National Nurses United announces that it has received a major donation from Kappler Incorporated, an Alabama-based garment manufacturer, of 1,000 Hazmat special protective suits for embattled nurses, doctors and other health workers fighting to stem the Ebola crisis in West Africa.
Lack of protective suits is a major problem slowing efforts to contain the spread of Ebola as thousands of nurses, doctors and other health workers have been infected, and many have died, in what has been called an “unprecedented” rate.
In addition to Kappler, NNU is in contact with other manufacturers to contribute personal protective suits, and with a variety of international relief organizations to arrange delivery of the suits as quickly as possible at a time when international commerce to the affected countries has been slowed due to the outbreak.
“Today’s wonderful contribution of 1,000 protective suits by Kappler is just a down payment and a start on what we know is needed,” says Bonnie Castillo, RN, director of NNU’s Registered Nurse Response Network. “Tragically, the Ebola outbreak is only getting worse and spreading to more countries. All of us have a responsibility to support the humanitarian effort and assist the heroic nurses, doctors, and other healthcare workers who are on the frontlines risking their lives to heal the thousands of infected patients in West Africa. This is only the beginning of a stepped up effort in the U.S. We must act before it is too late."
RNRN also continues to ask for donations for the purchase of additional equipment. Contributions may be made at http://www.nationalnursesunited.org/pages/rnrn-disaster-relief-fund.
Source: National Nurses United
Beyond the Surface: Rethinking Environmental Hygiene Validation at Exchange25
June 30th 2025Environmental hygiene is about more than just shiny surfaces. At Exchange25, infection prevention experts urged the field to look deeper, rethink blame, and validate cleaning efforts across the entire care environment, not just EVS tasks.
A Controversial Reboot: New Vaccine Panel Faces Scrutiny, Support, and Sharp Divides
June 26th 2025As the newly appointed Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) met for the first time under sweeping changes by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr, the national spotlight turned to the panel’s legitimacy, vaccine guidance, and whether science or ideology would steer public health policy in a polarized era.
Getting Down and Dirty With PPE: Presentations at HSPA by Jill Holdsworth and Katie Belski
June 26th 2025In the heart of the hospital, decontamination technicians tackle one of health care’s dirtiest—and most vital—jobs. At HSPA 2025, 6 packed workshops led by experts Jill Holdsworth and Katie Belski spotlighted the crucial, often-overlooked art of PPE removal. The message was clear: proper doffing saves lives, starting with your own.