When the next pandemic occurs, or even when the second wave of this one hits, a hospital group based in the Quad Cities will be ready. Genesis Health System, and 14 others around the country, have each bought a minority stake in the largest domestic maker of personal protective equipment - Prestige Ameritech.
Director of Materials Management, Lisa Rogalski, says when the pandemic began it was nearly impossible for Genesis to buy masks and respirators. And when she could find them, she had to pay up to 20 times more than before, and wait a long time for delivery.
"The two points for me, when I look at the benefits this brings to Genesis, is the fact that we're secure now and we can create a stockpile that'll help us for future surges if we have them. But it also helps us to get the products that we need to get at a realistic cost."
Another benefit of the deal is that this ppe will be made in the US, in Texas. Prior to COVID-19, most ppe was made in China.
Rogalski says the investment in Prestige Ameritech closed last week, and Genesis will probably submit its first order this week. And by the end of the summer it should have all the masks and facial protection it needs.
Genesis serves 12 counties in eastern Iowa and western Illinois.
