State PPE Backstop
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Backstop
What:
The state PPE backstop has been available to help support state agencies, counties, tribes and other partners through the COVID-19 pandemic. As the state transitions from how PPE needs were met during the peak of this pandemic, we are working to get PPE to the local level, where it is most useful.
When:
Now is the time to submit requests for PPE to the state backstop. State agencies, counties, tribes, and other partners are encouraged to order PPE to make their pre-COVID backstops whole (level prior to January 20, 2020) as well as up to a 90-day supply to support COVID-19 related responses.
Who:
Counties, tribal nations, or state agencies needing PPE can order from the state backstop for their communities and partners. DOH Prioritization Guidelines for Allocation of Personal Protective Equipment are available. Not all facilities or individuals that request or need access to PPE entities may be captured within these tiers, Local Emergency Management Agencies need to use their best judgement around how to prioritize those facilities and individuals in order to best serve their communities.
How:
Order forms for the state PPE backstop must be completed and submitted to local county emergency managers. County emergency managers are able to answer questions about the forms and ordering process. Additional information about ordering and the order form is available here: Ordering Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
In the future, availability of PPE and the process for ordering will change. Future processes for ordering are currently under development and will be communicated to partners broadly.
Questions: Contact Jill Edgin, PPE Coordinator, at jill.edgin@doh.wa.gov or 360-584-5967.
FAQ:
What is going to happen to the PPE that is still in the state staging area?
Washington state is working to get PPE to the local level, where it is most useful.
My county, tribal nation, or state agency was offered a bulk distribution of PPE items. Will this distribution be ceased after July 20, 2021?
orders placed will be fulfilled based on availability of supplies from the state PPE backstop as they have been. Any changes in ordering availability or process will be communicated to partners prior to the change occurring.
My county, tribal nation, state agency has state provided PPE that we received, and we no longer have need for these items. Can we return them to DES/DOH? What are the restrictions to our disposing of these items locally?
Any county, tribal nation, or state agency that has excess PPE is encouraged to distribute this stock to community partners who need PPE in order to protect the community from the spread of COVID-19. The DOH Prioritization Guidelines for Allocation of Personal Protective Equipment can be utilized as guidance, however, agencies and jurisdictions need to use their best judgement around how distribution of PPE can best support protection in their community.