GSU Provides PPE in Pop-Up Shops

Governors State University (GSU) is partnering with community and faith-based organizations serving the South Suburbs and Chicago’s South Side to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) in an effort to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

The collaboration, including Sisters Working It Out, Project Brother HOOD, University of Illinois Cancer Center, Susan G. Komen, Village of University Park, is hosting pop-up shops in the two areas where the COVID-19 pandemic has had a disproportionate impact due to racial and health disparities.

Since June 5, residents from Auburn Gresham and Englewood to Robbins have received more than 1,500 gift bags of PPE. The distribution will continue through July 31.

Dr. Tonya Roberson, Director of Community Engagement, Program Development and Academic Support in the GSU College of Health and Human Services, said the South Suburbs and the South Side are made up of close-knit neighborhoods—not just zip codes. Residents are working together to secure PPE, including masks which limit the spread of droplets.

“We have to recognize community residents are afraid because of a lack of knowledge, information, and needed resources, including personal protective equipment,” Roberson said.

The group’s next give-away is set for noon to 2 p.m. on Friday, July 10 at the Village of University Park, 4 Towncenter Drive.