Hilltoppers,

The availability and usage of PPE (personal protective equipment) is a consistent narrative in the media these days. Here at Hilltop we are fortunate that we began our disaster/emergency planning several years ago. We have a reserve cache of supplies, we’ve been participating with community emergency planning team, and each program has critical items on-hand. Here are a few highlights of what we are doing to make sure you have the supplies you need to care for our clients:

  • We have a fantastic logistics team, led by Will Hays meeting continually.  The team consisting of Don Kendall, Leather Bang, Jackson Berry, Dayton Waddell, Tami Gallegos, Jo Hartig, Amy Newberry, Ta’lor Jackson, Dwight Ross, Desiree Orduno, Chris White, Doris Mills, Tena Quillin, and Carlene Gagliardi are all working to make sure we have the critical supplies we need to continue to meet the current and future challenges. Collectively, our goal is to have at least a 60-day supply of essential items and we are well on the way to reaching that goal. Our purchasing department has longstanding relationships with our vendors and they have been able to fill our orders for cleaning supplies, food, paper products, etc.
  • Just like the rest of the world, it has been challenging to make sure we have all of the PPE we think we need for the worst case scenario. The core logistics team, comprised of Will, Dayton, Don, Tami, Jackson and Leather, is meeting daily and being very creative and resourceful. We are making progress daily in our efforts to get to our goals.
  • Over the weekend we were able to respond quickly to the Governor’s recommendation that people wear basic cloth masks when in public. We distributed over 500 facemasks to the residents and staff in our 24-hour programs. We are continuing to acquire more and will distribute them as they arrive.
  • We are fortunate to live in a community that is generous and caring.  Other agencies have donated to us and we are purchasing critical items from businesses that have pivoted to manufacturing PPE. Sarah Summers from Front Door Dental donated disposable masks and individuals throughout the community are getting creative and making homemade masks. If you, or someone you know, would like to donate masks, please have them contact the corporate office at (970) 242-4400 to make arrangements.
  • We are conserving critical items where possible and appropriate.  Please be mindful and judicious when using PPE in particular. Normal procedures may change slightly due to COVID-19 as we try to be as efficient as possible with the supplies we have on hand. Consult your supervisor if you have questions.
  • All scientific evidence shows the best way to protect yourself and our people remains washing our hands and not touching our faces. Washing hands thoroughly (for 20 seconds) and as often as reasonable, is far and away the best way to prevent the spread. No question

 

There are going to be bumps along the way while we start a new purchasing process and PPE usage/procedures, but the logistics team is actively exploring every option to keep our employees, clients, and community safe. The care you are providing is critical and we want to make sure you have what you need to stay safe while ensuring the wellbeing of those we serve.

 

Together, we’ve got this.

 

Mike