An idea from a Benton High School graduate who now works for Willis-Knighton Health System led to Bossier Schools heeding the call to equip health-care workers with much-needed personal protective equipment as they fight the coronavirus.

Faced with a dwindling shortage of supplies, registered nurse Jacob Harrell asked Bossier Schools for goggles, protective gloves, masks and disinfectants not currently being used in science classes because of school closures.

Bossier Superintendent Mitch Downey’s response? “When can we bring it to you?”

Administrators from 10 Bossier Parish schools gathered everything they had and delivered them to Willis-Knighton for health-care workers on the front lines.

Dr. Richard Harrell, who is Jacob’s dad, said the thousands of goggles, gloves and other equipment donated will be a huge help to prepare for what’s coming, because they simply did not have the supply needed.

The donations will be distributed to Willis-Knighton intensive care units throughout Shreveport-Bossier.

THIS ARTICLE WAS PUBLISHED IN THE March 27 ISSUE OF FOCUS SB - THE INQUISITOR.