Digital thermometers are in desperate need in western Kentucky as immigrants and refugees, who represent 20 percent of the positive cases in Warren County, deal with the coronavirus.
Refuge Bowling Green, directed by KY-MSC Missionaries Daniel & Alice Tarnagda, are trying to help with getting these items in their hands.
“We are trying to provide more understanding to that population about what is going on with COVID-19,” Daniel Tarnagda said.
The numbers are expected to increase in coming weeks because the workers from these communities are in factories deemed essential but not always practicing social distancing as required.
Those who test positive are being asked by the health department to stay at home in quarantine for 14 days and report their temperature multiple times daily. What is not understood, however, is that many of these families do not have digital thermometers.
“Refugees don’t have those type of tools,” Daniel said. “How can you take the temperature? It’s very critical for lives. We’re running left and right, asking people to help donate.”
Thermometers are in high demand in general. The health department and local pharmacies are having trouble finding them.
Alice Tarnagda said they are working with some churches in the Bowling Green area to create dropoff locations. “For the other parts of the state, they need to use the shipping address,” she said.
Items can be mailed to: 650 Maple Ridge Street, Bowling Green, KY 42101
Here are the items needed:
Digital oral thermometers (can use 30-50)
Rubbing alcohol (for disinfecting the thermometers)
Cotton balls
Tylenol
Reach them at [email protected] or [email protected] or by phone at 270-202-0518 (Daniel); 270-799-1474 (Alice).