The Ritz Herald
Health care workers in Pennsylvania. © Pennsylvania Medical Society

Partnership Increases Access to Personal Protective Equipment for Health Care Workers in Pennsylvania


PAMED is a physician-led, member-driven organization representing all physicians and medical students throughout the state

Published on July 06, 2020

Health care workers in Pennsylvania now have greater access to personal protective equipment, thanks to a partnership between the Pennsylvania Medical Society (PAMED) and ActionPPE.

The partnership will fill a growing need for physicians, nurses, physician assistants and other health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, said PAMED President Lawrence John, MD. About 20 percent of physicians in a statewide survey said their facility has less than a week’s worth of PPE in stock.

“As Pennsylvania continues to reopen, it is essential that health care workers have enough masks, gowns, and other PPE to protect themselves,” Dr. John said. “Patients must return to follow-up on care that they have been putting off for months. To do that, they need to feel safe. This partnership between PAMED and ActionPPE is helping accomplish this.”

ActionPPE was launched by the Charleston County Medical Society in South Carolina.

PAMED physician members can purchase KN95 masks, isolation gowns, disposable gowns, and face shields. These products are produced in China and take about four weeks to arrive.

More than 200 orders have been placed since the partnership began in late April. PAMED receives no compensation. More information is available at pamedsoc.org/PPEorder.

Staff Writer