CONNSTEP, CBIA Partner with State on PPE, Medical Supplies

CONNSTEP and CBIA are partnering with Connecticut state agencies and healthcare providers to help address the state’s critical shortage of personal protective equipment and other medical supplies.

The partnership is designed to facilitate collaboration between manufacturing companies and healthcare providers battling the coronavirus pandemic.

The collaboration includes the Connecticut Department of Administrative Services, the state’s chief manufacturing officer Colin Cooper, the Connecticut Hospital Association, and other groups.

Numerous manufacturers across the state are retooling production lines and pivoting to making PPE and other needed supplies.

The collaboration with the state is focused on using those manufacturers as non-traditional sources to meet needs the market currently cannot address because of overwhelming global demand.

Connecticut manufacturers can obtain information about critical supply needs through a new website developed by CONNSTEP.

Connections

That site connects companies with suppliers and with healthcare providers.

A DAS purchasing team is also generating and following sourcing leads for traditional manufacturers, distributors, and other sources.

“Our emphasis with the CT COVID-19 Response website is to work together with manufacturers who can help meet the needs of medical and healthcare workers and first responders,” said CONNSTEP president and CEO Bonnie Del Conte.

“Any contributions manufacturers make is valued and appreciated.”

Del Conte also noted that the state’s Manufacturing Innovation Fund shifted requirements for its Manufacturing Voucher Program to prioritize PPE and medical supply production.

Eligible manufacturers can apply for grants up to $75,000 for realigning or expanding capacity and capabilities to address shortages of critical medical equipment and supplies.

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For more information about the CT COVID-19 Response, email CONNSTEP.