University Park, IL,
27
March
2020
|
12:00 PM
America/Chicago

Governors State Responds to Those in Need


As Illinoisans stay home to help stop the spread of COVID-19, Governors State University has stepped up to help Will County first responders and the healthcare community.

Two days after Gov. JB Pritzker issued the executive order, the College of Health and Human Services, led by Dean Catherine Balthazar, donated 3,000 pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) to the Illinois Emergency Management Association (IEMA).

Dr. Balthazar said IEMA representatives indicated first responders such as paramedics, police officers, and healthcare workers are unable to get additional supplies of gloves, gowns, and masks until June, leaving workers extremely vulnerable to infection as they fight to slow the rapid spread of the virus.

Though the university didn’t have many resources to spare, Balthazar said she was happy to donate to a community that she sees as an extension of CHHS, which houses seven programs including Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Nursing, and Health Administration.

 “As a college, all of our programs are very engaged in public health issues, so we are all aware of how important it is to take the situation seriously. Our alumni and prospective students are the ones in the community battling COVID-19,” Balthazar said.