know firsthand the value of PPEs and the potential harm PPE product shortages can cause. I am thankful to Donald, Justin, Chris and all of the members of the Ardent team for working to help save lives and hope other companies can follow suit.”

“Connecticut is rising to the challenge of COVID-1,” said Sen. Haskell. “I am so proud of Ardent and its leaders for taking these brave and selfless steps to assist local health care workers, who need protection in these most important days of the outbreak. We need healthy doctors and health care professionals to combat COVID. These shields will help keep them safe. Ardent is setting an example that we should all be proud of.”

Companies are responding to PPE shortages statewide. In addition to Ardent’s manufacturing of face shields, East Hartford’s NEFCO Corporation donated thousands of N95 respirators to local hospitals this week. Governor Ned Lamont announced Monday that Gil’s Drywall of Plainville and PW Power Systems of Glastonbury have also donated N95 respirators to hospitals.

Businesses with supplies available for donation should contact the Department of Public Health to see the best ways to make such donations. The Department of Public Health has created an online form for members of the public, businesses and philanthropic organizations interested in making these donations at www.211ct.org/DonationsCOVID19. The state is partnering with nonprofit United Way 2-1-1 of Connecticut to collect information and supplies.

Senators Anwar, Haskell Cheer East Hartford Packaging Group for Manufacturing, Donating Face Shields to Protect Health Care Workers

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Senators Anwar, Haskell Cheer East Hartford Packaging Group for Manufacturing, Donating Face Shields to Protect Health Care Workers

EAST HARTFORD – After making a public call this week for businesses to find ways to support local health care workers through donating any personal protective equipment available to them, State Senators Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) and Will Haskell (D-Westport) are cheering an East Hartford packaging group for taking extreme steps to protect workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Ardent Display Group of East Hartford, in less than a week, has designed and begun manufacturing of plastic face shields and plans to donate 10,000 to local hospitals and care facilities. Ardent’s companies produce store displays and fixtures, digital signage and food packaging; the company can design, engineer, tool and manufacture all in house.

“I was horrified to see an online post over the weekend from Dr. Anwar, our State Senator and a pulmonologist, showing a physician using a plastic bag as a shield over his face,” said Donald Budnick, President and CEO of Ardent. Budnick was inspired by Sen. Anwar’s challenge to entrepreneurs to find ways to fight shortages of critical PPEs, or personal protection equipment, in the medical community.

Budnick, his son Justin and members of the Ardent team who shared concerns about PPE shortages discussed the matter, and after Ardent team member Chris Meyer suggested the company could make face shields themselves, staff began designing ways they could create PPEs in-house. After material sourcing on Monday, creating prototypes Tuesday and reviewing details with doctors Wednesday, production on the PPE equipment begins today.

Budnick hopes to manufacture 32,000 face shields daily. The first 10,000 face shields will be donated to local hospitals. After those donations, future face shields will be produced and sold at cost until material supplies run out or the COVID-19 outbreak passes.

“The incredible innovation and selfless dedication to the local community Ardent is showing through these donations shows that we can all make a difference during these difficult times,” said Sen. Anwar. “As a medical doctor myself, I know firsthand the value of PPEs and the potential harm PPE product shortages can cause. I am thankful to Donald, Justin, Chris and all of the members of the Ardent team for working to help save lives and hope other companies can follow suit.”

“Connecticut is rising to the challenge of COVID-1,” said Sen. Haskell. “I am so proud of Ardent and its leaders for taking these brave and selfless steps to assist local health care workers, who need protection in these most important days of the outbreak. We need healthy doctors and health care professionals to combat COVID. These shields will help keep them safe. Ardent is setting an example that we should all be proud of.”

Companies are responding to PPE shortages statewide. In addition to Ardent’s manufacturing of face shields, East Hartford’s NEFCO Corporation donated thousands of N95 respirators to local hospitals this week. Governor Ned Lamont announced Monday that Gil’s Drywall of Plainville and PW Power Systems of Glastonbury have also donated N95 respirators to hospitals.

Businesses with supplies available for donation should contact the Department of Public Health to see the best ways to make such donations. The Department of Public Health has created an online form for members of the public, businesses and philanthropic organizations interested in making these donations at www.211ct.org/DonationsCOVID19. The state is partnering with nonprofit United Way 2-1-1 of Connecticut to collect information and supplies.

