Oregon distilleries make hand sanitizer for health care workers

PORTLAND, Ore. — As health care workers continue to care for those who have tested positive for the coronavirus, the fight for hand sanitizer continues.

To help, Moda Health and Oregon craft distillers are partnering to create as much as 20,000 gallons of hand sanitizer a week for health care workers who need it.

"It’s the perfect example of when people and organizations pull together with a common goal and are motivated, they can do some really great things," explained Chandra Wahrgren, with Pharmacy Enterprise and Innovation for Moda Health.

Moda Health chose to partner with distilleries because they are already equipped and permitted to handle large amounts of alcohol. Four distilleries across the state, including New Deal Distillery in Southeast Portland, were chosen to produce the large volumes of hand sanitizer needed.

"We are making a product that is the exact opposite of what we usually make. Usually, we make something that is drinkable and now we’re making something that is the least drinkable. What are you going to do?" laughed New Deal Distiller's Tom Burkleaux. "This is a weird time. We all know that it’s a weird moment, and it’s just a small way to do some good."