BOISE – The Idaho Office of Emergency Management (IOEM) has secured a generous donation in partnership with ICU Health, a California based Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) manufacturer, which has set the benchmark as the largest donation of PPE the state has received throughout the pandemic. The one million- piece donation includes an equal number of surgical-grade masks and face shields. The first of six truckloads arrived at the state warehouse today, courtesy of another donation from IOEM strategic partner, Uber Freight. 

“Idaho is grateful for the dedication and generosity of ICU Health in supporting Idaho during the pandemic,” Governor Brad Little said. “We are truly blessed to partner with so many organizations taking steps to promote the health and safety of Idahoans during a time of critical need.”

Idaho has a robust history of coordinating volunteer and donation efforts in the midst of a disaster or emergency. For the COVID-19 pandemic, management of PPE donations have been routed through the state Emergency Operations Center (EOC).

“During disasters and emergencies, partnerships and donations have always strengthened our response. While the past 11 months have been filled with challenges addressing current and emerging needs, one of my most impressive observations has been the incredible generosity of individuals and organizations committed to supporting Idaho’s effort during the COVID-19 public health emergency,” said IOEM Director Brad Richy. “The state of Idaho routinely reaches out to offer assistance to others in their time of need, and it is a testament to the strength of our relationships that others are willing to reach back out in our times of need as well. I want to personally thank ICU Health for this act of generosity and kindness.”

Many companies, governments, and public institutions have struggled to obtain adequate equipment for their frontline and essential workers. To help deal with this unprecedented challenge, ICU Health has worked in close partnership with Plastikon Industries, Inc., to expand their state-of-the-art manufacturing for the production of “Made in the USA” PPE.

“Manufacturing PPE in our own partner factory means that we can have strict control over quality, allowing us to place safe, ‘Made in USA’, frontline-ready equipment in our customers’ hands faster than ever before,” says Kirk Hobbs, CEO of ICU Health.

The companies’ Made in USA products include NIOSH-approved N95s, ASTM Levels 2&3 Surgical Masks as well as basic procedural masks. With this partnership, ICU health can manufacture over half a million N95 masks, ASTM-rated surgical masks, and basic face masks per day.

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The Idaho Office of Emergency Management is a Division of the Idaho Military Division. The services we provide are to facilitate emergency management in Idaho, and to assist neighboring states. The women and men of this Division are dedicated to their mission of protecting the lives and property of the people of Idaho, as well as preserving the environmental and the economic health of Idaho.

Download the full press release here.