AUTHOR=Buttars Benjamin , Fountain Leigh , Goodwin Joseph , McLean Jessica , Olsen John , Hatton Trey , Grant William C. , Vasauskas Audrey , Hamilton Caleb , Clemmons Martin 

TITLE=The Impact of Community Generated PPE During the SARS-COV-2 Pandemic in Southeast Alabama and Gulfport Mississippi

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Health Services

VOLUME=Volume 1 - 2021

YEAR=2021

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/health-services/articles/10.3389/frhs.2021.786062

DOI=10.3389/frhs.2021.786062

ISSN=2813-0146

ABSTRACT=Background: The initial SARS-COV-2 Pandemic left many hospital systems devoid of personal protective equipment. Community-driven groups manufactured PPE as a form of temporary replacement until supply could increase to frontline healthcare workers. The purpose of this study was to survey hospital systems in Alabama and Mississippi who requested and received PPE to determine recipient opinions concerning community involvement. 
Methods: A 15-question Qualtrics survey was distributed to hospital systems who requested and received community-generated PPE from the group known as Alabama Fighting COVID. 275 responses were gathered over a period of 6 months. 
Results: Results showed most respondents from healthcare and healthcare-associated professions respond ed that wearing community generated personal protective equipment not only provided them with the perception of added protection, but that it improved their outlook and desire to work during the pandemic. 
Conclusions: Most respondents reported that wearing community generated personal protective equipment not only provided them with the perception of added protection, but that it improved their outlook and desire to work during the pandemic. With these responses in mind, our study raises questions concerning whether local CGPPE distribution could improve wellness outcomes of HCWs not only in relation to decreased viral transmission, but also in favorable psychosocial health assessments. Further implications for research concerning community involvement during future medical crises are indicated, especially with the current rise of the delta variant strain.