Okaloosa EMS seeks mask donations

Okaloosa County EMS is experiencing a critical need for masks and has asked the Niceville-Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce for help in reaching out to businesses and citizens to ask for help. The First Responders do not have masks to use as they transport and care for potentially contagious patients.

NICEVILLE, Fla –– Okaloosa County EMS is experiencing a critical need for masks and has asked the Niceville-Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce for help in reaching out to businesses and citizens to ask for help.

First Responders do not have masks to use as they transport and care for potentially contagious patients. The county is unable to purchase masks from its vendors and it is unclear how long it will be before they become available, wrote Tricia Brunson, Niceville Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce President & CEO, in an email to chamber members.

“While N95 Masks are the optimal type, any mask would be appreciated. If you are in a business that has masks and can assist by providing a quantity for our EMS First Responders to use, it would be greatly appreciated and could make significant strides in slowing the spread of COVID-19 in our area,” Brunson wrote.

Masks can be delivered to the Okaloosa County Public Safety Department/Emergency Operations Center on the campus of Northwest Florida State College.

You may call them at (850) 651-7150. The point of contact is Darrell Wellborn. You can also contact Dr. Lisa Judge to arrange for pick-up. Her number is (850) 240-0347 or (850) 729-1414.

“It is imperative for our Healthcare Professionals to have the tools and equipment they need to stay well and care for others,” wrote Brunson.