From the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak, there has been a significant outpouring of support from many in the community who want to help Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center. In response, the hospital has created a coronavirus (COVID-19)-specific fund, called the COVID-19 Infrastructure Fund, intended to enhance and accelerate the work that is being done to take care of the communities the hospital serves.

“We’ve seen amazing support from the Athens and surrounding communities,” said Tammy Gilland, executive director of philanthropy for the Piedmont Athens Regional Foundation. “With many people in our community still inquiring how they can help, we wanted to create a donation fund that these supporters can contribute to.”

Proceeds raised for the hospital’s COVID-19 Infrastructure Fund will support its drive-through test collection site, which offers testing to people who are self-isolating at home with symptoms that are moderate and who meet the screening guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The site is located at Piedmont Athens Regional’s Oconee Health Campus in Watkinsville, Ga. In order to receive testing, patients must be pre-screened by calling 1-866-460-1119.

Funds will also support any hospital modifications required in response to COVID-19, as well as additional technology support and hospital supplies and equipment.

“We’re all in this together,” Gilland said. “We’re so grateful for the support as we work to keep our patients, employees and community members safe during this time.”

In addition to the COVID-19 Infrastructure Fund, community members are also encouraged to donate to the American Red Cross’s blood supply. The hospital has partnered with the American Red Cross to host an ongoing blood drive to assist with a severe blood supply shortage from the unprecedented number of blood drive cancellations in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

“As the coronavirus has spread, blood drive cancellations have grown at an unprecedented rate,” said Gilland, who helped coordinate the blood drive. “We wanted to do our part to help patient in our region who are in need of blood.”