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How you can help: University of Utah med students are collecting masks, gloves and more

(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Medical workers provide drive-thru COVID-19 testing at University of Utah Health’s Redwood Health Center in Salt Lake City on Friday, March 27, 2020.

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If you want to help others during the coronavirus pandemic, donate medical supplies for frontline health care workers.

A group of student volunteers from the University of Utah School of Medicine is arranging drop-off sites where people can donate personal protective equipment (PPE) — which is in short supply as the coronavirus spreads nationwide.

Here’s what the students are collecting:

  • N95 respirator masks.

  • Other face masks — including surgical masks, and masks used by painters, carpenters, hobbyists, and so on.

  • Medical or disposable gloves.

  • Eye protection goggles (not swim goggles).

  • Face shields.

  • Medical or disposable gowns.

  • Hand sanitizer (any size).

  • Disinfectant wipes.

Original and unopened items are preferred, but opened items will be accepted. No used gloves or masks, please. No questions will be asked.

The first collection event will be Friday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the parking lot south of Trolley Square, at 650 E. 600 South, Salt Lake City.

Volunteers at the drop-off will practice social distancing, and will sanitize all items before collecting them. The items will be sanitized again before distribution.

Other drop-off locations and times are:

• April 10-12, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., West High School, 240 N. 400 West (behind the school), Salt Lake City.

• April 17-19, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Herriman Library, 5380 W. Main, Herriman. (Details are still to be worked out.)

• April 24-26, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Rio Tinto Stadium, 9256 S. State St., Sandy. (Details are still to be worked out.)

If you have questions, call 385-232-3544, or email PPEdonationSLC@gmail.com.