Senator Haskell Supports Launch of Emergency No-Interest Loan Program for Small Businesses and Nonprofits Amid COVID-19 Outbreak

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Senator Haskell Supports Launch of Emergency No-Interest Loan Program for Small Businesses and Nonprofits Amid COVID-19 Outbreak

Today, State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport) supported the statewide launch of an emergency no-interest loan program for Connecticut small businesses and nonprofits impacted by COVID-19. Governor Ned Lamont announced the creation of the bridge loan program this morning, which will provide no-interest loans for businesses valued at up to $75,000.

“Over the last week, I’ve heard from dozens of small businesses that are struggling to stay afloat during this pandemic. I’m deeply concerned about the lasting impact that the Coronavirus will have on our local economy,” said Sen. Haskell. “Our state needed to step up and meet this challenge, helping the thousands of struggling entrepreneurs, and I am thankful that Governor Lamont and Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner David Lehman are doing just that. This loan program will be a lifeline to small businesses and nonprofits who need it most. I look forward to helping my constituents apply for these zero interest loans.”

The Connecticut Recovery Bridge Loan Program will make $25 million available to Connecticut businesses and nonprofits with fewer than 100 employees to assist with cash flow. Loan amounts will be valued at the lesser of either three months of operating expenses or $75,000.

The loan program has a zero percent interest rate and carries a 12-month term with six-month extensions available upon request. Businesses must provide personal guaranty and credit scores. Approval is contingent upon a business being profitable prior to March 10, 2020. Businesses cannot have experienced adverse personal credit reports 60 days past due for the last six months. Ineligible companies include those involved in real estate, multi-level marketing, adult entertainment, cannabis and firearms.

Eligibility and application information can be found at ct.gov/coronavirus.

Senator Needleman Releases List of Food Resources In The 33rd Senate District Amid COVID-19 Outbreak

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Senator Needleman Releases List of Food Resources In The 33rd Senate District Amid COVID-19 Outbreak

Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) released a collected list of food resources available in the 33rd Senate District amid the COVID-19 outbreak in Connecticut. With the viral outbreak causing business closures and disrupting finances for many families, the need for local individuals to know where they can receive food if necessary has never been higher. Additionally, members of the public who can give back to their communities should consider donating to local food banks, Sen. Needleman said. Community support during difficult times can help support those in need.

“We need to support those in our communities who may have been recently laid off or had interruptions in their businesses,” said Sen. Needleman. “If you are in trouble in light of the COVID-19 outbreak, please utilize these services. If you can give back, please make donations and help those less fortunate in your community. This will pass, but while we are dealing with it, we need to support each other.”

This list is not conclusive and may not include every resource available.

Food pantries in the 33rd District include:

The Chester Food Pantry – pre-bagged food available for residents
Chester Town Hall
Mon, Wed, Thu – 9 a.m. to noon
Call ahead: 860-526-0013 x213

The Deep River Food Pantry – pre-bagged food available for residents
56 High Street
Tuesday, 9 a.m.-noon; Thursday, 1-4 p.m.
Call ahead: 860-526-6033

The Colchester Food Bank – Offering pre-packaged food bags – call 860-537-7255 to arrange a pickup time through drive-ups. Currently not able to accept donations as Town Hall is closed to the public – encouraging donations of gift cards to local stores and general donations through a drop box outside Town Hall’s front doors at 127 Norwich Avenue, Colchester.

The East Haddam Food Bank will be open regular hours beginning March 24. It is open every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. and from 2:30 p.m. to 5:25 p.m. Donations can be made at the food bank at 488 Town Street in East Haddam from 8 a.m. to noon and from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Donations can also be made at donation bins at Liberty Bank in Moodus and the East Haddam and Moodus post offices. More information is available at 860-891-8100.

The East Hampton Food Bank operates Mondays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon at 43 West High Street in East Hampton. Please call 860-365-5978 for more information.

The Haddam Emergency Food Bank supplies support to families for up to three weeks in a row, then monthly if a family is still struggling. Normal hours are Mondays by appointment only, Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursdays from noon to 6 p.m. and Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon. Please call 860-345-4621 for more information. Haddam Social Services is located at 11 Jail Hill Road in Haddam.

The Portland Food Bank operates Mondays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon in the basement of 7 Waverly Avenue in Portland. It provides non-perishable foods, toiletries and other items for families in need. Please call 860-342-6795 for more information.

Grab and Go options in the 33rd District include:

Grab and Go lunches available at Chester, Deep River and Essex Elementary Schools weekdays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Estuary Grab & Go Service: Estuary is offering grab and go lunches with pickup sites in Clinton, Old Lyme and Old Saybrook for anyone 60 or older. Reservations are required and volunteers will assist with paperwork for first-time attendees. Call 860-388-1611 by 11 a.m. the day before pickup, dialing zero to speak to staff members or leaving full name, phone number, pickup location and dates to pick up.

