Sanitizer donation eases COVID-related shortages

Nonprofit organizations and health-care groups in the Grand Canyon State have received 6,000 bottles of hand sanitizer to help mitigate COVID-related shortages.

Global animal health technology company Covetrus manufactured and donated the products to help protect Phoenix communities and Arizona medical personnel from the novel coronavirus.

The sanitizer was given to the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) for distribution to medical personnel throughout the state, as well as to nonprofit organizations and schools by way of the Phoenix Community ToolBank.

“On behalf of the Navajo Elders living in the Black Mesa/Kitsili area, we thank Covetrus for the donations,” says Ray Yazzie, executive director and president of receiving group, We Care Shí Cheíí dóó Shi Masani Foundation, a community-based organization that serves Navajo Elders. “The hand sanitizer was included in 100 care packages. Our elders were very grateful and appreciative of the items they received.”

Atlas Pharmaceuticals, a Covetrus company that compounds pharmaceuticals for veterinary and human health, says it hopes make more hand sanitizer to mitigate shortages caused by the virus.

“This global pandemic has moved many of us to take action to protect our communities,” says Georgia Wraight, president of Covetrus Global Technology Solutions. “We feel fortunate to be able to produce and supply hand sanitizer to Arizona’s health-care workers and vulnerable communities.”

Arizona Together, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and Valley of the Sun United Way helped coordinate the donations.

Covetrus employs more than 5,500 people worldwide, including 225 based in the Phoenix area, the company says.