(MURFREESBORO) Ascension St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital thanks Healing Hands International for embodying Middle Tennessee's generous spirit with their donation of medical supplies in this unique time of need.

In an effort to help equip local hospitals and healthcare providers on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic, Healing Hands International (HHI) donated a surplus of medical supplies: 7,200+ N95 masks, 37,800+ surgical loop masks, 304,000+ nitrile gloves, and 500+ isolation gowns were delivered to the following hospital providers - Ascension Saint Thomas, TriStar Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and Williamson Medical Center. Donations of these supplies were also made to several smaller healthcare providers and assisted living facilities.

"This incredible gift of critical resources from Healing Hands is an answer to prayer and a direct blessing to our frontline staff, who are working tirelessly to ensure the health of our community in the wake of Covid-19," said Tim Adams, President and CEO, Ascension Saint Thomas. "We at Ascension Saint Thomas see this donation as another beautiful example of the incredible generosity and support of Middle Tennesseans during times of need."

"The continued availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) is a concern for the Vanderbilt Health system and all other U.S. hospitals and health systems as we prepare for an influx of COVID-19 positive patients," said Teresa Dail, RN, BSN, Chief Supply Chain Officer for Vanderbilt University Medical Center. "This gift from Healing Hands International will benefit our doctors, nurses, staff and patients in the days ahead. We are very grateful for their generosity."

The core work of HHI is international, said HHI President Art Woods, but in times of suffering, it is still central to the mission of the organization to do what is possible domestically. At this time, many global borders are closed, and travel coordination is difficult to navigate internationally. As the days progress, Woods said, any aid in response to this global crisis will be coordinated with other non-profit partners and contacts around the world.

"While our daily work and mission is focused on developing countries outside the borders of the U.S., this is a critical time and a unique opportunity to use the resources that our generous donors have provided to be a blessing in our own country and community," Woods said. "Our healthcare workers and hospitals are under a great deal of pressure and in need of supplies. It is our prayer that this will equip them on the frontlines as they battle this virus, and that it will bring glory to God."