At the start of this pandemic, personal protection equipment (PPE) was in short supply, partly because the Chinese Communists hoarded important medical supplies.

In South Carolina, communities have come together to speed up PPE production.

Through increased production and donations, PPE has become more accessible for our healthcare workers.

ZVerse in Columbia is a great example of our community coming together to keep us healthy. During these uncertain times, ZVerse stopped their normal work to use all resources to make shields to help our healthcare workers. I am grateful to them for working to meet this urgent need.

This month, Fort Jackson soldiers volunteered to host a mobile corona virus testing site. Our men and women in uniform give so much for us in this true time of need.

I’ve worked with our medical facilities to coordinate PPE donations. Thanks to the generosity of SC Health in the Midlands, we handed out 10,000 protective masks in May alongside West Columbia Mayor Tem Miles.

These masks were given throughout our community, including to our local Sheriff’s Departments and Chambers of Commerce.

In July, I helped coordinate the donation of 96,000 masks to the SC Emergency Management Division. I am thankful to the Government of Taiwan and to TECO Atlanta for this generous donation. I am also grateful to South Carolina Emergency Management Division, their Director Kim Stenson and state officials including Secretary of State Mark Hammond for coordinating this donation.

As a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I know the importance of international partnerships like this with the Government of Taiwan.

There are countless other examples of how our community supports one another in times of need. This pandemic has shown the strength of our community and our ability come together and help one another. Community support for our healthcare professionals on the front line and those fighting to stay healthy is truly inspiring.

If you need help. please call my West Columbia office at (803) 939-0041.