DSHS Distributes Additional Medical Supplies for COVID-19 Response

News Release
March 15, 2020

At the request of the Texas Department of State Health Services, Texas has received a share of personal protective equipment from the Strategic National Stockpile. DSHS is distributing the medical supplies to hospitals and healthcare providers across the state through the state's Hospital Preparedness Program.

These supplies will support Texas' healthcare workers as they work to respond to and mitigate the impact of COVID-19 in Texas. Items began arriving at a San Antonio warehouse on Saturday, March 14, and DSHS is immediately sending supplies on to its local partners, which will distribute them to healthcare facilities and providers in their areas. DSHS will continue to work with the same organizations to distribute the remaining supplies to areas where they are needed most.

"We’re using a system Texas has used before in times of disaster to get supplies where they’re needed," said Dr. John Hellerstedt, DSHS commissioner. "This will ensure that decisions are made in the communities affected on how best to use these important resources."

"Our healthcare professionals are on the front lines of the COVID-19 response, and the supplies from the Strategic National Stockpile will provide additional resources to help care for patients in our communities," said Gov. Greg Abbott. "I thank our federal partners for their swift response as well as the Department of State Health Services for their ongoing work to deliver these supplies around the state."

"Texas is no stranger to preparing for, responding to and recovering from disasters. We will continue to use the tried and true methods we have used successfully in the past to respond to this event," said Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd. "We will continue to work with and support our local government partners to ensure they are able to access the full range of resources available to them."

The equipment provided includes surgical masks, respirators, face shields, surgical gowns, and gloves.

The Strategic National Stockpile is a national repository of medications and other medical supplies maintained by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and designed to be sent to states during a national emergency.

DSHS is posting the latest information on COVID-19, advice for the public, health care providers, and others, and updating case counts daily on the coronavirus webpage. 

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