SOUTH HOLLAND, IL –South Suburban College (SSC) is donating supplies and masks to local healthcare providers. The College’s Allied Health & Careers and Nursing Departments have gathered a significant range of N95 masks with respirators, surgical masks, filters, gloves, gowns and personal protection kits for area hospitals. Additionally, during SSC’s facility closure, staff at the SouthWorks Maker Lab within the College’s Oak Forest Center have been granted limited access in order to produce face shields.

“Our healthcare faculty have taken the initiative to make supplies available and our Maker Lab managers have committed to organizing the project to 3D print and assemble protective face shields to help protect our community,” said Dr. Lynette Stokes, SSC President. “All of these items will be donated to local agencies and hospitals. I’m so proud that our institution is able to do some small part to help keep our local healthcare workers safe.”

The SSC Foundation also announced this week the establishment of a COVID-19 Student Impact Fund with an initial $10,000 commitment to provide some relief to students. The Foundation hopes to secure additional donations to assist students with hardships as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, as well as initiate an investment in the expansion of College healthcare programs.

“Our Foundation Board has made a commitment to getting resources to students with an immediate need by providing tuition assistance and laptops,” said Patrick Rush, Director of PR & Resource Development. “It was also important for us to create a pathway for donors who wish to make a sustained impact through the much needed expansion of our Allied Health and Nursing Programs, which are a critical funnel to our local frontline healthcare workforce.”

Tax deductible donations to both funds may be made by check to “SSC Foundation” or online from ssc.edu/foundation. Rush added that the Foundation extended its general scholarship deadline to April 24th and its spring gala, Showcase 2020-Rx for Success, has been rescheduled for August 14, 2020.

SSC recently announced its facility closure through April along with a move to a Virtual Classroom Model through the remainder of the Spring 2020 Semester.

Pictured: Face shields made in the SouthWorks Maker Lab at South Suburban College’s Oak Forest Center will be donated locally.