During the initial outbreak of COVID-19, as businesses closed their doors and families sheltered in place, hospitals experienced a surge of patients needing critical care. The demand for beds reached near-capacity levels in Maryland. As the supply chains dried up across the nation, the prices of masks, sanitizer, and ventilators soared. For example, the cost of disposable gowns skyrocketed 400% within one week.

Mercy’s COVID Command Center and Supply Department wasted no time kicking into high gear, exhaustively searching for the necessary equipment and supplies from every possible source. We worked with Medline, Cardinal Health, and more than a dozen other vendors and direct suppliers over the next few months to completely redevelop our supply system. The hospital’s most critical areas—such as the Operating Rooms, NICU, and the Emergency Department—were prioritized.

Meanwhile, retired clinicians and nurses donated their personal stock of unused N95s and face shields for our other healthcare workers. Crafters and clothes makers from all over the state set up shops at home, cranking out cloth masks for our non-clinical staff. Foundations and corporations donated clinical supplies in the thousands. Local breweries converted their warehouses to making alcohol-based hand sanitizer, which they delivered to our doors day and night. Every day, businesses sent food and messages of support to our front line staff. More than 400 donors contributed to our Rapid Response Fund, and dozens of businesses and individuals donated supplies and materials.

Dr. Andrea Limpuangthip, Medical Director of Quality and Patient Safety at Mercy Medical Center, helped to distribute donated materials throughout the hospital. She said, “The community really stepped up to support Mercy during our hour of greatest need. Donors not only provided critical supplies, but these acts of kindness also helped to boost the morale of our clinicians and staff during an incredibly demanding and stressful time. Mercy was able to meet the challenges of this crisis thanks to our donor champions.”