Paddlesports equipment and apparel brand Northwest River Supplies (NRS), announced plans to aid in the COVID-19 pandemic by providing personal protective equipment (PPE) to medical personnel and first responders combatting the virus. As hospitals, fire departments and police struggle to obtain basic protective supplies such as masks, respirators, goggles and protective suits, NRS will redirect portions of its supply chain, logistics and distribution operations to support the cause.
NRS operates a business division that supplies safety and rescue equipment to government agencies and NGOs for emergency preparedness and disaster relief. Providing PPE for medical personnel and first responders was a logical shift for the Moscow, Idaho-based company during the coronavirus pandemic, according to Bryan Dingel, CEO of NRS.
“We have the supply chain relationships and operational capabilities needed to make this happen,” says Dingel. “There’s a tremendous shortage of this equipment right now, and we’re glad that we can step in to help get supplies to those on the front lines of this pandemic.”
NRS has arranged urgent air-freight shipment of 30,000 respirator masks, which will be distributed from its warehouse in Moscow. The company is also sourcing protective goggles, surgical masks and suits along with additional respirators. NRS plans to fulfill requests from hospitals and agencies in Idaho and the Northwest initially but will distribute more broadly as supplies allow.
“Our doctors, nurses and first responders are making great sacrifices to save lives in our communities,” says Dingel. “We’re proud to do our part to help make sure that they have the protective equipment they need to do their jobs safely.”
NRS will donate PPE to the Moscow Volunteer Fire Department and will offer medical facilities fair-market pricing.
