UnityPoint Health in Cedar Rapids asking sewers to help make masks
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — UnityPoint Health in Cedar Rapids is looking for for volunteer sewers to help fight the spread of the Coronavirus by making fabric masks.
In a statement released on Friday, UnityPoint Health says the hospital has an adequate supply of masks but, because of the short supply nationwide due to COVID-19, they're trying to be proactive and prevent any possible future supply shortages.
"Fabric masks offer the benefit of being able to be washed and re-used as each healthcare worker will need to change their mask several times during their shifts, as the mask becomes soiled or damp – for maximum protection," according to the statement.
"A new modular mask, The Olson, named after 1930s legendary maker nurse Lyla Mae Olson, was quickly developed by clinicians from UnityPoint Health and is being shared across the globe in the fight against COVID-19," the statement continues, "A group of medical professionals teamed up the at St. Luke’s generate prototyping space to create a series of experimental designs rooted material science and easy fabrication. No special instruments are required for fabrication, and the pattern is compatible with common mask patterns being released around the country.
The team is releasing the instructions and can be downloaded at bit.ly/UPHMask
Once sewers have completed the masks please drop them off at UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s Foundation.
They will also distribute them to other local hospitals if the need arises.
St. Luke’s Foundation address is: 855 A Ave. NE, Suite 105, Cedar Rapids. It is located in a medical office building across from St. Luke’s Hospital. This building is open on the weekends from 9 - 11 a.m. and during regular business hours weekdays.
There will be a box near the Foundation for the masks to be dropped off.
