PRIDE Industries Joins With CMA to Distribute 90 Million Pieces of Critical PPE to California Doctors

PRIDE Industries has joined a statewide effort to deliver more than 90 million pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) to doctors throughout California. The PPE drive is being led by the California Medical Association (CMA), which aims to get the life-protecting equipment into the hands of more than 13,000 physicians at medical practices with 50 or fewer health care providers.

Small and medium sized medical practices have been hard hit by the pandemic, and some have had to limit hours or close completely because of a lack of protective equipment. By aiding these practices, the CMA and its partners seek to strengthen California’s health care infrastructure as the state continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We hope that by providing these kits to medical practices with 50 or fewer physicians, we’ll help these practices—which are so vital to the health of many communities—stay open and continue caring for their patients,” said CMA President Peter N. Bretan, Jr., M.D. “Our goal is to give each doctor enough PPE to last for two months.”

PRIDE has been packing and shipping about 800 PPE kits a day since July 17. Each kit contains dozens of N95 and surgical masks, gowns, gloves, and face shields. The PPE kits are distributed to doctors at drive-through events that take place in large outdoor venues. More than 30 of these distribution events will take place during the course of the donation campaign, in cities up and down the state, from San Diego to Sacramento and beyond.

“PRIDE is honored to partner with CMA for this statewide project,” said Jeff Dern, CEO of PRIDE Industries. “California’s medical personnel are making sacrifices to fight this pandemic. We want to do all we can to help keep them safe as they continue to treat patients.”

The medical equipment has been donated by the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (CalOES). Altais, a health care services company that helps doctors streamline clinical administration, is providing financial support for the PPE distribution. The kits are given to doctors free of charge, regardless of CMA membership status.

To date, more than 4,600 PPE kits have been distributed to physician practices in California. The first drive-through distribution took place on July 27 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. On August 10, Cal Expo will host a PPE distribution event on its grounds. And on August 11, the final PPE drive-through event will take place at Oracle Park in San Francisco.

About PRIDE Industries: PRIDE Industries is the leading employer of people with disabilities in the country. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit social enterprise, the organization provides facility operations and maintenance services, custodial services, contract manufacturing, supply chain management, and fulfillment services to public and private organizations nationwide. Founded in 1966, PRIDE’s mission is to create jobs for people with disabilities through person-centered job coaching, training, and placement. PRIDE’s mission extends across the country, assisting individuals to become self-sufficient, contribute to their communities, and achieve their goals. Learn more at prideindustries.com.

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