The coronavirus is a widespread pandemic that has been affecting the lives of everyone globally. The United States has become the global leader in COVID-19 cases, surpassing the total number of cases in China and Italy, with over 330,000 total cases. The coronavirus has affected all 50 states, including Arizona. The Arizona community was deemed a widespread area for the disease by the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention ) with 2,726 cases and 80 deaths. As of March 11, 2020, Arizona Governor Doug Ducey declared a Public Health State of Emergency relating to the COVID-19 epidemic. As testing in Arizona increases and the number of cases rise, hospitals are finding themselves in a short supply of needed equipment and space.

Pima County finds itself to be the second most affected county in Arizona with over 400 cases reported. As a result, hospitals in our local Tucson area are in need of masks, and other protective wear, in order to safely work to protect our community from the spread and worsening of the current climate. As a team from a local high school, we hope to raise $500 to acquire a mix of KN95 masks and surgical masks for hospitals in the Tucson area.

For Maricopa County, we hope to provide KN95 masks to hospitals and regular face masks to donate to the homeless population. Maricopa County is the region that has been affected the most by COVID-19 and we hope to help relieve some stress and worry by providing masks to doctors and nurses working on the front lines. We appreciate all the hard work and long hours that healthcare professionals have dedicated themselves to and, and we want to demonstrate our gratitude and support.