As jurisdictions within Whatcom County have come together in a comprehensive, coordinated approach to mitigating the spread of COVID-19, so are caring citizens and area industries.
BP Cherry Point refinery in Ferndale, which initially donated $60,000 for software and training to help launch Whatcom Unified Command (WUC), recently donated another $25,000 worth of essential resources, including personal protective equipment (PPE.)
“This is an ongoing and essential need for our community,” said Pam Brady, director of external affairs at BP Cherry Point refinery. “We are glad that we could share these resources with the community.”
In its most recent contribution, BP donated more than 3000 Tyvek suits, 300 lab coats, 5700 gloves, 1500 booties and, in partnership with Northwest Solutions, 100 gallons of hand sanitizer.
In response to the need for healthcare-grade PPE, other local businesses stepped up with similar donations. Petrogas Ferndale Terminal recently donated more than 1,000 PPE suits and 12,000 gloves to WUC for healthcare providers. Petrogas has pledged to donate more. Additionally, Axon, a company that provides protection for law enforcement, donated gloves for use by first responders.
“There have also been several generous, anonymous donors,” said Wally Kost, a WUC branch manager responsible for securing and distributing essential supplies. “It is so heartening to see our community stepping up to the plate in this time of need.”
Those who wish to donate to the community’s COVID-19 response or related needs, such as for area Food Banks, are encouraged to contact WUC_Donations@co.whatcom.wa.us.
