Free and for purchase PPE: summary of options available

January 19, 2022

There are a lot of places community clinics can access free and for purchase personal protective equipment (PPE). Below is a summary of the different options available.

AHS is distributing select PPE to primary care physicians, pediatricians and their staff at no-cost until February 28, 2022, as per the process outlined here. This includes medical grade KN95 masks, face shields and gowns and does NOT include cleaning products. 

PCN members can order the no-cost AHS PPE through their PCN point of contact, and non-PCN physicians can order directly through AHS.

Some of the masks sourced by AHS may indicate “non-medical” because they are not specifically tested for splash resistance, which is a requirement for medical/surgical respirators. 

The Alberta Emergency Management Agency is providing no-cost PPE and supplies to privately owned health services providers, including primary care physicians. This includes non-medical grade KN95 masks, disposable masks, face shields and surface disinfectant. 

Since this program is open to Alberta businesses and non-profit groups, many of these products are not medical grade and may not be appropriate for your clinic, e.g. Germinix disinfectant is not appropriate for use in medical clinic settings. Please review and follow manufacturer’s instructions for all PPE and supplies and ensure that use of products and supplies aligns with standards of practice.

Additional PPE including gloves, coverall with hood, goggles and sanitizer are available for purchase from AHS. 

All other PPE and cleaning products should be ordered through your usual vendor. Any concerns with products should be directed to the ordering source.