GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) – In anticipation of California reaching the peak of COVID-19 cases here in the next two weeks, Orchard Hospital is preparing the best they can.

Orchard Hospital CEO, Steve Stark says, “Orchard Hospital is facing a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE). During this crisis, we are pursuing different avenues to increase our supplies so that we can meet the critical need and to support our frontline staff and patients.”

Orchard is now accepting donations of new: N95 masks, face masks (with ties or elastic – including homemade fabric masks), face shields, protective glasses/goggles, body protective wear (rain ponchos, coveralls and bunny suits) and gloves. Other hospitals that have agreed to accept home-made fabric masks have asked for the inside of the mask to have a different pattern from the outside so health-care professionals can easily identify between the two.

Items can be dropped off at the hospital’s entrance during regular hours with the security guards or you can schedule a drop time with Matt Washburn at (530) 846-9064.

Stark goes on to thank some of those that have donated supplies to the hospital up to this point: The Mendo-Lake Complex Fire Relief, Oroville Center and Lynne Spencer. Stark says, “Thank you for thinking of our patients and our staff. We are grateful for your generosity.”