During the latest surge of COVID-19 cases, emergency departments across the state face crowding and longer wait times. While they remain dedicated to serving patients, faculty and staff at the University of Michigan Health, Michigan Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine are donating 300 personal hygiene kits to homeless shelters in Washtenaw County.

The donation effort, led by the department’s diversity, equity and inclusion committee, took place throughout the month of November. They collected a range of items, including shampoo, soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste, antibacterial wipes and feminine hygiene products. The department also raised over $1,000 for additional items, and leftover funds were used to purchase bus tokens.

Donations of 100 hygiene kits will be given to three area shelters serving the homeless population:

• SOS Community Services – 114 N River Street, Ypsilanti, Mich.
• Ypsilanti Freighthouse – 100 Market Place, Ypsilanti, Mich.
• Peace House Warming Center – 1900 Manchester Road, Ann Arbor, Mich.

Delivery at the Freighthouse took place Thursday, Dec. 2. Representatives from the department will drop off kits on Friday, Dec. 3, to Peace House Warming Center at 10 a.m. ET, and SOS Community Center at 11 or 11:30 a.m. ET (contact Noah Fromson, listed below, for specifics on the day).

“Each year, the Michigan Medicine emergency department community comes together to address some of the disparities we see in our communities,” said Marcia Perry, M.D., assistant professor of emergency medicine and associate chair for diversity, equity and inclusion in the Michigan Medicine Department of Emergency Medicine. “It is estimated that there are about 5,000 people in Washtenaw County who are experiencing homelessness/housing insecurity. It is our hope that these donations will foster the dignity of individuals and help our community members feel cherished and seen.”