Share

University Expands Donations of Protective Gear to Local Medical Centers
Research Office Delivers Supplies to UT Southwestern, Methodist Richardson

Office of Research staff members Tyler Tornblom (left) and Steve Lucas load personal protective equipment donated by University faculty members and lab staff. The supplies were delivered to Methodist Richardson Medical Center.

As the COVID-19 pandemic remains a threat in North Texas, The University of Texas at Dallas continues to help protect area medical professionals against the novel coronavirus.

After a March 21 donation of personal protective equipment (PPE) to Parkland Health & Hospital System, Dallas County’s public hospital, University staff and faculty have made similar contributions of PPE supplies to UT Southwestern Medical Center and Methodist Richardson Medical Center.

UTD donated Tyvek suits 6; goggles 6; lab coats 30; coveralls 54; N95 masks 322; gowns 502; bouffant caps 800; show covers 1,030; face masks 1,450; alcohol wipes 2,850; gloves 107,173.

The UT Dallas Office of Research has spearheaded the ongoing collection of supplies from labs as research activities on campus have transitioned to a maintenance-only mode of operation. Donations include more than 100,000 gloves, 322 N95 masks and over 1,400 surgical face masks.

The COVID-19 pandemic has spotlighted the critical role research universities play in their communities, both in good times and under more challenging conditions, said Dr. Joseph Pancrazio, vice president for research and professor of bioengineering at UT Dallas.

“Under normal circumstances, UT Dallas’ mission of teaching, research and service includes service to the community and the world,” Pancrazio said. “In these extraordinary times, it is imperative that we, as a Tier One research university, stand and lead during a situation that affects our region and beyond.”

Pancrazio said the donation to UT Southwestern, which was unique in its inclusion of coveralls, goggles and bouffant caps, reinforces the close working relationship between the two University of Texas System institutions.

Kathan McCallister, assistant vice president of research operations, coordinated the initial response to the first request from Parkland. He continues to handle the logistics of gathering donations and getting them where they are needed.

“We’re working to make sure that our health care workers — doctors, nurses, everyone put in a position to be exposed to contagious patients — are not sacrificing their own well-being as they treat others,” McCallister said. “We remain grateful for the opportunity to serve.”

Media Contact: The Office of Media Relations, UT Dallas, (972) 883-2155, [email protected].