TJ’s Operation SOS to deliver PPE to Grafton City Hospital amid COVID-19 pandemic

Grafton City Hospital received more than 5,000 items of personal protective equipment and ventilator supplies via air delivery thanks to sixteen-year-old TJ Kim’s Operation SOS—Supplies Over Skies. 

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and including this mission, Kim has sourced, flown and delivered 78,717 PPEs and ventilator supplies throughout Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland and West Virginia. This mission to Grafton City Hospital, an affiliate of Mon Health System was Kim’s third and largest delivery to the state of West Virginia, followed by deliveries to Grant Memorial Hospital and Broaddus Hospital in November. 

Kim flew the PPE into the North Central West Virginia Airport (KCKB) on Tuesday, Dec. 8.

According to Grafton City Hospital Chief Administrative Officer George Boyles, Kim’s commitment to delivering lifesaving equipment to critical access hospitals in need is a beacon of light for rural West Virginia. 

“Among the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, there are also stories of hope and kindness—and Operation SOS is one of them,” said Boyles. “TJ’s commitment to helping others in need is an inspiration to each of us, and our frontline workers, employees, and team members at Mon Health are eternally grateful for his generosity as we face another peak of COVID-19 cases in the state of West Virginia.”

Anticipated supplies to Grafton City Hospital include:

• 3,000 Powder-Free Exam Gloves
• 300 Medical Head Covers (Bouffant Caps)
• 300 Medical Shoe Covers
• 400 Surgical Masks 
• 400 KF94 Surgical Respirator Masks (N95 Equivalent Standard)
• 100 Isolation Gowns (AAMI2 Rated)
• 100 Safety Face Shields
• 10 3M Chemical Splash Resistant Goggles and Plastic Protective Eyewear

To learn more about donating PPE or supporting community efforts to navigate the COVID-19 crisis, visit monhealth.com/mh/monhealth-heroes.