The University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med) has received 36,650 gloves, 61 masks, 10 face shields and 13 goggles – personal protective equipment much needed for the COVID-19 testing medical students are performing at the School’s University Health internal medicine practice in Reno, and for other care UNR Med and University Health clinical operations are providing across the state.

Faculty of the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources, and its Experiment Station, gathered the items from their labs and delivered them to their colleagues at UNR Med this week.

“I was extremely pleased by our faculty’s response,” said Chris Pritsos, associate dean of research and director of the Experiment Station for the College, who coordinated the effort. “They were truly happy to contribute during this time of need. They had these items in their labs for their work, but put the highest priority on the health of our communities, which is exactly what we need to do right now. Their lab supplies will be replenished at a later date.”

Pritsos said the suggestion actually came from one of the College’s professors currently conducting research in France. Marjorie Matocq, from the College’s Department of Natural Resources & Environmental Sciences, wrote in an email:

“I was definitely inspired by the massive mobilization, including University resources, here in France. The level of solidarity on this issue here is overwhelming in terms of everyone doing all they can. In addition to the University giving all supplies and equipment to the cause that they can, another example is that some of my daughter's teachers are volunteering their time to care for the children of medical professionals, so that those individuals can focus their energy on remaining on the front lines.”

UNR Med Dean, Thomas L. Schwenk, M.D. and vice president of Health Sciences at the University, says that colleagues from other colleges at the University, including those in the College of Science and College of Liberal Arts, are now also extending an offer to collect and contribute personal protective equipment to the efforts surrounding COVID-19.

"We’re united in fighting this virus and need as much community support as possible," Schwenk said. "The generosity of our colleagues across the University – and many others coming forward every day to offer support to not only UNR Med and University Health, but to all of our hospital partners – will play a critical role in supporting our frontline workers who are getting people the help they need. I am deeply grateful for their generosity. We are closely coordinating our efforts with our state’s health care providers and officials, and will share supplies where they are needed most. We will get through this difficult time together, with the strength, compassion and tenacity that Nevada is known for,” he said. 

Schwenk says University Health is still in need of and are collecting the following items:

• Surgical loop masks
• N95 masks/respirators
• Isolation gowns
• Gloves
• PAPRs (powered air-purifying respirators, and filters and hoods)
• Goggles
• Face shields (full face, surrounding sides)

Those with items to contribute should email Jennie Parker, practice administrator for University Health, or call her at 775-420-4824.