As the community adjusts to what’s become a “new normal” at home and at work, many groups helping those in need have found themselves in a shortage of key items to help them keep serving the community. The Keys Weekly wanted to get the word to help. 

Wesley House Family Services provides foster, adoption and family services to those in need. Their services include case management, subsidized housing and positive parenting programs to promote child welfare and health. Sushi, Key West’s famous drag queen, handmade masks for case managers, but Wesley House still is in need of diapers and baby wipes. Sizes most needed are diapers for ages 2-4 and pull-ups. 

“This will assist the children and families served by Wesley House Family Services throughout the Florida Keys,” a March 27 Facebook call for donations said. 

In Key Largo, diapers and wipes can be dropped off or mailed to Wesley House Family Services (99451 Overseas Highway Suite 200, Key Largo, FL 33037). In Key West, donations can be dropped off or mailed to Wesley House Family Services (1304 Truman Avenue, Key West, FL 33040). Both offices have an outside door that is open Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

The Good Health Clinic in Tavernier and Marathon, which services low-income, uninsured Keys residents, is also in need of supplies. Executive Director Kate Banick said, “Good Health Clinic is continuing to operate and serve the needs of our medically underserved Keys residents. In order to do so responsibly, we must protect our staff and our patients while staying operational during this pandemic.” 

Banick added that “Supplies are low throughout the country and many charitable clinics, including Good Health Clinic, are unable to acquire the quantity of supplies we need at this time.” 

Wesley House Family Services is calling for diapers for families throughout the Keys. CONTRIBUTED

At this time, Good Health Clinic is asking for donations of the below items to help their dedicated team: face masks (single use), hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes and toilet paper.

Banick urged uninsured Keys residents to reach out to the clinic if they have health care needs, particularly those who have lost employment due to business closures. She noted that the Good Health Clinic provides access to medical providers, and support for prescription medications and chronic disease management care. The clinic also can address issues with illness and injuries. 

COVID-19 testing is not currently provided at the clinic, but their medical providers can screen patients to determine if they are demonstrating CDC outlined symptoms that would be cause for concern and provide information on appropriate steps.

The Good Health Clinic is open Monday to Friday 9-4:30 in Tavernier, and Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Marathon. Both offices may be reached by calling 305-853-1788, and information is available online at www.thegoodhealthclinic.org.

Advanced Urgent Care, which is offering COVID-19 testing at its centers in Key West and Key Largo, has requested personal protection equipment (PPE) to protect its staff. Owner Dr. Bruce Boros also emailed his request to the state health department official charged with distributing such equipment.