Launched in March, SCI Supply Able to Supply PPE Locally and Beyond Throughout Pandemic by David Dinsmore
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ntil a few months ago, the term “personal protective equipment,” or PPE, was not part of people’s everyday vocabulary if they did not work in specific industries. It was, however, on the radar for SCI Supply, which is a new venture launched in March by South Central Industries in Shawnee. The nonprofit organization originally established this effort to meet local customers’ needs for janitorial and office supplies in conjunction with the other aspects of its operations. South Central Industries provides vocational training, occupational opportunities, volunteer efforts, self-enrichment programs and some housing for individuals with developmental disabilities to help provide these needs as well as foster relationships and community outreach. When it became clear that the response to the novel coronavirus pandemic hit would impact the community, South Central staff and family quickly prepared the store to move the original opening date up a week to March 16, according to information provided by executive director Tina Hanna. SCI already had state use contracts for PPE items and had access to many different vendors for PPE items, meaning the organization had the ability to provide hard-to-find items like toilet paper, diapers, wipes, masks, disinfectant, gloves, gowns and more. These supplies were key to the continuing operations of entities like prisons overseen by the Department of Corrections; lakes, parks and outdoor spaces managed by the Department of Tourism; and child care, foster care, aging and disabled population services conducted by the Department of Human Services. 14
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SCI Supply planned launch in March helped ensure it would be able to continue providing personal protective equipment and other health essentials throughout the pandemic response for businesses and nonprofits like Legacy Parenting Center. Photos submitted
