By Rachel Leingang | Arizona Republic
On the first day of April, Arizona State University President Michael Crow reached out to Gov. Doug Ducey, saying ASU could create a “factory” of sorts to make personal protective equipment, a resource that was growing more precious as hospitals prepared for more COVID-19 patients.
At that time, supply chains were crunched, leaving health care workers scrambling to find enough gowns, masks and nasal swabs needed to do their jobs while keeping themselves safe. Some health care workers were reaching out to the general public, begging for equipment donations.
ASU was already underway on its plan, Crow said, but state resources could help the project ramp-up and get equipment to health workers faster. And with state funds, additional third-party support could be attracted, Crow said in his letter to Ducey, a copy of which was obtained by The Arizona Republic.
“I am writing to ask that you consider utilizing some portion of the discretionary resources made available to you by the State Legislature to respond to the spread of the COVID-19 virus in Arizona in order to expand the supply of PPE and medical equipment to clinic and hospitals,” Crow wrote.
