DENVER – There will be a personal protective equipment (PPE) drive Sunday, March 22 from noon to 4 p.m. at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver at which people are encouraged to bring PPE, hand sanitizer, bleach products and more in order to help health care workers in Colorado protect themselves in the fight against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

The state has been waiting for more PPE from the federal government, Gov. Jared Polis said Friday, as the state prepares for an onslaught of new patients due to regular ailments and the virus. Organizers of the event say there is a “critical shortage” of PPE.

Coronavirus in Colorado: Latest COVID-19 updates across the state

Sunday’s PPE drive was put together by House Majority Leader Alec Garnett, House Minority Leader Patrick Neville, Project C.U.R.E., Colorado Concern and the Denver Broncos.

People are asked to bring donations to drop off in Lot J on the stadium’s north side. Social distancing will be practiced in the collection of the items, organizers said.

The supplies received at the drive will be distributed among health care providers in Colorado.

Supplies organizers are asking for include:

Sterile and non-sterile gloves in unopened boxes – preferably latex-free

Hand sanitizer – unopened containers

Bleach bottles or sprays – unopened containers

Bleach wipes – unopened containers

Isopropyl alcohol – unopened bottles

Eye protection and goggles – unused in box or wrapper

Clear face shields – unused only

Masks – tie, ear loop – unopened boxes only (no cloth masks)

Respirator masks – N95, N99, P100 of all sizes in unopened boxes. Extra filters also needed.

PAPR respirators – 3M or MaxAir and unused. Hoods, filters, batteries, chargers, tubes to go with these units are also needed

Disposable gowns – unused

Shoe covers – unopened boxes

Biohazard bags – unused

“Coloradans have been stepping up left and right to help our state get through this crisis,” said House Majority Leader Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “Today we’re asking them to step up once again by donating any personal protective equipment they can spare. We will ensure that these critically needed supplies make their way to our hospitals, who are on the front lines of the fight against the spread of COVID-19.”

"Our health providers are working overtime to fight COVID—19, but they need help,” said Minority Leader Patrick Neville, R-Castle Rock. That's why I'm asking for all hands on deck to help them by providing protective gear to the cause. We all need to work together to tackle COVID—19."

“Our healthcare professionals and hospitals need our support now more than ever As they respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are taking the unprecedented step of reaching out to the community to ask anyone who may have these necessary supplies to get them to our collection point. The need cannot be overstated,” said Mike Kopp, CEO of Colorado Concern, “some hospitals have between three and six days of inventory on hand and will be resorting to using bandanas to protect employees. It is time to step up and give back. Colorado businesses are in a unique position to help and we are proud to be working alongside the legislature and our colleagues at Project C.U.R.E. and the Denver Broncos to support this drive.”

“Project C.U.R.E. is a proud member of this community and we’re heart broken by the effects of the coronavirus,” said Dr. Douglas Jackson, CEO of Project C.U.R.E. “The work we do is critical to millions of people and health systems around the world. To the extent that we’re able, we will mobilize our resources to equip medical professionals, first responders here in Colorado and other C.U.R.E. communities against the devastating COVID-19. We will be here for our community and those in need.”

