Providence St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula on Thursday issued an urgent plea to area businesses asking them to donate “any type” of protective mask to medical staff.

While the hospital is no longer accepting calls from media, it issued a release asking for help on a number of fronts, saying blood supplies are running critically low and personal protective equipment is in short supply.

“Providence Montana is asking local and regional businesses and non-health care industries (construction, dental, veterinary, manufacturing, breweries, mining) for Personal Protective Equipment supply donations of any type of mask— surgical, N95 or other,” the hospital stated in its release.

The shortage is not isolated to Montana, as hospitals around the country have resorted to drastic means of protecting front-line healthcare providers. Some have turned to bandanas while others have begun fabricating their own protective gear.

With the number of COVID-19 cases growing, area hospitals also have restricted entrance to their facilities. Providence on Thursday said it will review surgeries in order to save on supplies.

“Providers are reviewing surgeries and procedures using a clinical decision algorithm,” the hospital’s statement read. “Elective/discretionary surgeries and procedures are postponed until further notice. Our leadership is working with statewide healthcare organizations, hospitals and ASCs to encourage similar approach in an effort to conserve supplies.”

The hospital’s press release can be read in full by following this link..