The ongoing shortage of securing personal protection equipment for healthcare workers has led a north Alabama hospital to plead with the community for help.

Athens-Limestone Hospital posted on its Facebook page Sunday that it is "urgently appealing" for help from the community to donate supplies that can be used to help keep healthcare workers safe as they interact with potential COVID-19 patients.

The hospital opened a drive-thru clinic on Thursday to test for flu and strep throat as well as COVID-19 and has plans to keep the clinic open throughout the week.

"Your support of Athens-Limestone Hospital has been an important part of our growth, and ability, right now, to respond to this COVID-19 outbreak," the Facebook message said. "We have opened community drive-thru testing units, and we are urgently appealing to our local suppliers and business leaders to share with Athens-Limestone Hospital any supplies, such as the following: hazmat suits, N-95 masks, isolation/surgical masks, gloves and goggles."

Getting personal protection equipment, or PPE, has been a source of frustration throughout the country. On Sunday, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said states were competing with each other to get vital equipment such as gowns and masks. He called on the federal government to intervene.

President Trump so far has left getting the PPE up to the states.

I’m calling on the Federal Government to nationalize the medical supply chain.



The Federal Government should immediately use the Defense Production Act to order companies to make gowns, masks and gloves.



Currently, states are competing against other states for supplies. — Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) March 22, 2020

The hospital said donations can be made through the Athens-Limestone Hospital Foundation, and will be tax deductible. Hours of drop-off are Monday-Friday, 7:00AM-3:30PM. Items for donation should be delivered to the loading dock located behind the hospital, which can be accessed from West Hobbs Street. Upon arrival, please call the phone number posted on the loading dock doors.

Supplies needed! How you can help! Your support of Athens-Limestone Hospital has been an important part of our growth,... Posted by Athens-Limestone Hospital on Sunday, March 22, 2020

Alternate arrangements can be made by calling 256-233-9141.

To make monetary donations, click here.

For item donation questions and for tax deductibility questions, contact Caroline Canestrari at 256-762-7043 or carolinec@alhnet.org.

“Our hospital, like our community, is being proactive and resourceful in responding to this crisis,” the Facebook post said. “We are working day and night to ensure we have all supplies needed to meet the demands this unanticipated crisis generates.”

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