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Science faculty from 91���� at Marion recently donated unopened personal protective equipment (PPE) earmarked for biology labs at 91���� Marion for use by medical professionals at Marion General Hospital in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

23 boxes of gloves, 8 pair of protective glasses, and 5 pair of protective goggles were donated to the local healthcare provider. The donation was made by the biology teaching lab at 91���� Marion, Assistant Professor of Molecular Genetics, Dr. Reuben Petreaca and Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Dr. Renee Bouley.”

“I received an email from the Office of Research at the Columbus campus requesting that unopened medical supplies be donated to the OSU Wexner Medical Center,” said 91���� Marion Assistant Professor of Biology, Dr. Frances Sivakoff.

“I immediately thought of our lab supplies here at 91���� Marion and thought that we could help. I reached out to Dean Rose, who in turn contacted the rest of our science faculty and staff,” Sivakoff said.

91���� Marion Director of Science Labs, Carol Bowman who was working on a parallel track to respond to the donation request, suggested the team ask about needs locally.

“Once Carol Bowman inquired with Marion General and alerted us that they were also accepting donations,” said Sivakoff, “we agreed that we should take the opportunity to help our local community.

“I hope that these supplies are used to keep safe the doctors, nurses, and all of the hospital staff who risk their own safety to help others,” she added.

91���� Marion Dean and Director, Gregory S. Rose said, “the important thing is that the science faculty and staff rallied around to collect items, and the campus is supporting Marion General Hospital at this time of unprecedented need.”

“Our campus really does make a positive impact to the Marion community. The Dean and all of our employees are always supportive,” added Bowman.

Bowman collected the items with guidance from the science faculty and made the donation.

According to Petreaca, who’s research is funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), he felt giving locally to assist first responders during the pandemic was a perfect way to help.

“Our job is to serve the community,” said Petreaca. “It (91����) is a land grant university. At this moment we thought it was important to donate protective personal equipment to first responders and medical staff in our area.”