The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) has donated 1.6 million medical-grade masks to Loma Linda University Health (LLUH) in California, to support the hospital’s continued battle against COVID-19. LLUH plans to use ADRA’s donation to protect frontline workers during COVID-19 vaccine operations. 

California state officials report the state remains among the highest U.S. regions for coronavirus with more than 3 million confirmed positive cases and 21,400 hospitalizations since the beginning of the year. (*These numbers are likely to change as more cases are reported.)

Loma Linda University Health remains steadfast in preparing for the increasing number of COVID-19 patients.

“Friends help friends through challenging times, and once again Loma Linda University Health and ADRA have partnered to help their collective communities. With a donation of 1.6 million masks to Loma Linda University Health and Adventist Health International, lives will be protected both in this community and throughout the world as these masks are distributed. We appreciate what ADRA has done through this incredible gift,” says Richard Hart, MD, DrPH, president of Loma Linda University Health.

The 3-ply-mask stockpile will be used at the COVID-19 vaccine clinic soon to open on the campus of Loma Linda University. LLUH also intends to utilize the protective supplies at international mission hospital sites around the world.

“ADRA is committed to protecting healthcare workers during this crisis. We will continue to support medical facilities like Loma Linda University Health and other hospitals around the world to meet the urgent demand of essential medical supplies in this ongoing pandemic,” says ADRA’s President Michael Kruger. “We are thankful to ADRA’s donors, and collaborative partners like LIFT Nonprofit Logistics, Partnership for Humanity, and Global Specialty Services who help us serve vulnerable communities in the U.S. and globally.”

For details on ADRA’s COVID-19 emergency response, visit ADRA.org/coronavirus.

Learn more about LLUH’s response to COVID-19 at lluh.org/coronavirus.