A regional health network’s ability to obtain personal protective equipment (PPE) throughout the COVID-19 pandemic has provided a windfall for area emergency response agencies.
On Thursday, 41 emergency medical service agencies loaded up on KN95 face masks, surgical masks, face shields and surgical gowns at a distribution in Conemaugh East Hills parking lot.
The event was a partnership between Conemaugh Health System and Allegheny Health Network/Highmark Health.
Robert Twaddle, vice president of prehospital care for Allegheny Health Network, said the supplies are being donated at no charge to the agencies.
“Highmark was able to obtain a good quantity of PPE throughout the onset of the pandemic last year,” Twaddle said. “As the distribution chain dried up, we began to maintain our stock and utilize it within our network.