On April 27, 2020, BAPS Charities donated 5000 surgical masks and 650 hot meals to frontline workers and hospital staff at the Los Angeles Surge Hospital, currently operating out of the recently closed historic St. Vincent Medical Center.
The LA Surge Hospital was recently opened in partnership with the State of California, Los Angeles County, Dignity Health, and Kaiser Permanente health systems to facilitate and treat the surge of COVID-19 patients. Staff at this hospital have flown in to offer their services from all around the country, many of whom are staying in hotels. The hospital’s ICU unit is currently running at 70% capacity and continues to receive COVID-19 patients from 11 Los Angeles area hospitals. During this global pandemic and in times of global disasters, BAPS Charities recognizes the efforts made by all the frontline workers to combat the effects of this virus. In response, BAPS Charities is continuously mobilizing volunteers to respond swiftly to the needs of the community. Presently, individuals from several backgrounds united to gather resources and prepare meals for healthcare heroes.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, who spearheaded the County’s efforts for this hospital, attended the donation event and acknowledged BAPS Charities’ efforts, “Our medical professionals are on the frontlines of this pandemic and they need all the personal protective equipment they can get as they treat COVID-19 patients. At this moment, every donation goes a long way in helping to protect those who are protecting us. I thank BAPS Charities for caring for the heroes of this public health crisis: the health care workers at the Los Angeles Surge Hospital.”
Julie Sprengel, CEO of the hospital, was also onsite and expressed her continuous gratitude by stating “Even today we discuss the delivery of fresh, hot meals for our exhausted healthcare team, it’s the best gift anybody could provide at this time. Witnessing the community reach out to help us flatten the curve is the most heartwarming part, as everyone comes together to work as one team.”
The dire need of supplies, crucial equipment, and hot meals for hospitals such as LA Surge Hospital were fulfilled through contributions made by BAPS Charities. The generous donations provided much-needed supplies and uplifted the morale of hospital staff and administration.
