SoCal Chapter Donates Masks to Aid Service Providers

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted every industry and affected all walks of life. Given the globalized and interconnected world that exists today, this pandemic has drastically challenged the norms of work and human interaction. That is not to say we humans lack resilience or are unable to help one another in our journeys to adapt and reconstruct. Instead, these times have highlighted our strength as a collective and our shared humanity in supporting each other.

In the Los Angeles and Orange County areas, a bevy of organizations are dedicated to continuing their crucial services to the elderly and those in need—the hungry, displaced youth and nursing mothers and their children. Despite the associated risks, volunteers and employees show up every day to support their surrounding communities. While they do so, donning masks and following government safety precautions, the dwindling supply of masks has been a fundamental issue that continues to threaten the operational capabilities of these essential services.

Volunteers who helped out

As a professional organization dedicated to improving lives through scientific exchange and other means, the members of the Parenteral Drug Association (PDA) Southern California (SoCal) Chapter felt they needed to contribute to the greater effort of service during this challenging time. On behalf of its chapter members, volunteers, sponsors and supporting companies, the PDA SoCal Chapter donated 1,000 masks to essential service providers located in the region. Led by PDA SoCal Student Chapter President Masami Amakawa, donations were made during the month of May to:

• Orange County Food Bank
• Los Angeles Youth Emerging Stronger
• Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children
• Anaheim Crest Nursing Center
• Home Instead Senior Care

While our small donation pales in comparison to the impact of the incredible services these organizations provide to the community, we are fortunate to have had this opportunity to “pay it forward.” Looking ahead, we hope to continue playing our part in this collective effort to sustain and bolster both the morale and vitality of the Southern California region.