1.6-Million-Mask Donation Will Help Protect Frontline Workers in California

By: Adventist Development and Relief Agency

The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) has donated 1.6 million medical-grade masks to Loma Linda University Health (LLUH) in California, United States, to support the health-care organization’s ongoing battle against COVID-19. LLUH plans to use ADRA’s donation to protect frontline workers during COVID-19 vaccine operations.

State officials report that California remains among the highest U.S. regions for coronavirus cases, with more than three million confirmed positive cases as of January 2021, and more than 38,000 deaths.

Loma Linda University Health remains steadfast in preparing for the increasing number of COVID-19 patients, according to its leaders.

“Friends help friends through challenging times, and once again, Loma Linda University Health and ADRA have partnered to help their collective communities. With a donation of 1.6 million masks to Loma Linda University Health and Adventist Health International, lives will be protected both in this community and throughout the world as these masks are distributed. We appreciate what ADRA has done through this incredible gift,” Richard Hart, president of Loma Linda University Health, said.

The 3-ply-mask stockpile will be used at the COVID-19 vaccine clinic soon to open on the campus of Loma Linda University. LLUH also intends to utilize the protective supplies at international mission hospital sites around the world.

“ADRA is committed to protecting health-care workers during this crisis,” ADRA president Michael Kruger said. “We will continue to support medical facilities like Loma Linda University Health and other hospitals around the world to meet the urgent demand of essential medical supplies in this ongoing pandemic.

“We are thankful to ADRA’s donors, and collaborative partners like LIFT Nonprofit Logistics, Partnership for Humanity, and Global Specialty Services, who help us serve vulnerable communities in the U.S. and globally,” Kruger added.

The original version of this story was posted by the Adventist Development and Relief Agency.