While many in the healthcare industry work overtime to treat those with the coronavirus and prevent the spread of the virus, one issue facing the local healthcare community is a lack of protective masks, gloves and other supplies needed by healthcare workers and those at high-risk of infection. 

Andrew Ryan, assistant director of operations at CarePlus Home Health Inc., said that while his company began gathering masks at the end of January, there is still a shortage today.

“Supplies are very limited now,” Ryan said. “Unfortunately we’re only able to give one mask per person.”

Having an adequate amount of supplies is, across the board, one of the biggest concerns right now for many in the healthcare industry, Ryan said.

“Whether it’s a small company or not, it’s the biggest thing most people in healthcare are concerned about right now,” he added.

CarePlus Home Health Inc. is a private homecare agency that provides care for patients within the home and also assists hospitals and assisted living centers with licensed staff when needed.

The N95 respirator masks recommended by the Center for Disease Control can be reused when properly sanitized, Ryan said, so his team is working to educate those who receive masks to do so when possible.

But many high-risk patients, such as seniors or those who may be immunocompromised, might not have a mask or other supplies, like toilet paper, he said.

“It’s a sad and scary thing with the seniors,” Ryan said. “A lot of seniors don’t have enough supplies.

“One thing we’ve been trying to do is reach out to people who may have access to gowns, gloves and masks,” he added. “It’s just a matter of trying to get supplies.”

By sharing with many healthcare workers supplies that they do have, Ryan said he hopes to support them from the background “keeping them armed for battle.”

While many communities, such as senior living homes, are working hard to educate residents about how to best address the coronavirus, Ryan said he has also seen communities work to prevent social isolation in the day of social distancing recommendations. With activities such as bingo games from doorways down a hallway, he said they are working to help seniors in new ways.

“That’s really the awesome thing about people in this industry,” Ryan said. “They’re doing it because they care about people and our seniors and finding great ways to innovate and help.”

For people looking to help provide assistance to healthcare workers and communities in need of supplies, Ryan suggested reaching out to local communities and groups. 

“If you go to the grocery store and get a pack of toilet paper, you could give a couple of rolls back to seniors or healthcare workers,” he said.

Ryan also said he is individually reaching out to different churches and organizations to set up drop-off centers for much needed supplies.

“Churches are a safe way to drop of supplies for seniors,” he said. “And seniors really need supplies.”

Ryan is also the president of Catholic Business Network of Montgomery County, and he is working within the network to find ways to help in the local community.

“I’ve been telling people left and right, please keep healthcare workers and those who are on the forefront of this in your thoughts and prayers,” he said.

In a time when mandates and executive orders encourage people to stay home whenever possible, Ryan said that this situation offers the opportunity for connecting with our loved ones.

“Now is a time as a matter of faith, to really enjoy the time we have with our loved ones,” he said. “I know it’s stressful, it’s not easy, but it is a blessing… I think in the long-run, there is a positive about the virus, it’s forcing us to change the ways of how we’re doing things. Take advantage of the time we have with one another.”

In the meantime, Ryan said he encourages people to thank those working in the healthcare industry.

“They are putting their lives on the line, and it’s hard to know what out there is real, but this virus is a challenge for everyone,” he said.