GWINNETT – As the number of COVID-19 cases continue to rise, there has also been an increased demand for medical supplies such as ventilators, hospital masks and gloves. Wednesday, April 1, Gwinnett Technical College gathered its supply of ventilators used in its Respiratory Care program and other health sciences and nursing programs to donate to the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA).
Gwinnett Tech police officers were called on to gather the ventilators and other PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and bring them to a GEMA location where they will be distributed to assist hospitals with the growing number of COVID-19 cases. “GEMA called and requested our ​ventilators, and Gwinnett Tech police officers along with faculty from the health sciences division collected the supplies needed,” said Gwinnett Tech Police Chief Mike Blouin.
“Gwinnett Tech has long been woven into the fabric of the healthcare system in our community. For years, this partnership has allowed our students to grow and thrive in their training. In the midst of this public health emergency, I am thrilled that Gwinnett Tech can give back to our community partners,” stated Kristen Buoy, Dean of Health Sciences.
“Gwinnett Tech’s Respiratory Care Program is proud to have provided all our ventilators in order to support patients’ survival capabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic,” stated Nadya Khoja, Program Director, Respiratory Care.
“Gwinnett Tech donated 1,095 N95 masks and 160,000 gloves, as well as 10 ventilators,” said President Dr. D. Glen Cannon. All of this was coordinated through the Technical College System of Georgia, GEMA and working with Gwinnett Tech Police Chief Blouin, faculty and staff.
“We are proud to be called upon to support our medical community in this time of need. They have supported us with clinical teaching sites and hiring our students upon graduation and we are glad to give back in such an important way,” said Dr. Cannon. “We are hopeful these ventilators and supplies will assist in saving lives.”
About Gwinnett Tech: Gwinnett Technical College, one of Georgia’s largest technical colleges, is committed to delivering relevant knowledge to meet the workforce training needs of its community. The College offers more than 140 associate degree, diploma and certificate programs and hundreds of seminars, workshops and courses providing specialized training. Gwinnett Tech is Gwinnett County’s largest provider of corporate training and also serves residents and businesses in North Fulton County. Gwinnett Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award the associate degree. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call for questions about the accreditation of Gwinnett Technical College. In addition, some college programs hold separate licensure or accreditation status with appropriate agencies. For more information, visit GwinnettTech.edu. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia.