ANDREWS AFB, Md. —
Recently a misunderstanding of procedures led to a Red Cross volunteer emailing a group asking for pillow donations for wounded warriors.
There has been a tradition of the medical center using small donated hand-made pillows for departing patients as an extra measure of comfort. On occasion, a full size hospital pillow is used based on need, such as a patient in a long leg cast.
"There has never been a pillow shortage," said Melanie Moore, 79th Medical Wing public affairs officer.
"Hospital pillows are purchased on a housekeeping contract," said Ms. Moore. "But if a wounded warrior needs a full-size pillow, we have a procedure set up. Currently we store these pillows in a storage container on hospital grounds."
A large donation of pillows was received by Red Cross volunteers in response to the original email, and these will be used for wounded warriors upon their departure.
The tradition of using donated hand-made pillows will continue with exceptions as appropriate based on patient need.
Malcolm Grow Medical Center is briefing all staff and volunteers on the appropriate process to request supplies and donations.