With the pandemic taking its toll on at-risk populations, our healthcare system and its resources, AAOMS recognizes that members are struggling – emotionally, economically and even with the ability to obtain necessary protective surgical gear.
We know obtaining N95 facemasks has been, and will continue to be, a concern. Unfortunately, money is not the issue; it’s the lack of supply and possible confiscation by federal and state agencies before reaching the intended site. Our members are being asked to treat emergent patients in their offices to prevent these patients from going to already-crowded hospital emergency rooms, so since the issue first arose, AAOMS has made it one of its top advocacy priorities to ask every legislative and regulatory stakeholder to indicate that OMSs are first responders so they can be included in PPE allocations.
AAOMS has been working to explore all options to help our members. Thanks in large part to Southern Anesthesia & Surgical (SAS) – our longtime AAOMS Advantage Partner – we have finalized a plan to offer a limited supply of surgical facemasks to our members at no cost.
AAOMS is commissioning an Illinois firm (NorthCape) to sew the masks, and SAS has graciously offered to donate the Halyard H600 two-ply polypropylene sterilization wrap fabric, take the orders and ship the masks to our members at no cost. The reusable masks are available in two styles; the prototypes were developed per specifications put forth by the University of Florida. Because of the reduced availability of supplies, at this time there is a limit of five per order, and orders will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
We do ask that only those members who have remained open during this crisis place the initial orders for five masks. Also, OMSs who wish to receive the donation must understand that the product is being used off-label in an effort to protect them and their staff until N95 facemasks are available.
If your practice is interested in obtaining these masks, give SAS representatives a call at 800-624-5926 and they would be happy to get you set up to receive this donation.
We know it’s a small step, but every step toward keeping our members safe is important. Rest assured, we are looking at every aspect of the pandemic to provide you with information and resources in this most difficult time.
