Region businesses have stepped up in recent months to assist organizations and first responders on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

BP America in Whiting recently donated a supply of personal protective equipment to Franciscan Health Hammond. The items included 3,000 N95 masks, 637 duckbill masks, 188 face shields and 500 disposable shoe covers.

The donation will help protect hospital staff as they continue to treat patients with COVID-19.

“We are grateful for the outstanding medical staff at Franciscan Health and all they do to keep our community healthy,” said David Kurt, Whiting refinery manager. “This is a small way BP can do our part to help keep them safe so they can continue their life-saving work.”