Inspired by the Brilliant Future campaign, Vy Vu, a junior in business administration, formed the Face Mask OC Team, recruiting volunteers to create washable, triple-layer cloth face masks at home and help deliver them to dozens of hospitals and organizations across Southern California. In just five weeks during April and May, the team raised $7,500 for materials and distributed nearly 11,000 masks, including 500 at the UCI Medical Center.
In mid-April, Catherine Zhou, who earned an MBA at The Paul Merage School of Business in 2004, partnered with alumni and parents in China to organize a fundraising drive.
In April, UCI Health was anticipating the worst: a potential influx of up to 900 patients – more than double the hospital’s existing capacity of 418 beds.
Thankfully, that scenario never materialized. However, UCI Health continues to ensure it is well-stocked with PPE and other supplies. “If we stay resolute to finish this marathon, steadfast in our conservation efforts and appropriate use, we will successfully balance the needs of today with what is potentially around the corner,” Rustad says.