Drive-through service is available at the following locations:

Clinton’s Town Hall Annex, 48 East Main Street, Tuesdays from 10:30 to 11 a.m.; clients will receive two meals per reservation

Old Lyme’s Lymes’ Senior Center, 26 Town Woods Road, Tuesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; clients will pick up five meals per reservation

Old Saybrook’s Estuary Senior Center, 220 Main Street behind the 210 Plaza, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.. Clients will pick up two meals on Mondays and Wednesdays and one meal on Fridays. Donations are accepted, with a suggested donation of $3 per meal.

Essex Social Services – grocery gift cards available for residents
29 West Avenue, Essex
By appointment only
860-767-4340 x 201

Shoreline Soup Kitchens and Pantries
Remaining Open, pre-bagged food available:

St. Mark’s Roman Catholic Church
222 McVeagh Road, Westbrook
Tuesdays 1-2:45 p.m.

First Church of Christ in Saybrook
366 Main Street, Old Saybrook
Tuesdays, 3-5 p.m.

First Church of Christ Congregational
55 Church Road, Clinton
Wednesdays 5:45-7:45 p.m.

St. John’s Episcopal Church
400 Main Street, Niantic
Thursdays 5-6 p.m.

First Congregational Church of Old Lyme
2 Ferry Road, Old Lyme
Saturdays 9-11 a.m.

Senators Anwar, Haskell Laud East Hartford Distribution Company for Donating 5,000 Respirators to Hartford Hospital

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Senators Anwar, Haskell Laud East Hartford Distribution Company for Donating 5,000 Respirators to Hartford Hospital

EAST HARTFORD – Just one day after issuing a call to the public for individuals, businesses and organizations to donate personal protective equipment to local hospitals if possible, State Senators Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) and Will Haskell (D-Westport) today lauded East Hartford construction distributor NEFCO Corporation for its generous donation of 5,000 N95 respirators to Hartford Hospital. Senators Anwar and Haskell thanked NEFCO leaders for their important actions and asked other businesses with similar resources to do the same if they are able.

NEFCO is a multi-generational family business that has had its roots deeply planted in the Hartford community for the last 40 years.

“I grew up in Hartford, I raised my family in Hartford, and we built our business in Hartford,” said NEFCO CEO David Gelles. “On behalf of the Gelles family and the broader NEFCO family of 350 associates, we are honored to play a role in supporting the heroic nurses, doctors, and first responders as they fight against this awful virus.”

“We are in this together, and I am so happy to hear NEFCO Corporation is supporting local hospitals through this generous donation,” said Sen. Haskell. “Personal protective equipment is in short supply in many local hospitals, and actions like these will help health care professionals treat COVID-19 patients. I hope any other businesses that can join them will take the opportunity.”

“I am so proud of NEFCO Corporation for stepping up and making this donation,” said Sen. Anwar. “Doctors and nurses on the front lines at Hartford Hospital will now have additional protection to preserve their health and help reduce strain on the health care system. If anyone else can do the same, I ask them to follow suit.”

In addition to NEFCO Corporation’s donations, Governor Ned Lamont announced Monday that Gil’s Drywall of Plainville and PW Power Systems of Glastonbury both provided N95 respirators to the state Department of Public Health, which will then distribute them to hospitals in need.

Businesses with supplies available for donation should contact the Department of Public Health to see the best ways to make such donations. The Department of Public Health has created an online form for members of the public, businesses and philanthropic organizations interested in making these donations at www.211ct.org/DonationsCOVID19. The state is partnering with nonprofit United Way 2-1-1 of Connecticut to collect information and supplies.

Some hospitals, including Hartford Healthcare, have created informational lines to coordinate drop off times; those in Hartford County can email COVIDDonations@HHCHealth.org to coordinate such a drop-off to Hartford Healthcare institutions.

Senators Anwar, Haskell Laud East Hartford Distribution Company for Donating 5,000 Respirators to Hartford Hospital

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Senators Anwar, Haskell Laud East Hartford Distribution Company for Donating 5,000 Respirators to Hartford Hospital

EAST HARTFORD – Just one day after issuing a call to the public for individuals, businesses and organizations to donate personal protective equipment to local hospitals if possible, State Senators Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) and Will Haskell (D-Westport) today lauded East Hartford construction distributor NEFCO Corporation for its generous donation of 5,000 N95 respirators to Hartford Hospital. Senators Anwar and Haskell thanked NEFCO leaders for their important actions and asked other businesses with similar resources to do the same if they are able.

