Letter: Thanks to those helping Portsmouth first responders with PPE

To the editor:

Congratulations to Portsmouth’s COVID-19 Emergency Management Team (IMT) for their great efforts to actively seek donations of critically needed personnel protective equipment (PPE). 

PPE, such as Tyvek suits, surgical masks or N95 masks, are needed by our first responders and health workers needing to protect themselves and patients during this COVID-19 pandemic. We are very grateful for the many individuals who have generously donated their time and resources. They include:

Portsmouth Rotary Club, Portsmouth Business Association, Sarge’s Auto Body, Sew Nice Fabrics, Dr. Wayne Labore, Newport BMW, Home Depot- Middletown, Advanced Auto Parts, RB Queen, Portsmouth Auto Sales, Ocean State Air, Portsmouth School Department and Andrew Kelly, Portsmouth school nurses, Melissa L. Perry (student at CCRI Dental Hygiene School), Bedjet, Portsmouth Animal Hospital, Pirates Cove Marina, Superior Insulation, Inflicting Ink Tattoo, and numerous town residents.

The IMT volunteers, led by Mary Nebiolo, Pam Gorman and Andrew Vanies, have not only collected donations, but have connected financial supporters, material suppliers, and start-up producers of masks, creating a network for the local production of CDC (Centers of Disease Control)-compliant masks for use by the general public.

The VFW Post 5390 and Sew Nice Fabrics, both located in Portsmouth, are assembling quality masks for our local responders and citizens. More sewing machines and volunteers are needed for this effort. 

The VFW Post, located in Common Fence Point, has a shed on the property where clothing may be dropped off and possibly used to construct the protective masks. The VFW Post may be reached at 401/835-3819.
Ray Perry

Director, Portsmouth Emergency Management Agency