Toronto Tech Company Launches GTA-Wide PPE Pick-Up Program Dedicated to Making it Easier for Dentists to Donate Protective Medical Gear Needed to Fight COVID-19

Opencare's Program Designed to Expedite Urgently Needed Donations

TORONTO, March 30, 2020 /CNW/ - Opencare, a Toronto-based company that offers a robust online network that matches consumers with their ideal dentist, today officially announces the launch of a GTA-wide PPE (personal protective equipment) pick-up program. Opencare is issuing a call out to dentists who want to donate urgently needed PPE, like masks, gloves and gowns, required for front-line healthcare workers to treat those suffering from COVID-19, and arranging complimentary pick-up of the gear starting today until further notice.

"We wanted to make it easier for dentists to donate personal protective equipment needed by hospitals to treat patients suffering from COVID-19," said Cam Howieson, CEO and Co-Founder, Opencare. "We hope that by getting the word out on Opencare's PPE pick-up program, we can collect gear and get it to healthcare professionals in the front-lines, all that much faster." 

Dentists who are able to donate PPE can request a pick-up by emailing [email protected]. Opencare is partnering with Atripco Delivery Service, a Toronto-based company that is donating its time and resources to assist in pick-ups from across the GTA. The much-needed donations will be dropped off to Michael Garron Hospital Foundation's PPE Drive that is acting as a central PPE hub, and will distribute donations to hospitals in need. Land Rover is also generously offering PPE pick-up services, organized through the Hospital.

In addition to PPE, Opencare is also asking those dentists with ventilators to consider making them available on loan. Their contact information will be provided to Michael Garron Hospital Foundation so they can be contacted as the need for ventilators arises.

The federal government issued a national call asking businesses to offer products and services in support of Canada's response to the new novel coronavirus. Doctors say Canadian hospitals are facing a shortage of supplies including ventilators, masks, gloves and gowns needed to protect healthcare workers as they treat the anticipated surge in COVID-19 patients. Ventilators are medical devices that help people experiencing difficulty breathing to receive oxygen. Shortages of the devices are one of the key factors in Italy's struggle to treat COVID-19 patients.

About Opencare.com

Opencare was founded in Toronto and operates across the GTA and the US. Opencare is an online network of top-rated dentists that is revolutionizing the dentist-patient relationship. By visiting Opencare.com, consumers can find their ideal dentist based on a highly personalized set of criteria that includes preferred hours, office-setting, a practitioners' experience in managing dental anxiety, and more.

SOURCE Opencare

Media Contact: Victoria Kirk, V&CO PR, [email protected], 416.558.4507