Central Mass. business associations asks companies to donate medical supplies for coronavirus fight

Photo | WBJ An N95 surgical mask

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The Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, the Marlborough Economic Development Corp., and the Corridor 9/495 Regional Chamber of Commerce have all put out separate calls for businesses to donate needed medical supplies as healthcare agencies are fighting the coronavirus pandemic.

The Worcester's chamber's request specifically asked life sciences or healthcare organizations to consider donating any medical supplies to the Massachusetts Life Science Emergency Supply Hub, which was created Wednesday to help first responders combat the spread of COVID-19.

The needed supplies are N95/N99 masks, ventilators, stretchers, lab supplies, and even the volunteered time of medical professionals. Those with supplies should fill out this survey and those with healthcare expertise should email supplyhub@massbio.org.

The emergency hub is a collaboration of Massachusetts Biotechnology Council, Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association, the Massachusetts Medical Device Industry Council, and the Conference of Boston Teaching Hospitals.

The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce has put out a similar call for donation of items, while working to connect manufacturers in the industry-heavy region with local health systems to see if they can produce the necessary items needed, said Roy Nascimento, president and CEO of the chamber.

"We have received a tremendous response, with many offers of assistance," Nascimento said. "It’s been very inspiring and encouraging to see the local business community rally together to offer to help in any way they can during this time of crisis."

On Friday afternoon, the Marlborough Economic Development Corp. put out a call for personal protective equipment to be donated to healthcare facilities and emergency care providers. The requested items include face masks, gowns, aprons, gloves, eye protection and hand sanitizer.

Those willing to donate are asked to contact the MEDC office at 508-229-2010 or the Marlborough mayor’s office at 508-460-3770, or directly email MEDC Executive Director Meredith Harris at mharris@marlboroughedc.com.

On Thursday, the Corridor 9/495 chamber reached out to its members on behalf of Marlborough Hospital for any businesses to donate face masks, face shielding and ventilators. Those with supplies should email chamber President & CEO Karen Chapman at karenc@corridornine.org.