FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
County Lauds Peninsula Health Care District for $3M Donation to COVID-19 Response
Generous commitment will help fund protective equipment, other critical needs
Redwood City, Calif. – San Mateo County supervisors today thanked the generous residents and organizations donating to the local COVID-19 response and highlighted Peninsula Health Care District committing up to $3 million to fund protective equipment and other critical needs.
“In these really uncertain times, organizations like Peninsula Health Care District that step up and respond to the community are key to our ability to persevere and come out stronger. We at the County just can’t thank them enough. That money will be put to good use, helping people avoid contracting the virus and helping those who already have it,” said Supervisor Carole Groom who, along with Supervisor Dave Pine, sits on the Board of Supervisors’ Ad Hoc Committee on COVID-19.
The Peninsula Health Care District Board’s $3 million commitment will go toward the overall COVID-19 response and to purchase vital needs not covered by federal relief or other funds. Details are being finalized.
“There is no denying that our community and the world are facing an opponent that is requiring each and every one of us to stand up and do our part,” said District President Dr. Lawrence W. Cappel. “In that spirit, I am proud to stand here to announce that the Peninsula Healthcare District has unanimously voted to provide San Mateo County’s health system with up to $3 million in support in the fight against COVID-19. It is our hope that through this investment; our community will get one step closer to containing COVID-19.”
Cappel also called on other organizations to examine their budgets to determine if they also have the ability to support the County’s health care system during this crisis.
“Individuals and organizations around the county are showing tremendous compassion and generosity in addressing the many urgent local needs arising from the COVID-19 crisis,” said Supervisor Dave Pine whose First Supervisorial District — like that of Groom — is largely included in the health care district. “While we are entering the worst of this pandemic, we are seeing simultaneously our better angels emerging to meet this challenge. The Peninsula Health Care District has set an inspiring example for all to follow.”
In addition to Peninsula Health Care District, the County has received generous donations of personal protective equipment from such companies as Facebook in Menlo Park and Chimera Bioengineering in South San Francisco.
Members of the public can drop off donations at the County’s central collection center off of Maple Street in Redwood City. Generous donors have filled multiple carts with equipment.
Supplies in demand are:
- Unused N95 respirators and surgical masks. They can be opened, as long as they have not been used.
- Unopened packages of disposable gloves
- Unopened containers of hand sanitizer
- Unopened containers of disinfectants and disinfecting wipes
- Packaged, unused protective goggles
How to Help:
Donate Supplies
Personal protective equipment supplies can be dropped off Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Maple Street Correctional Facility, 1300 Maple St., Redwood City.
**Please follow the “donations” sign to staffed collection bins in the parking lot. Only items on the list above will be accepted.**
Technical organizations (EXAMPLE: pharma, biotech) or other businesses with medical supplies to donate should email smcmeddonations@smcgov.org
Contribute to the San Mateo County Strong Fund
Those interested in making a financial donation should visit smcstrong.org where they can choose to help individuals, families, small businesses, nonprofits or where the need is greatest in San Mateo County
Visit www.smcgov.org for local information and resources related to COVID-19.