Maricopa County Unified Command has distributed more than half a million pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) to date, but requests continue to pour in. During a press conference earlier today, the Unified Command updated its efforts to provide critical PPE to health care workers and first responders and explained how it prioritizes distributions.
PPE Distribution and Supply Update
Maricopa County prioritized PPE to acute care hospitals and EMS transport, with the highest priority given to long-term care facilities like nursing homes and hospice with positive/active cases.
As of April 23, Maricopa County has distributed:
- 65,800 N95 Respirators
- 149,450 Surgical Masks
- 29,813 Face Shields
- 82,025 Surgical Gowns
- 180,618 Gloves
Maricopa County has ordered millions of additional units of PPE to keep up with the demand, but like many others, the county is waiting for those items to be delivered at a time when supply nationwide is limited. Unified Command is also coordinating options with local manufacturing partners as well as federal and state agencies. So far, the Maricopa County supply of PPE has included inventory from the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS), purchases by Maricopa County Public Health, the Arizona Department of Health Services and private donations.
Requesting PPE
Health care facilities throughout Maricopa County submit requests for PPE to Maricopa County. More information on submitting a request can be found at maricopa.gov/COVID19. Those requests are reviewed and prioritized, with a focus on those facilities which have positive cases. Cities, towns and tribal communities follow a similar process. In some cases, municipalities may request PPE from the regional cache warehouse being operated by the Phoenix Public Safety Incident Management Team.
Donations
Individuals and organizations with personal protective equipment to donate can drop items off at the Donations Warehouse at the Reception Area located at 1645 E. Roosevelt St, Phoenix AZ, 85006, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, Monday through Friday.