NEFCO is a multi-generational family business that has had its roots deeply planted in the Hartford community for the last 40 years.

“I grew up in Hartford, I raised my family in Hartford, and we built our business in Hartford,” said NEFCO CEO David Gelles. “On behalf of the Gelles family and the broader NEFCO family of 350 associates, we are honored to play a role in supporting the heroic nurses, doctors, and first responders as they fight against this awful virus.”

“We are in this together, and I am so happy to hear NEFCO Corporation is supporting local hospitals through this generous donation,” said Sen. Haskell. “Personal protective equipment is in short supply in many local hospitals, and actions like these will help health care professionals treat COVID-19 patients. I hope any other businesses that can join them will take the opportunity.”

“I am so proud of NEFCO Corporation for stepping up and making this donation,” said Sen. Anwar. “Doctors and nurses on the front lines at Hartford Hospital will now have additional protection to preserve their health and help reduce strain on the health care system. If anyone else can do the same, I ask them to follow suit.”

In addition to NEFCO Corporation’s donations, Governor Ned Lamont announced Monday that Gil’s Drywall of Plainville and PW Power Systems of Glastonbury both provided N95 respirators to the state Department of Public Health, which will then distribute them to hospitals in need.

Businesses with supplies available for donation should contact the Department of Public Health to see the best ways to make such donations. The Department of Public Health has created an online form for members of the public, businesses and philanthropic organizations interested in making these donations at www.211ct.org/DonationsCOVID19. The state is partnering with nonprofit United Way 2-1-1 of Connecticut to collect information and supplies.

Some hospitals, including Hartford Healthcare, have created informational lines to coordinate drop off times; those in Hartford County can email COVIDDonations@HHCHealth.org to coordinate such a drop-off to Hartford Healthcare institutions.

Senators Anwar, Haskell Encourage Donations of Personal Protective Equipment to Connecticut Hospitals, Health Care Workers

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Senators Anwar, Haskell Encourage Donations of Personal Protective Equipment to Connecticut Hospitals, Health Care Workers

Today, State Senators Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) and Will Haskell (D-Westport) asked members of the public, businesses and organizations with stocks of personal protective equipment including facial masks, respirators, eye protection and disinfectant to donate those supplies, if possible, to local hospitals and health care workers battling the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.

Doctors, nurses and other medical professionals continue to report shortages of these important protective supplies that could lead to increased illness, further straining health care infrastructure during the difficult COVID-19 outbreak.

“My Senate District has become the front line in the war against COVID-19, with dozens of infections and several deaths already in towns including Westport and New Canaan. Hospitals are beginning what will be an extensive battle against the virus,” said Sen. Haskell. “We know for a fact that hospitals are struggling to obtain adequate amounts of personal protective equipment, and while the supply chain is ramping up, there could be a weeks-long lag in those supplies reaching those who need them. Construction and utility companies, among many other businesses, may have stocks of N95 respirators and other important supplies right now. We encourage them to donate them, if possible, to local health care providers. They could save many lives.”

“To effectively battle COVID-19 and save as many lives as possible, health care professionals cannot themselves fall ill,” said Sen. Anwar, who is a medical doctor. “If a doctor, nurse or paramedic, to name only a few, becomes infected with COVID-19, they must enter quarantine, meaning they would not be able to assist patients. This would put further strain on the health care system. We owe it to ourselves and our communities to support our health care professionals. I ask any business with supplies of N95 respirators, paper masks, eye protection, disposable gloves and head covers, scrubs and disinfectant wipes, liquids and hand-cleaners – anything that can protect health care workers from COVID-19 exposure – to contact their local hospitals and make donations if possible. In tough times like these, anything we can do to support our communities and protect our health care workers will go a long way.”

The call from Senators Anwar and Haskell comes after Governor Ned Lamont announced Monday that two companies have already made donations. Gil’s Drywall of Plainville and PW Power Systems of Glastonbury both provided N95 respirators to the state Department of Public Health, which will then distribute them to hospitals in need, Gov. Lamont said.

Businesses with supplies available for donation should contact the Department of Public Health to see the best way to make such donations. The Department of Public Health has created an online form for members of the public, businesses and philanthropic organizations interested in making these donations at www.211ct.org/DonationsCOVID19. The state is partnering with nonprofit United Way 2-1-1 of Connecticut to collect information and distribute supplies.

Some hospitals, including Hartford Healthcare, have created informational lines to coordinate drop off times; those in Hartford County can email COVIDDonations@HHCHealth.org to coordinate such a drop-off to Hartford Healthcare institutions.

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