13 May 2020:Boeing in collaboration with Medical University of South Carolina successfully completed its COVID-19 airlift mission from China to United States. Three Boeing Dreamliners transported over 150,000 protective eye goggles and face shields to frontline health care professionals in the MUSC system.
Proud of the entire team, Boeing's President and CEO Dave Calhoun said, "Today's delivery puts essential personal protective equipment in the hands of South Carolina's frontline health care professionals and helps MUSC further support the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. I am thankful for our government and industry partners that have joined us in the pandemic response."
The MUSC health team were the first team in US to launch a virtual urgent care platform under the guidance of South Carolina Legislature and in partnership with South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). As a part of economy revitalisation and community outreach program, they have established mobile screening and collection sites across South Carolina's rural and underdeveloped areas.
Due to the mobile setup, the healthcare workers can move around to people having difficulties reaching the hospitals for testing, screening, prevention and treatment. This model is being followed across the communities that need it the most.
Extending a heartfelt thanks to the entire Boeing team, MUSC President, David J. Cole, M.D., FACS said, "These goggles and face shields will allow us to continue to expand our ability to test and monitor for COVID-19 as businesses and communities start to move forward. Increasing access to testing in the areas of greatest need throughout our state is an essential part of this work. We must continue to protect our most vulnerable populations. Boeing and MUSC have a longstanding partnership, and today's delivery is yet another example of two great South Carolina institutions coming together in support of our local community."
Boeing plans to deliver 400,000 units of PPEs to MUSC in near future through various mission flights in future.