Erlanger Health System is accepting donations from the community of homemade masks to supplement current personal protective equipment (PPE) needs.  
 
Currently, Erlanger has an adequate supply of PPE on hand to protect its staff and patients. However, the global supply for this equipment continues to be uncertain and the hospital is actively taking steps to secure more supplies.
 
“We are moved by the outpouring of support from our community,” said Liz Hedges, director of business development at Erlanger Health System. “Our community has rallied around the health system and our staff and we couldn’t be more touched by all your messages and desire to help. From the bottom of our hearts we truly appreciate all of you.”
 
Donations will be accepted Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Kennedy Outpatient Center located at the corner of East Third Street and Palmetto Street. The donation cart will be placed in the valet area outside of the building with signs directing donors to the drop-off location.
 
Daily, the masks will be collected and laundered then given to our Emergency Preparedness Team for distribution. The masks will be distributed to all of our facilities throughout the region.
 
A recommended sewing pattern can be found below. Note versions with and without elastic are included. Also, it is required that the fabric is 100% cotton.
 
Resources for how to make a homemade mask:
Video from Deaconess Health
https://www.deaconess.com/How-to-make-a-Face-Mask

Joann Fabrics
https://www.joann.com/make-to-give-response/

​As you all are aware, Covid-19 has impacted each and every business on Signal Mountain, as well as our entire community.  While many of you have seen firsthand the impact, the Mountain Business Association has decided to assist in any way that we can, whether a small token or a large token. 

The MBA has launched a GoFundMe page to assist and aid in funding the Signal Mountain Businesses.  I have added a link below that will allow each of you to donate, if possible. Please understand that any donation, whether large or small, will go a long way to keep Signal Mountain businesses strong in the wake of all that has happened and all that we each are facing daily in light of Covid-19. 

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https://www.gofundme.com/f/signal-stimulus-pakage?utm
 
The campaign will run through April 17.  What this will do is allow donations to be distributed directly to the business owners located in the Signal Mountain footprint.  We at the MBA believe in your business, and in you, and want to do anything that we can to help minimize any revenue losses at this time. 
 
We have added an application for those businesses that may need the assistance on the Mountain Business Association Facebook page. All funds collected will be distributed evenly between the applicants. 
 
Again, I want to emphasize that the MBA is strong and so is the business community here on Signal Mountain. We love you, the business owners, and we are here to help in any way that we can.  #SignalStrong.

If possible, please share this link with all of your friends and family.  Together we can all achieve more!

Gretchen Richards
President
Mountain Business Association