Quinnipiac assists in fight against COVID-19

Photo+courtesy%3A+qu.edu

Photo courtesy: qu.edu

Brooke Reilly

Quinnipiac University is donating medical supplies to health care professionals in the Connecticut area as they work to help those suffering from COVID-19.

Quinnipiac’s Nursing, Health Sciences and Medical Schools had a variety of medical supplies, including, approximately 30,000 surgical and non-surgical gloves, 480 surgical and N95 masks, 400 gowns, 250 shoe covers and 40 bottles of hand sanitizer. This personal protective equipment is being donated to health care professionals across the state.

“Quinnipiac University is committed to doing whatever it can to help slow the spread of the coronavirus, keep the community safe and assist those experiencing food insecurity,” said Lisa O’Connor, dean of the School of Nursing and a member of Quinnipiac’s Coronavirus Task Force. “We are grateful to the hard-working medical professionals and longtime partners of the university, who are on the frontline delivering critical patient care.”

The university has also opened up housing to first responders to provide those who need to self-isolate away from their homes with a space to live. The Whitney Village housing complex contains 50 apartments with a single bedroom and bathroom in each unit. There are also separate entrances providing police officers and firefighters with a safe way to enter and leave as necessary.

“Quinnipiac has my most sincere appreciation for supporting the Town of Hamden’s emergency assistance request by making 50 university-owned apartments available as needed to first responders who need a place to self-isolate after potential exposure to COVID-19,” Hamden Mayor Curt Leng said. “Their true partnership during this time is essential, and I am so thankful they immediately stepped to the plate to help as we work to maintain the health of our first responders and our community.”

Throughout the past week, Quinnipiac facilities workers collected a variety of food items from university buildings and residence halls to donate to local food banks and pantries. Quinnipiac Dining donated food as well. 

“We are grateful for the opportunity to be able to help our local communities, first responders, and health professionals as we all join together to fight this unprecedented health care crisis,” Quinnipiac University President Judy Olian said.