- Credibility:
LINCOLN SQUARE — A $25,000 donation from PNC Bank will help Swedish Hospital get 2,000 more 3D face shields for its staff, officials announced Thursday.
The bank’s charitable foundation made the donation to the hospital’s COVID-19 Relief Fund, which is assisting front-line workers and vulnerable members in the community.
The funding will help purchase materials to print the 3D face shields, boosting an effort launched in March by Richie and Deborah Beien of Lincoln Square. The donation also will pay for transportation vouchers for more than 50 workers in hopes of limiting their public exposure to the virus.
Hospitals across the nation have been dealing with shortages of critical personal protective equipment needed to help prevent staff from contracting coronavirus while they treat patients.
Gov. JB Pritzker called the worldwide chase for personal protective equipment “the Wild West” thanks to a lack of federal coordination during a press conference last month.
“PNC’s donation will significantly help those impacted by the pandemic, especially our front-line nurses, doctors and staff,” said Anthony Guaccio, president and CEO of Swedish Hospital. “We have had a tremendous outpouring of support from volunteers and generosity from partners like PNC, who have stepped up to help us fill the gap for much-needed services and supplies.”
Since the hospital’s relief fund launched in April, donations have helped purchase medical supplies and provide financial assistance to employees impacted by COVID-19.
“Now, more than ever, essential workers and those most vulnerable need our help during these challenging times,” said Scott Swanson, PNC regional president for Illinois. “We’re all in this together. PNC is proud to join in the collective efforts to protect those on the frontline from exposure to the virus and to keep our communities safe.”
PNC’s donation to Swedish is part of a broader commitment announced by the bank last month to provide $30 million to support of coronavirus relief efforts.
To learn more about the hospital’s relief fund and to donate click here.
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