Medical Masks for Georgia
MEDICAL MASKS FOR GEORGIA aims to put 25,000 masks in the hands of our frontline heroes battling COVID-19 within 3 weeks.
As of 04/28/2020, in the state of Georgia, there have been 24,676 confirmed COVID-19 cases, 1,030 deaths, and 4,877 hospitalizations.
Why Georgia? Why Albany? As of 4/11/2020 In the Metropolitan Statistical Area of Albany alone, the COVID-19
rate of infection is 1.25% and the death rate is 6.05% which higher than New York City with a rate of infection of 1.18% and a mortality rate of 5.82%.
None of us will ever forget this time in our lives. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed everything about daily life in America and around the world. Social distancing, empty streets, travel restrictions, virtual homeschool (yikes!), and closed businesses at every corner are just a few things that we were not expecting at the start of Spring in 2020. Although still busy with family life at home, are you feeling idle? Do you feel the desire to serve your community but have no way to do so in this age of “sheltering in place”? You are not alone.
The hero in this crisis is the vast healthcare community that is at war with the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 disease. Some areas of the country are already struggling with the surge of sick patients. Other areas of the country wait nervously for the inevitable surge to arrive. Regardless of the region, healthcare providers and first responders are ready. They are ready to act, ready to treat, and ready to support the community they serve. However, they need personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves, eye protection, gowns, and especially MEDICAL MASKS to protect themselves and maintain the integrity of the workforce. Everyone has seen stories where PPE are in short supply. Everyone has also seen stories of private citizens purchasing or donating this equipment to hospitals and caregivers. Let’s step up as concerned members of the community and make a difference together.
MEDICAL MASKS FOR GEORGIA aims to raise money as quickly as possible to purchase 25,000 desperately needed masks (and PPE) to provide to those healthcare workers and first responders here in our community and throughout Georgia. We have the sources, we just need the funds.
Who are we?
Jamie Miller, MD, MPH: Jamie graduated from Georgia Tech with a BS in Microbiology, obtained her MPH from Emory University, and subsequently attended The Medical College of Georgia where she received her MD degree. Currently a stay-at-home mom with 4 children, she is passionate about this issue and driven to serve.
Celeste Jackson, MS, SLP: Celeste, a Dallas, TX native, received her BS in Communication Disorders from Harding University and subsequently obtained her MS in Communication Disorders at the University of Texas Dallas. After moving to the Atlanta area with her husband, she started a speech therapy practice, Baby Talk Therapies, which specialized in treating infants and children with language, swallowing, and feeding disorders. She is currently a stay-at-home mom of 3 children and is passionate about helping the medical community who serve on the front lines.
LaLa Halsema: LaLa is a native of Georgia and lover of Atlanta who attended the University of Georgia as a Fine Arts and Theatre major. An active member of the community and a film producer, she has produced narrative films and many projects for non-profits and socially conscious organizations. LaLa firmly holds the belief that we are all connected to each other and the best way to soothe anxiety especially right now is to help one another.
Mandy Gawley: Mandy is an Atlanta based full time mom of 3 young children & an independent recording artist & songwriter with deep family roots in GA. She is passionate about helping those who risk their lives to save others. She believes grass roots efforts of people who come together in love can change the world.
Davin Miller, MD: Davin is a native Atlantan who attended The University of Georgia as a Microbiology major, then went on to graduate from The Medical College of Georgia with an MD degree. He is currently a practicing Neonatologist in Atlanta and sees the urgent and increasing need for protective equipment on a daily basis.
How will the funds be used?
100% of the money raised will be used for the purchase and distribution of medical masks or other PPE. We have worked hard to source N95 and KN95 masks through our contacts.
Who will benefit?
Frontline healthcare providers and first responders who need these supplies will be prioritized. We have multiple relationships and contacts throughout the state to determine need.
Are donations tax deductible?
Medical Masks for Georgia has obtained a fiscal sponsor. This means ALL DONATIONS ARE 100% TAX DEDUCTIBLE – this is retroactive to previous donations as well. Paperwork is currently processing and will be formally posted ASAP.