March 25, 2020 – Decatur Public Schools donated more than 120 iPads to HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital, thanks to some creative thinking from the DPS IT team. A similar donation to Decatur Memorial Hospital is planned as well.
The iPads had already been designated as surplus, meaning they were no longer good for student use and the District was preparing to sell them for recycling.
Jennifer Tuggle, a staff member in DPS IT, heard the call from community groups asking for donations and suggested these iPads might be put to use. St. Mary’s staff say they intend to use the devices to help doctors and nurses stay in constant contact with patients who are in isolation.
DPS also went through science labs at EHS and MHS to find equipment and supplies that could be donated, like goggles and gowns. Decatur Mayor Julie Moore-Wolfe picked up those items today as well, to be distributed to hospitals and clinics throughout our community.
Listen to the podcast with DPS61 Chief Communications Officer, Denise Swarthout:
