UW Medicine Launches COVID-19 Response Website and Donation Center, Weekdays 10 AM - 2 PM

UW Medicine has seen an unprecedented outpouring of inquiries from the community asking how they can help UW Medicine staff working on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In response, UW Medicine has set up a website where individuals can make cash or in-kind donations and leave messages of support for healthcare workers. Starting today, March 23, UW Medicine will be collecting in-kind donations for items specifically needed to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, provide care for patients and ensure the health and well-being of its frontline medical teams. In-kind donations can be shipped or dropped off to the designated receiving site (4515 25th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105) Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The website provides additional information along with a form to start an in-kind gift. All in-kind donations must be made through the drop-off center rather than individual hospitals and clinics. You can also email covidgifts@uw.edu if you have any questions.

UW Medicine is able to accept the following list of items in unopened and original packaging:

• Disposable face masks- all types, including N-95 respirators
• Clear face shields
• Clear safety/medical glasses or goggles
• Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) Systems
• Exam and surgical gloves
• Isolation gowns
• Disinfecting wipes
• Hand sanitizer

Messages of support for frontline healthcare workers are also being collected on the website. One recent community member wrote, "Thank you UW Medicine staff for watching out for Seattle!" "Some of our staff have had few breaks as we see an increasing number of coronavirus patients and change how our hospitals and clinics are operating," said Lisa Brandenburg, president of UW Medicine hospitals and clinics. "Kind notes and positive messages have been greatly appreciated. UW Medicine has an amazing team that is working to care for our community in this unprecedented time."

In the past week, online donations to the UW Medicine Emergency Response Fund have exceeded $250,000. Funds support the expansion of COVID-19 testing, increased inpatient care capacity, telehealth, research, and other critical efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 and care for those in our community affected by the virus.

UW Medicine includes Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington Medical Center – Montlake, UW Medical Center – Northwest, Valley Medical Center, UW Neighborhood Clinics, Airlift Northwest and the UW School of Medicine.