States discard masks and pandemic gear as stockpiles expire

The aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S. has led to states grappling with an excess of protective gear, prompting them to auction off or discard millions of masks, gowns, gloves, and more. Ohio, for example, auctioned off 393,000 gowns for just $2,451 and discarded another 7.2 million along with expired masks and gloves, costing about $29 million in federal money.

Similar situations are reported in at least 15 states, with more than 18 million masks, 22 million gowns, 500,000 gloves, and other items being thrown away due to expiration, surpluses, and a lack of demand. The situation highlights the challenges in managing stockpiles and the need for better planning in public health emergencies.