(WXYZ) — The State of Michigan has received 400 ventilators to help in its fight against COVID-19, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced on Tuesday afternoon.
According to Whitmer, the ventilators came from the strategic national stockpile and are on their way to hospitals in need across the state.
"We are still working to secure more and ensure our health providers have the tools they need. Thank you James Joseph from FEMA," Whitmer tweeted.
Today, we received 400 ventilators from the strategic national stockpile. They’re on their way to hospitals in need across the state to help save lives. We are still working to secure more and ensure our health providers have the tools they need. Thank you James Joseph from FEMA. pic.twitter.com/Subeob6Njz
— Governor Gretchen Whitmer (@GovWhitmer) March 31, 2020
Michigan has 1,700 ventilators - critical equipment to help people breathe - but needs 5,000 to 10,000 more, MDHHS Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun said.
"That's going to be a pressure point," Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said when asked about people to operate them. "That's precisely why we've called out to people who have perhaps retired from the medical field to consider coming back. That's why we've made it easier for people to join the front lines."
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