State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister is asking school leaders statewide to help hospitals and nursing homes by donating desperately needed items such as hand sanitizer, masks and disinfecting wipes.

Hofmeister wrote district leaders asking schools to donate surplus medical supplies due to the COVID-19 pandemic having significantly drained inventories of personal protective equipment.

Leaders in Oklahoma’s healthcare field underscored the serious need for such items. Care Providers President and CEO Steven Buck said nursing homes face similar challenges. “Medical professionals in nursing homes and hospitals are on the front line of the battle against COVID-19 and need the tools necessary to save lives,” he said.  The specific items needed include masks, eye protection, gloves, disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizer.