To the greater Alto community: today we’re reaching out with something a bit different.
A Chance to Help
Our area health systems are experiencing a shortage of the critical personal protective equipment (PPE) that healthcare workers need to stay safe while providing care for the increasing numbers of COVID-19 (coronavirus) patients.
Alto Pharmacy is launching a PPE donation pick-up program to support our healthcare colleagues across the Bay Area (see our courier zone for pickups here). Donations will be retrieved by our Alto courier team and will go directly to the healthcare providers at hospitals throughout our communities.
What’s Needed
The following items can be donated:
Unused disposable N95 respirators and surgical masks.*
Unopened packages of disposable gloves
Unopened containers of hand sanitizer
Unopened containers of disinfectants and disinfectant wipes
Packaged, unused protective goggles
*The packages can be opened, as long as the masks have not been used.
How to Donate
First, confirm that you are in our SF Bay Area courier zone here, and then complete this short form to request a donation pickup.
Print off this form and follow the instructions for placing the donation items in an enclosed bag. Label the bag "Alto Donation," include the form, and leave the donation bag in the designated safe place before the start of the scheduled pick-up window. An Alto courier will come to pick up the donations - no contact needed!
Pick-up windows:
Sunday, March 29 between 9 am - 12 pm
Tuesday, March 31 between 9 - 11 am
Thursday, April 2 between 9 - 11 am
Requests must be made before 8pm on the evening before the window.
FAQs
Q: Are you only accepting donations from people who already use Alto's services?
A: No, donations can be collected from anyone in our SF Bay Area courier service zone.
Q: Are you offering this donation pick-up service in your other communities?
A: We're starting with our SF Bay Area neighbors first to make sure we can ensure the donated supplies make it to healthcare professionals in need. If the program is successful, we hope to expand the program to our other communities.
Q: Which organizations will receive the donations?
A: We're working with a number of healthcare organizations providing front line care in San Francisco, the East Bay and the South Bay.
Q: I have supplies that are already opened and/or used - can I donate them?
A: All supplies must be unopened, unused and in original packaging with the exception of disposable N95 respirators and surgical masks (those can be opened, but unused).
Q: How will you be ensuring the safety of your couriers and those who are donating?
A: Alto's courier team is using a no-contact pick-up process. Our couriers will also be wearing gloves and masks when they pick up the supplies. They will place the supplies into separate bags and dispose of the gloves used after each pick-up.
Other questions? Please contact community@alto.com.
