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State leaders, Broncos and nonprofits held medical supply drive

Anyone with unused medical equipment was asked to drop it off at the north end of Empower Field at Mile High on Sunday.

DENVER — Project C.U.R.E., Colorado Concern, state leaders and the Denver Broncos asked people to donate their unused medical equipment at Empower Field at Mile High on Sunday afternoon.

The personal protective equipment collected will go to Colorado hospitals.

“Typically Project C.U.R.E. is shipping medical supplies all over the world. Now, we’ve pivoted 180 degrees and we’re taking care of the first responders here at home," said Douglas Jackson, Project C.U.R.E. president and CEO.

Volunteers like CU Anschutz medical student Dustin Lamb collected supplies Sunday afternoon at Empower Field.

"We got some Clorox. We got a lot of hand wipes. We’ve got some shoe protectors, a lot of masks," Lamb said, taking stock of the donations he collected in a large crate.

All afternoon, people drove up and dropped off. Erik Johnson swung by early. The acupuncturist had PPE to spare. 

“I kind of said, 'hey, this is all the stuff that I have that I can give right now. I know I’m not going to be in business here for the next month, maybe even more most likely, so let me give what I can right now," he said.

Most filled their trunks with donations, but Roberta Smith rode up on her bike. The industrial hygienist and infection control nurse emptied a bag of masks and cleaning supplies. 

“The more community contributions that we can get, the more we can pull together as a community, the better we can protect my fellow healthcare workers," Smith said.

Project C.U.R.E. planned to truck the items to its warehouse in Centennial and distribute them among Colorado healthcare providers that need the supplies.

RELATED: Hospitals worry of shortages as first responders, medical workers use more protective equipment

“Our healthcare professionals and hospitals need our support now more than ever as they respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are taking the unprecedented step of reaching out to the community to ask anyone who may have these necessary supplies to get them to our collection point. The need cannot be overstated,” said Mike Kopp, CEO of Colorado Concern, an organization devoted to investing in and promoting a pro-business environment through the political process. “Some hospitals have between three and six days of inventory on hand and will be resorting to using bandanas to protect employees. It is time to step up and give back."

RELATED: Colorado nurses sewing masks to fight shortage during outbreak

These following supplies are in critical need. Organizers asked only for unopened and unused equipment.

  • Sterile and non-sterile gloves
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Bleach bottles and sprays
  • Isopropyl alcohol
  • Eye protection and goggles
  • Clear face shields
  • Tie, ear loop masks(Cloth masks will not be collected)
  • Respirator masks(N95, N99, P100. Extra filters are also needed)
  • PAPR respirators(3M or MaxAir. Hoods, filters, batteries, chargers, and tubes to go with the units are needed.)
  • Disposable gowns
  • Shoe covers
  • Biohazard bags

Organizers said items will be collected using proper social distancing.

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