DRT America Supports Local First Responders and Heathcare Workers During COVID-19 Pandemic

June 19, 2020

DRT representatives John Myers and Matt Pietrzykowski (left) present bottles of hand sanitizer to Sheriff Jimmy McDuffie (right)

DRT America steps up to support local first responders and hospital staff in Effingham County during the COVID-19 Pandemic. 

Late last week, representatives of DRT America personally delivered a hundred bottles of hand sanitizer to local emergency management and Sheriff’s Office employees, who have been on the front lines of the Pandemic for several weeks.  “DRT reached out to us early on during the COVID-19 Pandemic to inquire how they might be able to assist local first responders and hospital staff,” says Jessica Hood of the Effingham County Industrial Development Authority.  “They wanted to donate PPE and hand sanitizer, which during this time, are very hard to come by.” 

“We appreciate the wonderful donation.  It will go a long way and help to keep our deputies safe,” notes Sheriff Jimmy McDuffie.

“We would like to thank DRT for their donation of hand sanitizer to Effingham Fire and Emergency Management,” says Clint Hodges, Director of Effingham County Fire Rescue and Emergency Management Agency.  “We appreciate their efforts to support the safety of the first responders of our community.”

DRT also showed their support for local healthcare workers during National Hospital Week by donating $2,500 to Effingham Health System Foundation.  Dr. Fran Witt, CEO of Effingham Health System remarks, “We appreciate DRT's emphasis on making people a priority. Your generosity in donating to Effingham Health System for hospital week employee programs demonstrates your commitment to the healthcare profession, and our healthcare workers, as they work to keep our community healthy during this pandemic."

DRT’s commitment to safety is applied in every aspect of their operation.  Since the onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic, DRT has taken additional measures to ensure the safety of their employees.  Before entering into the plant, a brief medical questionnaire is completed, as well as a temperature check. Additionally safety messages are being utilized throughout the plant to ensure safe distance is kept between employees, masks are properly worn, and those who are sick are staying home.

DRT’s resins are used in a variety of applications, including critical medical equipment.  As a result, they have seen an increase in production for lines that support medical needs.  These products are used in specialty adhesives for medical test tubes and vials, flexible IV bags, tubing found in respirators, and adhesives for components in N95 masks.  “We take great pride in the fact that our products are used in so many critical medical supplies.  Keeping our employees safe, supporting our local first responders and healthcare workers, and making sure our products continue to be produced to support the medical industry are our top priorities as we navigate these uncertain times,” said Philippe Sainte-Cluque, President of DRT America.

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