News Release
March 15, 2020
At the request of the Texas Department of State Health Services, Texas has received a share of personal protective equipment from the Strategic National Stockpile. DSHS is distributing the medical supplies to hospitals and health care providers across the state through the state's Hospital Preparedness Program.
These supplies will support Texas' health
care workers as they work to respond to and mitigate the impact of COVID-19 in
Texas. Items began arriving at a San Antonio warehouse on Saturday, March 14,
and DSHS is immediately sending supplies on to its local partners, which
will distribute them to health care facilities and providers in their
areas. DSHS will continue to work with the same organizations to distribute
remaining supplies to areas where they are needed most.
"We’re using a system Texas
has used before in times of disaster to get supplies where they’re
needed," said Dr. John Hellerstedt, DSHS commissioner. "This will
ensure that decisions are made in the communities affected on how best to use
these important resources."
"Our health care professionals are on
the front lines of the COVID-19 response, and the supplies from the Strategic
National Stockpile will provide additional resources to help care for patients
in our communities," said Gov. Greg Abbott. "I thank our federal
partners for their swift response as well as the Department of State Health
Services for their ongoing work to deliver these supplies around the
state."
"Texas is no stranger to preparing for,
responding to and recovering from disasters. We will continue to use the tried
and true methods we have used successfully in the past to respond to this
event," said Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd.
"We will continue to work with and support our local government partners
to ensure they are able to access the full range of resources available to
them."
The equipment provided includes surgical
masks, respirators, face shields, surgical gowns and gloves.
The Strategic National Stockpile is a
national repository of medications and other medical supplies maintained by the
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and designed to be sent to states
during a national emergency.
DSHS is posting the latest information on COVID-19,
advice for the public, health care providers and others, and updating case
counts daily at dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus.
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Visit us on the web at http://www.dshs.texas.gov.