Hospitals are running low on personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect their health care workforce who are treating patients with COVID-19. Saving lives is our number one mission and we thank you for your willingness to help.
For those of you who attended yesterday's teleconference with Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe, Mo Department of Economic Development (DED), and our partners at NIST MEP, we appreciate your input and questions. We were all provided with valuable information to help guide Missouri manufacturers wanting to help the state and country meet the critical PPE needs. Did you miss it? You can view the recording with the NEW LINK.
Next Steps? In this email, we feature:
guidance on where to go WHEN READY to make and sell PPEs that meet FDA requirements to hospitals throughout the state.
additional information on specs for PPEs for those interested in retooling.
an invitation to a virtual meeting with state officials today at 3:30 p.m. with more details for manufacturers.
information about the federal Paycheck Protection Program to help businesses who have been impacted by this health crisis. The funding can help with payroll to retain workers, rent/mortgage, utilities and more. Applications are being taken TODAY! (see below for more)
If you are CURRENTLY READY to produce PPEs and want to be added to the state's supply list that is provided to hospitals each week for purchasing (*pricing, capacity, shipping, and other information must be provided), click on the button above to be directed to DED's form.
In you are INTERESTED in helping produce PPEs, YOU can and should reach out to local hospitals and clinics to offer assistance. Here are five steps to first consider: 1. Review the pattern and specifications for producing PPE. Determine if your factory can be retooled to produce surgical masks and/or shields. The pattern is available at www.aha.org/100MillionMasks. 2. Learn about your hospital’s or health system’s needs. Reach out to leaders at your local hospital to learn more about their PPE needs and how your company can help. 3. Source materials for PPE. You likely do not have the materials on hand to make PPE. Work with your local hospital to learn about what materials you can use and how to access them. Be creative and innovative about how to make it work. 4. Ensure the products meet quality, safety and sanitization standards. Work with your hospital partner to ensure the products are produced in a way that meets quality, safety and sanitization standards before they are shipped to the hospital. 5. Deliver the PPE to your hospital partner. The need for PPE is immediate and will be ongoing. Work with your hospital partner to identify how to get the masks and shields to your providers. 6. Join Missouri Enterprise's Covid-19 Manufacturing Network to connect with other manufacturers helping with the cause to share best practices, material sourcing, etc. Click on the button below to join!
Links to Specs, Standards, and Insight:
FDA issued guidance on Enforcement Policy for Face Masks and Respirators During the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Public Health Emergency.
FDA issued guidance on Enforcement Policy for Gowns, Other Apparel, and Gloves During the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Public Health Emergency.
ASTM International is providing no-cost public access to important ASTM standards used in the production and testing of personal protective equipment - including face masks, medical gowns, gloves, and hand sanitizers.
Federal PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM (PPP) - Apply TODAY!
You can start applying TODAY through any existing SBA lender or through any federally insured depository institution, federally insured credit union, and Farm Credit System institution that is participating. Other regulated lenders will be available to make these loans once they are approved and enrolled in the program. You should consult with your local lender as to whether it is participating. Visit www.sba.gov for a list of SBA lenders or click here for more information on how to get started. FYI-- IRS announced yesterday that the first electronic payments to individuals under the Coronavirus Relief program should be issued by the end of next week. Treasury expects 50 to 70 million Americans to receive checks through direct deposit by April 15.
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