FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(St. Paul) - March 20, 2020 - Nurses are calling on Minnesotans to help with the drastic shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) in Twin Cities hospitals. The Minnesota Nurses Association is accepting donations of N95 masks, which will be distributed to the State Emergency Operations Center to distribute to nurses who are running out at their respective hospitals.



"We've received numerous emails and calls from well-wishing patients and their families," said MNA President Mary C. Turner. "They're asking if they can donate to the nurses who are on the frontlines and caring for patients every day."



MNA will accept new masks at its offices at 345 Randolph Avenue, Suite #200 in St. Paul. The office is closed, but a limited number of staff will be present to accept donations.

"Every mask collected means a nurse will be less afraid to go home to their families at night," Turner said. "Re-using masks is potentially dangerous for both nurses and patients. And if we can't keep nurses safe, we won't have nurses to care for patients."



Where: MNA Office, 345 Randolph Avenue, #200 St. Paul, MN 55102

When: Saturday, March 21-Sunday March 29 from noon until 2 p.m.

Why: To replace the shortage of certified N95 masks in Minnesota hospitals

How: Come to MNA office, remain in car, staff will accept masks

What: Certified N95 masks from healthcare or construction uses, new and unused