COPE Galway is one of nineteen locations across Galway which will benefit from a major distribution of PPE today, as Heroes-Aid begins its nationwide distribution of protective equipment to frontline workers.
The not-for-profit organisation, which was set up at the start of the pandemic to protect and support frontline health care workers, is arranging for the direct distribution of 250,000 face masks to 200 sites across Ireland.
Heroes-Aid is also delivering 10,000 visors, 7,000 gowns and 9,000 high specification FFP2 face masks to hospitals, GPs, nursing homes, and a number of NGOs.
In its first three months, the organisation has made a number of significant deliveries of PPE nationwide, but today’s distribution is the largest to-date to Ireland’s frontline healthcare workers.
The PPE deliveries will also include charities with a focus on the homeless sector including Simon Community, The Peter McVerry Trust, COPE Galway, Merchant’s Quay Ireland, SafetyNet Primary Care and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
Dr Maitiú Ó Tuathail, Medical Director of Heroes-Aid, said that there is still a high demand for PPE from frontline workers – in particular GPs, who are the first line of defence against Covid-19.
“These deliveries of PPE will allow our frontline workers and heroes continue to care for their patients safely,” said Dr Ó Tuathail.
“Heroes-Aid does not aim to replace HSE PPE deliveries, but to address urgent shortages and act as a bridge between deliveries.
“Our work is very much complementary to the great work being undertaken by the HSE and every cent raised to date has provided PPE to those on the frontline.”
He urged frontline workers who are in critical need of PPE to contact Heroes-Aid through its website.
In just two months, donations of €250,000 by members of the public from all over Ireland have been made to the organisation to help and protect frontline heroes.
Bravo Charlie Tango bikers are helping to deliver the PPE, along with Heroes-Aid, throughout Ireland.
