St. Luke’s Hospital Foundation recently contributed $3,129 to fund butyl hoods for St. Luke’s Hospital’s Decontamination Team.

Added to the $8,773 raised during the recent spring/summer appeal, the donation allowed the hospital to purchase all the necessary butyl hoods.

“During our spring/summer appeal, our generous community provided us with incredible support,” said Meshelle Colvin, SLH Foundation executive director. “Nearly all the butyl hoods were financially covered. Thanks to our generous board of trustees, it was a unanimous vote to fund the remaining balance.”

The purpose of St. Luke’s Hospital’s Decontamination Team is to treat victims exposed to a hazardous substance and/or remove the hazardous substance from the victims as quickly as possible and prevent the spread of contamination to other victims, staff, visitors and the physical environment.

“St. Luke’s Hospital has one 20-member decon team. Members are required to have annual training and participate in two drills each year,” said Lori Oliver, St. Luke’s Hospital’s Emergency Department manager. “Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires each decon team member to wear butyl hoods during the decontamination process. We are so grateful to our community and to the St. Luke’s Hospital Foundation Board of Trustees for making this a reality.”

A butyl hood is a PAPR (Positive Air Pressured Respirator) that is designed to be used with the appropriate respiratory filtration and protects the decon member from exposure or inhalation of contaminant. Because St. Luke’s had only three hoods total, nine more needed to be purchased. This equipment enables St. Luke’s Hospital to be prepared for unexpected emergencies for the community.

Those interested in learning more about the foundation may contact Colvin at 828-894-2693 or meshelle.colvin@slhnc.org.

– Submitted by Jennifer Wilson