CoxHealth begins accepting masks from the public

CoxHealth’s Incident Command and senior leaders continue to closely monitor the system’s supplies of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including all types of masks, gowns and gloves. The current supply is typical, and more PPE are being aggressively ordered. One order of 120,000 masks is set to come next week, and another 400,000 masks are scheduled to arrive in the near future.

In addition to these supplies, CoxHealth is now gratefully accepting both factory-made and home-sewn masks from the public.

Factory-made masks will be used by providers in clinical areas. Home-sewn masks will be given to patients who are encouraged to wear a mask as they move about the community. Home-sewn masks will also be used by staff in select departments at CoxHealth facilities.

The system asks that they be made according to a CDC pattern, which is available here with instructions. It’s asked that these masks be made with Oly-Fun Fabric, as it has been evaluated by CoxHealth’s Infection Prevention team as a preferable option.

In Springfield, both factory and home-sewn masks may be dropped off at the CoxHealth Foundation, located at 3525 S. National Ave., Monday to Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Individuals donating masks may call 417-269-7150 and someone will come down and pick them up curbside.

In other communities, masks may also be brought to any CoxHealth hospital facility. In Monett and Lamar, masks may be dropped off at the Emergency Departments. In Branson, they may be brought to the Outpatient entrance.