N95 Masks for ER doctors
Donation protected
One Mask for 12 Hours!!!
Two weeks ago, my partner - a doctor at a major NYC hospital - shared the news that ER staff were being ordered to wear only one surgical mask for the entirety of their 12-hour shift. This was due to the shortage caused by the COVID-19 crisis. One of her colleagues is already ill despite wearing an n95 surgical mask.
At first, that may not seem like a terrible burden, but understand the specifics. To be safely worn, n95 masks cannot be reused, as putting on a “hot” mask puts the wearer at the risk of self-infection. Moreover, when reused, the straps stretch and the seal is degraded. The practical result of this is that doctors and medical staff are wearing their masks for the entirety of their 12-hour shifts. That means no eating or even drinking water until they can safely and properly transition out of their Personal Protective Equipment at the end of the day.
Our goal here, understanding that this crisis will likely last for several months, is to upgrade the supply for her hospital. What we hope is that the staff of her hospital will be able to use two masks a day, thus allowing for a lunch break.
We can't let this go on.
In an effort to help out, we have decided to source the mask ourselves. We have contacted a supplier who has agreed to ship us 10,000 N95 masks and FaceShields to us for $40,000.
With your help, we hope to be able to do that.
Our goal is to provide masks and face shields directly to doctors, nurses, and ER staff, not the administrator or the institution. We have created a google spreadsheet with colleagues and their request for PPE. Myself and my partner will be personally responsible for putting the masks directly into the hands of the doctors and ER staff who desperately need them.
100% of all the donations will go towards the purchase of the N95 masks and PPE.
This project is organized by volunteers for ER Staff in NYC
These masks will go to ER personnel in the following hospitals in NYC:
- Wykoff
- Beth Israel
- Brookdale
- NYU Brooklyn
- Woodhull
- NY Presbyterian
- Elmhurst
Goals:
Stage 1: $40,000 committed to put in the order for 10,000 N95* masks ($4/each). Shipment will arrive by Monday (3/30/20 earliest)
Stage 2: $6,815 committed to 500 face shields ($4/each), 500 pvc goggles ($8.85/each), 3000 hair nets (13cents/each).
Stage 3: Remainder of $53,185 committed to purchase of 13,296 masks
100% of all donations will go directly into the purchase of N95 masks and Personal Protective Equipment for emergency room personnel in NYC. We already have doctors waiting for these masks at all the major hospitals in the NYC area. They have told us that their hospitals have either run out of masks or are asking them to reuse the ones they have, which creates major health risks.
*note, N95 masks are more expensive than other masks such as KN95 and surgical masks.
OUR COMMITMENT
We have a warehouse in place and a google spreadsheet for doctors in need. Once the masks are delivered, we will reach out to doctors to pick them up. Stay updated, we will post on where the donations are going.
FAQ
How will the funds be used?
100% of the funds will go directly to the purchase of masks and other urgent Personal Protective Equipment for emergency room personnel in New York City hospitals. These will be given directly, in hand, to doctors and not the hospital administrator. Should we raise enough money and have enough access to supply, we hope to expand our donations to other doctors in need.
Why NYC?
New York State has the most Coronavirus cases in the United States, totaling more than 7,500 confirmed cases (as of 3/21). We hope that we can help the New York City area first and continue to provide masks until our goal is reached.
Why aren’t the hospitals & government ordering these masks directly?
Hospitals as well as government agencies are trying their best to procure masks. Some hospitals do have a supply of masks. However, they have effectively “locked the supply closet”. They are issuing only one mask per day in lieu of stretching out the supply. This is a dangerous practice.
What happens if you don’t hit your goal?
If we don’t hit the stage one goal of $40,000 we will switch to KN95 masks. They are the version of the N95 mask used in China, and they are available at a lower price. We are in contact with buyers in similar situations. If we reach less than $10,000 in donations we will partner with them to fulfill a minimum order. If we cannot partner with other buyers and minimum isn’t reached we will refund all the donations. But our main priority is to purchase masks for doctors with whatever funds we receive.
I’ve seen other charity efforts related to COVID-19. How is this one different?
Your donation will go directly to the purchase of masks & other urgent PPE for NYC emergency room staff at Beth Israel, Wykoff, Brookdale, NYU Brooklyn and other area hospitals. Because of your donations, funds will be able to get equipment that is greatly needed and out of reach for doctors currently. Unlike other charities, ours is related directly to the supply of masks & PPE and doctors who need it. Not the hospital administration or policy on how many masks a doctor can have.
How are you procuring the masks?
Through our volunteer network, we are fortunate to have relationships with a manufacturer of the N95 & surgical masks, a logistics coordinator for one of the largest shipping organizations in the country and a corporate buyer. The manufacturers are certified with the FDA and/or the European Union to supply medical equipment. The masks are NIOSH approved.
How much are you paying for the masks?
Currently for 10,000 masks the price with shipping included is $4/mask. However, we are working with our logistics coordinator to drive the price down. If we don't reach our goal, we have alternate methods to place a smaller order, however the price would be higher per unit. We are consistently comparing prices while verifying that the manufacturer meets FDA and NIOSH standards.
How are you distributing the masks?
Through our volunteer network, we are securing a warehouse in Brooklyn. The masks will be delivered there, where emergency room personnel can come and pick them up, so that they go directly into the doctors hands.
How do you prioritize who receives the mask?
The emergency room staff are the priority. They are the infantry on this battle against COVID-19.
Are donations tax deductible?
Currently, donations are not tax-deductible. We have realized that the need is so urgent that we must move forward and hope that you will donate.
Please contact us with any other questions you may have.
Two weeks ago, my partner - a doctor at a major NYC hospital - shared the news that ER staff were being ordered to wear only one surgical mask for the entirety of their 12-hour shift. This was due to the shortage caused by the COVID-19 crisis. One of her colleagues is already ill despite wearing an n95 surgical mask.
At first, that may not seem like a terrible burden, but understand the specifics. To be safely worn, n95 masks cannot be reused, as putting on a “hot” mask puts the wearer at the risk of self-infection. Moreover, when reused, the straps stretch and the seal is degraded. The practical result of this is that doctors and medical staff are wearing their masks for the entirety of their 12-hour shifts. That means no eating or even drinking water until they can safely and properly transition out of their Personal Protective Equipment at the end of the day.
Our goal here, understanding that this crisis will likely last for several months, is to upgrade the supply for her hospital. What we hope is that the staff of her hospital will be able to use two masks a day, thus allowing for a lunch break.
We can't let this go on.
In an effort to help out, we have decided to source the mask ourselves. We have contacted a supplier who has agreed to ship us 10,000 N95 masks and FaceShields to us for $40,000.
With your help, we hope to be able to do that.
Our goal is to provide masks and face shields directly to doctors, nurses, and ER staff, not the administrator or the institution. We have created a google spreadsheet with colleagues and their request for PPE. Myself and my partner will be personally responsible for putting the masks directly into the hands of the doctors and ER staff who desperately need them.
100% of all the donations will go towards the purchase of the N95 masks and PPE.
This project is organized by volunteers for ER Staff in NYC
These masks will go to ER personnel in the following hospitals in NYC:
- Wykoff
- Beth Israel
- Brookdale
- NYU Brooklyn
- Woodhull
- NY Presbyterian
- Elmhurst
Goals:
Stage 1: $40,000 committed to put in the order for 10,000 N95* masks ($4/each). Shipment will arrive by Monday (3/30/20 earliest)
Stage 2: $6,815 committed to 500 face shields ($4/each), 500 pvc goggles ($8.85/each), 3000 hair nets (13cents/each).
Stage 3: Remainder of $53,185 committed to purchase of 13,296 masks
100% of all donations will go directly into the purchase of N95 masks and Personal Protective Equipment for emergency room personnel in NYC. We already have doctors waiting for these masks at all the major hospitals in the NYC area. They have told us that their hospitals have either run out of masks or are asking them to reuse the ones they have, which creates major health risks.
*note, N95 masks are more expensive than other masks such as KN95 and surgical masks.
OUR COMMITMENT
We have a warehouse in place and a google spreadsheet for doctors in need. Once the masks are delivered, we will reach out to doctors to pick them up. Stay updated, we will post on where the donations are going.
FAQ
How will the funds be used?
100% of the funds will go directly to the purchase of masks and other urgent Personal Protective Equipment for emergency room personnel in New York City hospitals. These will be given directly, in hand, to doctors and not the hospital administrator. Should we raise enough money and have enough access to supply, we hope to expand our donations to other doctors in need.
Why NYC?
New York State has the most Coronavirus cases in the United States, totaling more than 7,500 confirmed cases (as of 3/21). We hope that we can help the New York City area first and continue to provide masks until our goal is reached.
Why aren’t the hospitals & government ordering these masks directly?
Hospitals as well as government agencies are trying their best to procure masks. Some hospitals do have a supply of masks. However, they have effectively “locked the supply closet”. They are issuing only one mask per day in lieu of stretching out the supply. This is a dangerous practice.
What happens if you don’t hit your goal?
If we don’t hit the stage one goal of $40,000 we will switch to KN95 masks. They are the version of the N95 mask used in China, and they are available at a lower price. We are in contact with buyers in similar situations. If we reach less than $10,000 in donations we will partner with them to fulfill a minimum order. If we cannot partner with other buyers and minimum isn’t reached we will refund all the donations. But our main priority is to purchase masks for doctors with whatever funds we receive.
I’ve seen other charity efforts related to COVID-19. How is this one different?
Your donation will go directly to the purchase of masks & other urgent PPE for NYC emergency room staff at Beth Israel, Wykoff, Brookdale, NYU Brooklyn and other area hospitals. Because of your donations, funds will be able to get equipment that is greatly needed and out of reach for doctors currently. Unlike other charities, ours is related directly to the supply of masks & PPE and doctors who need it. Not the hospital administration or policy on how many masks a doctor can have.
How are you procuring the masks?
Through our volunteer network, we are fortunate to have relationships with a manufacturer of the N95 & surgical masks, a logistics coordinator for one of the largest shipping organizations in the country and a corporate buyer. The manufacturers are certified with the FDA and/or the European Union to supply medical equipment. The masks are NIOSH approved.
How much are you paying for the masks?
Currently for 10,000 masks the price with shipping included is $4/mask. However, we are working with our logistics coordinator to drive the price down. If we don't reach our goal, we have alternate methods to place a smaller order, however the price would be higher per unit. We are consistently comparing prices while verifying that the manufacturer meets FDA and NIOSH standards.
How are you distributing the masks?
Through our volunteer network, we are securing a warehouse in Brooklyn. The masks will be delivered there, where emergency room personnel can come and pick them up, so that they go directly into the doctors hands.
How do you prioritize who receives the mask?
The emergency room staff are the priority. They are the infantry on this battle against COVID-19.
Are donations tax deductible?
Currently, donations are not tax-deductible. We have realized that the need is so urgent that we must move forward and hope that you will donate.
Please contact us with any other questions you may have.
Co-organizers (2)
Danny Viterbo
Organizer
Brooklyn, NY
Lizzy Wong
Team member