Jen Halverson of Heartline Ministries wrote a very educational piece on her blog, This Isn’t Grey’s Anatomy, about what is needed and how you can help (and also what shouldn’t be done. Worth the read – if you can help, please do.
Medical supplies: Medications: A few things to remember: Thanks in advance for your help!
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2010
FAQ—what medications & supplies are most needed?
General supplies
2. Non-sterile gloves, sizes M and L
3. Bleach, spray bottles, and paper towels
4. Medical-grade disinfectant wipes
5. Bars of soap
6. Hand sanitizer
7. Good quality gallon size Ziplock bags to make hygiene packs (or just make your own hygiene packs with a couple washcloths, a couple bars of soap, hand sanitizer, ORS packets, etc)
8. Diapers (for babies and adults) and baby wipes
9. Chux pads
10. Headlamps
1. IV catheters: 18, 20, 22, and 24 gauge
2. IV tubing
3. ORS packets
1. Doxycycline
2. Ciprofloxacin
3. 1 liter bags of IV fluids (Lactated Ringers)
4. Zofran (ondansetron) IV and sublingual tabs
5. If tests results return showing that the cholera is susceptible to Azithromycin, that will be needed as well (we are still waiting on these results)
At least for now, please only donate medications and supplies that are on this list. Other meds and supplies are typically needed, but in a time when everyone is working on the cholera epidemic, sorting through extra meds and supplies will create extra work for people who are already overwhelmed and working very long days. Please do not donate used supplies or expired meds. Do not donate opened/unsealed meds (such as a personal prescription), and do not donate partially used items (such as a half-empty box of gloves, an open bottle of hand sanitizer, etc). I don’t mean to sound harsh–I just know how much time it takes to sort through inappropriate donations.