121 Financial Helps Fund PPE Production at Rethreaded for Ascension St. Vincent

91597262_10159655710625299_7743358162425610240_oAscension St. Vincent’s is partnering with Rethreaded and four local credit unions, including 121 Financial, to create and provide masks for its caregivers.  

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Donate to the Medical Masks Fund at Rethreaded. 

The health system is providing the material, which is two-ply spun polypropylene that keeps out water, bacteria and about 99.9 percent of particulates. The high-quality material is typically used to keep instruments sterile before surgeries and procedures and would otherwise be discarded after its initial use.

“This is a wonderful collaboration that will help both our caregivers and the talented, dedicated workers at Rethreaded, who have already overcome so much as survivors of human trafficking,” said Tom VanOsdol, president and CEO of Ascension Florida and Gulf Coast. “We are doing well on supplies at this time, including masks, but we continue to proactively look for creative solutions to employ should we need them. This is a prime example of local innovation and collaboration in action.” 

The staff of Rethreaded are taking the sterile material, sewing the masks together and sending them to Ascension St. Vincent’s for potential use.

“We are honored to offer our expertise in sewing and production on this important project that supports our mission to provide a second chance at life through employment for survivors of human trafficking,” said Rethreaded Founder and CEO Kristin Keen. “We’re so thankful to be able to assist Ascension St. Vincent’s and our greater community at this important time, and we’re grateful to our credit union partners for their support that provides safe and impactful work for our survivors.”

121 Financial Credit Union, Community First Credit Union,  Jax Federal Credit Union and Vystar Credit Union have generously agreed to cover labor costs associated with the production of the masks.

“Credit Unions are founded on the principle of People Helping People and in these uncertain times of need, we have come together to be a force for good,” said the local credit union leaders in a joint statement. “We are proud to partner with Rethreaded, Ascension St. Vincent’s, and each other on this important community effort to help those on our frontlines fight this pandemic.”

Ascension St. Vincent’s continues to work closely with the Florida Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to ensure it is following all guidelines regarding suspected and confirmed COVID-19 cases and the use of personal protective equipment.

 

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