WEST PLAINS, Mo – Ozarks Medical Center has announced three ways residents of West Plains and surrounding communities can help during the coronavirus pandemic including homemade masks, monetary donations and participating in an upcoming blood drive.
Homemade Masks
Homemade masks are used as a last resort when personal protection equipment supplies are depleted. These masks may also be worn by visitors, as needed, in the hospital. There are certain guidelines for materials and patterns, which can be found at OzarksMedicalCenter.com or on OMC’s Facebook page.
COVID-19 Relief Fund
The OMC Foundation created a COVID-19 Relief Fund designated to provide assistance as needs continue to be identified for patient care.
“While OMC has yet to experience their first positive case of COVID-19, we are reaching out to you in an unsettling time, a time we must come together to support each other in any possible way we can,” said Sarah Johnson, Director of Development, OMC Foundation. “With the spread of COVID-19 across the world, it is time to be proactive in making sure our healthcare community is fully prepared to deal with any potential positive cases of this virus.”
Scott Palmer of Bradford Pharmacy, the only remaining locally owned pharmacy in West Plains, made the first gift of $100 to the COVID-19 fund and would like to issue a challenge to all who are able that they consider doing the same.
“With your help, we can help keep our community, family, friends, and neighbors safe and healthy as we prepare a frontline of folks to fight this pandemic,” said Carol Silvey, Vice President of Advancement at Ozarks Medical Center Foundation. “The Ozarks Medical Center Foundation thanks you for helping in this fight! Stay home, stay safe, stay healthy.”
Please call the OMC Foundation at 417-853-5200 for any questions about donations or homemade masks. All gifts can be mailed to the OMC Foundation at P.O. Box 1100, #12 Parkway Center, West Plains, MO 65775.
OMC Foundation
The Ozarks Medical Center Foundation, established in 1998 as a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) with a local board of directors, serves as a liaison between the donor and OMC to assist the hospital in providing excellent healthcare to the communities it serves. For more information or to make a gift to the OMC Foundation, please call 417-853-5200.
Blood Drive
Ozarks Medical Center will also host a blood drive with the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (CBC) on April 16 and 17, at the OMC Parkway Center, 1211 Porter Wagoner Blvd, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Reservations are required. Please visit https://bit.ly/donateOMC to schedule your appointment to give blood. If you are unable to use the online scheduler and require assistance, please call 1-417-257-6735.
For more than 20 years Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (CBC) has been a provider of blood for hospitals located across southern Missouri and northern Arkansas. The threat of an increased need for blood supplies due to the pandemic of COVID-19 coupled with the mandates of social distancing has drastically increased the need for donations.
With updated protocols to keep donors safe and appropriately distanced, you are just a few simple clicks away from learning about how you can donate blood safely and register for this critical event. While everyone is encouraged to donate, OMC would like to issue a special challenge to all healthcare workers to please make plans to donate if you are physically able. Please remember, all donations benefit your local hospitals.
About Ozarks Medical Center
Ozarks Medical Center is a system of care encompassing eight primary care and 17 specialty clinics, along with complete rehabilitation, behavioral healthcare, and home care services. While the 114-bed acute care hospital cares for more than 5,400 admissions, the entire medical system has more than 364,000 patient visits annually in South Central Missouri and Northern Arkansas. For more information about OMC and coronavirus, visit www.OzarksMedicalCenter.com/Coronavirus.
