While finding food and supplies at the grocery store has gotten a little better as this week goes on, there are some very important items that are still hard to come by. Because of this, nurses from all over are asking people to sew them masks because their supply is so low!
On Facebook, nurse Kristen Thompson wrote,
“I’m a nurse at a local hospital. We are CRITICALLY low on masks! According to the CDC, fabric masks are a crisis response option when all of our supplies have been exhausted.”
Kristen goes on to ask people that can sew if they can make 100% cotton, double layer, reusable/washable masks and send them to nurses. She says that anyone that wants to help make the masks can comment on her Facebook status and she will get them more information. The masks don’t have to be perfect so that’s great for people like me that have limited sewing capabilities!
Photo credit: Kristen Thompson
In another post on Facebook, Lesley Lastufka Davison asked people to do the same for nurses at a local hospital in Galveston, TX. She is a nurse also and is asking people to sew masks for nurses and for visitors since these masks can be washed and reused. Lesley has put together a Google Doc with more information, such as where the masks are going to go, patterns for how to make the masks and some FAQs about the masks themselves.
If you have the ability to sew and would like to make some of these masks for the nurses, here are some patterns that they have shared below:
Adult Reusable Medical Face MaskA.B. Mask – for a Nurse by a Nurse5 Free DIY Face Mask Tutorials Using FabricHow to Sew a Face Mask
Now is a great time to give back to those in healthcare that are working tirelessly and risking their lives every day for us!
Photo Credit Lesley Lastufka Davison
Just for overall clarification, these are called ‘barrier masks’, and used to remind people not to touch their mouth or nose. It is also a visual reminder that we are living in special circumstances and it is not ‘business as usual. These and are greatly needed by many recovering, helping and visiting patients for minimizing cross-contamination and to avoid eating and drinking in sensitive areas. Viral and surgeon masks are highly specialized and are manufactured under strict guidelines. These are also in short supply and need the manufacturing industry to increase the production of N-95 and greater for nurses and Hospitals ASAP. If you have an N-95 mask and are NOT a health care worker or assisting those that are directly ill, consider passing it along to someone who is at higher risk, like a police person, or firefighter, or even your grocery checker. Stay Safe and calm.
i would think if you a dialysis clinic nearby check with them if they will except cloth masks. i know my clinic i go to has very limited amount an ask us to wear ours for 2 days.
Hello, I’m willing and able to make as many as my hands can humanly make(which should be a lot). Please send me the directions to make them and where you want me to mail them.
On Facebook, nurse Kristen Thompson wrote,
I can help
Just for overall clarification, these are called ‘barrier masks’, and used to remind people not to touch their mouth or nose. It is also a visual reminder that we are living in special circumstances and it is not ‘business as usual. These and are greatly needed by many recovering, helping and visiting patients for minimizing cross-contamination and to avoid eating and drinking in sensitive areas. Viral and surgeon masks are highly specialized and are manufactured under strict guidelines. These are also in short supply and need the manufacturing industry to increase the production of N-95 and greater for nurses and Hospitals ASAP. If you have an N-95 mask and are NOT a health care worker or assisting those that are directly ill, consider passing it along to someone who is at higher risk, like a police person, or firefighter, or even your grocery checker. Stay Safe and calm.
i would think if you a dialysis clinic nearby check with them if they will except cloth masks. i know my clinic i go to has very limited amount an ask us to wear ours for 2 days.
I have two sewing machines, love sewing, I would love to help
I would love to help out, but I heard that the hospitals will not use them because they are not as effective as the real thing.
Yes I can make some masks where would I send them I’m in wales
My mom will make some. Where do we send them?
We made alot but people discouraged us.we can make more if they an be of good use.We are doing this with the help of the refugees.
Hello, I’m willing and able to make as many as my hands can humanly make(which should be a lot). Please send me the directions to make them and where you want me to mail them.
I would love to help. Where do I start?