Medical professionals across the country agree on one thing: there is not enough personal protective equipment.

(Google it if you don't believe me.)

They need N95 masks, gloves, gowns, whatever you can think of that will help protect and sanitize.

And everyone needs them: EVERY worker who is going into hospitals, aides, janitors, dietary, phlebotomists.

Highland Park's own nurse Michelle Boyle's suggestions:

Create an easy to use call list for local, state and federal representatives: see below

Create a script to use: see below

Create a list of companies and contacts to call [pending. I am working on this. Any suggestions or thoughts welcome.]

I did some research so you dont have to.

This website is helpful for finding contact info:

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/

My info (for my local peeps):

Councilwoman Deb Gross

Phone: 412 255 2140

https://pittsburghpa.gov/council/d7-contacts

Mayor's office

Phone: 412 255 2626

Mayor Peduto is active on Twitter (and is self-quarantined at the moment due to exposure).

PA House

Representative Ed Gainey

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/member_information/house_bio.cfm?id=1627

PA Senate Senatior Lindsay Williams

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/member_information/senate_bio.cfm?id=1803

Senator Bob Casey

Phone: 202 224 6324

Twitter: @SenBobCasey

Senator Pat Toomey

Phone: 202 224 4254

Twitter: @SenToomey

Rep Mike Doyle

Phone: 202 225 2135

Twii\tter: @USRepMikeDoyle

If you are unsure who your state senators and representatives are, this website is helpful:

govtrack.us

Governor Tom Wolf

Twitter: @GovernorTomWolf

Phone: 717 787 2500

Website: https://www.governor.pa.gov/contact/

Fetterman seems to get things done (as does his inimitable wife Gisele) - maybe they can help come up with additional ideas or offer advice. I know they're busy but they clearly care for their constituents.

Lt Gov John Fetterman

@JohnFetterman

Possible suggested script for those of you who suffer from stage fright (or like me can type like a fiend but cant currently form a coherent sentence):

Our healthcare professionals are putting their lives on the line to keep the rest of us as safe as they can. Without the proper equipment, their lives are at risk. They need the proper masks, gloves, gowns.

1. Call on citizens who have hoarded such supplies to DONATE them immediately.

2. Demand mandated exponential production of N95 masks and any other necessary protective gear.