There is no shortage of personal protective equipment, but the need remains great for a number of providers. That was more than evidenced at Westfield Memorial Hospital.

On Tuesday evening, the facility helped area first response departments take in some of that important gear. “Today we’re distributing PPE to volunteer fire departments and EMS providers throughout Chautauqua County,” said Westfield Memorial Hospital president Karen Surkala. “It’s part of Westfield Hospital’s, Allegheny Health Network’s, and Highmark’s initiative to give back to the people who served us so well during the height of the pandemic. We want to share with them supplies we have to help them take care of our patients and themselves.”

One year ago today, those items were in short supply with a number of first responders practically begging for the protection. Today, we have overcome that shortage but still face a significant battle in COVID-19.