Medical shows are full of drama, romance, out-of-the-box diagnoses for frequent life-and-death situations. That’s probably why they are immensely popular. The shows try to look as realistic as possible and that’s why they use real gowns, makes and gloves even if story-lines are not really representative of what really goes on in hospitals.
Now, with the production of TV shows shut down due to the coronavirus paired with the shortages of medical equipment, particularly masks, gloves, and gowns, the production crews are donating their medical supplies to real hospitals and firefighters according to CNN.
ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy”, and its spinoff "Station 19," have donated N95 masks to a firehouse in the Loz Feliz area of Los Angeles California and to the City of Ontario (Canada) Fire Department, an ABC Studios spokesperson told CNN.
"At 'Station 19,' we were lucky enough to have about 300 of the coveted N95 masks which we donated to our local fire station. They were tremendously grateful," "Grey's Anatomy" and "Station 19" executive producer Krista Vernoff said in a statement.
“At ‘Grey's Anatomy’, we have a backstock of gowns and gloves which we are donating as well. We are all overwhelmed with gratitude for our healthcare workers during this incredibly difficult time, and in addition to these donations, we are doing our part to help them by staying home, " Vernoff said.
In Vancouver, a city in western Canada, where “The Good Doctor” is filmed, The TV Guide said that the production crew is working with the local government to donate medical supplies to hospitals that need them.
NBC’s “New Amsterdam” donated masks, gowns, gloves and other badly needed supplies to the New York State department of health. The network said in a statement that the supplies are,” to be utilized on the basis of highest need in connection with relief efforts in New York to help the community in the wake of the Covid-19 crisis."
Fox’s “The Resident” which is filmed in Atlanta, Georgia has donated medical supplies to local hospitals according to CNN. An Instagram post by Dr. Karen L. Law, who is the program director of the Internal Medicine Residency Program at Emory University, showed the donation that was made by the production company.
"To the entire team @theresidentonfox, thank you for this incredibly generous donation of #PPE from your set, including gowns, masks, gloves, and all the things our healthcare workers need to provide safe care for our community during #COVID19," Law wrote.
“Yesterday, I had a serious discussion with the residents about how, though supplies are low, a magical shipment of masks is unlikely to arrive. And yet, a magical shipment of masks DID arrive, in the form of this very generous gesture.
"This kind of community support means so much to our #frontlineproviders who are making many sacrifices to staff our hospitals and care for our community," Law said.
If you have extra masks and gloves, hand sanitizers, and antibiotic cloths, please consider donating them to a hospital or first-responders near you. It will do a world of good. Neighbors helping neighbors and doing these acts of kindness is how we will all weather the coronavirus together.
