FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Melissa Utsuki
Executive Director of Communications and External Relations
626-914-8872
mutsuki@citruscollege.edu
Citrus College Delivers N95 Respirator Masks to Local Hospitals
Glendora, Calif. (April 22, 2020) – Citrus College recently donated over 600 N95 respirator masks to area hospitals as part of its ongoing response to the nation's current public health crisis.
On April 21, college personnel delivered masks to Foothill Presbyterian Hospital in Glendora, San Antonio Regional Hospital in Upland, Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center in Pomona and City of Hope in Duarte. The masks, which were part of the college's emergency supplies inventory, were donated in response to the critical shortage of personal protective equipment affecting those on the front line of this global pandemic.
"Reports show that more and more health care workers are falling ill with COVID-19, while many others are being asked to re-use their masks due to a scarcity of supplies. When the college realized we had a modest inventory of N95 masks, we knew we needed to do everything we could to get them into the hands of those who desperately need them," said Dr. Geraldine M. Perri, superintendent/president of Citrus College. "As an active community partner, Citrus College has long been committed to meeting the needs of the cities and citizens it serves. Donating these masks is one way we can do so during these challenging times."
Prior to distributing the masks, Citrus College personnel reached out to local hospitals to determine where the need was greatest. Once the recipient list was confirmed, the logistics of delivery were finalized.
"We are pleased that we could provide additional help to our valued health care partners," said Claudette E. Dain, vice president of finance and administrative services at Citrus College. "These hospitals do so much to support our students and our community, so we are happy that we are able to assist them with this donation."
The physical closure of the Citrus College campus took place on March 18, and a limited number of essential employees were granted access to the campus to help facilitate the donation of the masks. The campus will remain closed through June 12, 2020.
"Although California's community colleges have had to drastically adjust the way they operate because of COVID-19, it has been inspirational to see that so many colleges have found ways to provide assistance and relief," said Dr. Patricia A. Rasmussen, president of the Citrus Community College District Board of Trustees. "I am thankful that Citrus College had this opportunity to give back to our partners in the health care field. They have been the true heroes during this crisis and deserve all of our support and gratitude."
###
