MADISON, WI (SPECTRUM NEWS) — The University of Wisocnsin Health system is now accepting donations of personal protective equipment (PPE) from the public.

PPE supplies are short around the country as healthcare workers gear up to treat people with Coronavirus.

The UW Hospital is okay on supplies at the moment, but knows a surge of cases could change that.

“If we had a big surge of patients we might use more than what we have, and we do know that the supply chain is pretty tight right now, and we don't want to run out, that's our biggest fear is running out of PPE,” said Dr. Jeff Pothof, UW Health chief quality officer.

People can fill out a form and drop off PPE at the UW Health 20. S. Park Street Clinic from 10 a.m. To 2 p.m.

UW is looking for N95 masks, surgical masks, gowns, gloves, eye protection, face shields and disinfecting wipes. They are asking businesses or individuals to donate.

“I don't think any amount is too small,” Pothof said.

Pothof said another way people can help is by donating blood to the Red Cross or donating cash to the hospital.

He said the biggest way people can help is staying home.

“Because the last thing that we want is this disease spreading so quickly that we can't keep up with the number of people who need our help,” Pothof said. “That puts the community in a bad spot and it puts healthcare workers in a position where they have to make impossible decisions, so stay home.”