Logan Reid
During the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals faced a critical shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE), including face masks. Volunteers across the country stepped up to help by sewing fabric face masks for healthcare workers. While homemade masks are not considered PPE, they can be used as a last resort when no other options are available. Those interested in helping can reach out to hospitals in their community or refer to online resources for patterns and instructions on how to sew face masks. By working together, individuals can make a significant impact in supporting healthcare workers and ensuring their safety during challenging times.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who can help? | Anyone who can sew can help make masks for hospitals. |
| Where to find hospitals in need? | Check the website of your local hospital or call them. |
| Materials | Fabric, elastic, cotton sheets, and baggies to store the masks. |
| Sewing instructions | Cut rectangular pieces of fabric, sew them together with elastic in between, and add pleats. Specific instructions vary. |
| Patterns | Patterns and instructions can be found online, for example, on the CDC website or canyonlandsquilts.com. |
| Shipping | Masks can be shipped to hospitals if needed. |
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What You'll Learn
How to find hospitals in need of masks
If you are interested in sewing fabric face masks and other protective gear for hospitals in need, there are a few ways to find hospitals requiring masks. Firstly, you can check the website of your local hospital or give them a call to inquire about their specific needs. This is a great way to support your community and ensure that your local hospital has the necessary resources.
Additionally, you can refer to online resources, such as the SewCanShe website, which maintains a list of hospitals asking for fabric face masks. This list includes hospitals like the St. Francis Medical Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and encourages readers to leave comments with links to other hospitals requesting masks.
Online platforms and social media can also be useful tools for finding hospitals in need of masks. You can search for hospitals requesting masks on social media platforms like Twitter or Facebook, where hospitals may post about their needs. Furthermore, you can connect with other individuals or organizations involved in mask-making initiatives and collaborate to meet the demands of hospitals requiring masks.
Lastly, you can contact healthcare organizations directly through their websites or by phone to inquire about their mask requirements. Each facility may have different visitation rules and requirements for masks, so it is beneficial to reach out to multiple organizations to understand their specific needs and determine how you can best contribute.
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Patterns and materials to use
There are several patterns and materials that can be used to make masks for hospitals. Here are some instructions and guidelines to follow:
Firstly, it is important to check with your local hospital or refer to their website to understand their specific needs and requirements for fabric face masks. This ensures that your contributions are aligned with their needs. Moab Regional Hospital, for instance, sent out a pattern and directions to anyone interested in helping.
In terms of materials, cotton is a commonly used fabric for making masks. It is recommended to use new, clean cotton fabric for the mask, and it can be cut into rectangular pieces measuring 7" x 9" with two pieces needed for each mask. Elastic is also required for the masks, and this can be sourced from various places, including online shops like Etsy.
When sewing the mask, place the two pieces of fabric with their faces together and insert the elastic in between them. Sew along all four sides, leaving a 2" opening on one side so that you can turn the mask inside out. Once this is done, pin three pleats on both the left and right sides, ensuring they are the same size and not overlapping.
Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website offers a pattern and a list of materials that can be used as a reference. It is important to note that homemade masks are not considered personal protective equipment (PPE) and should be used in combination with a face shield for better protection.
By following these guidelines and patterns, individuals can contribute to their local communities and support healthcare workers during challenging times.
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Sewing instructions
First, reach out to hospitals in your area via their websites, Facebook groups, or phone to ask if they need fabric masks and what kind/pattern they prefer. Once you have this information, you can start making the masks.
For the masks, you will need fabric and elastic. Cut two rectangular pieces of fabric measuring 7" x 9" each. Place the two pieces of fabric together with their faces touching and insert the elastic in between them. Sew this bundle together on all four sides, leaving a 2" gap on one side so that you can turn it inside out.
Next, pin three pleats on the left and three pleats on the right, ensuring they are the same size and not overlapping. Sew the pleats in place, and then close the 2" gap by sewing it shut.
You can also follow the Olson Mask Pattern or the CDC's instructions, which include a list of materials to use.
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Donating masks
During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as surgical masks, resulting in donations from the public and television shows.
If you wish to donate masks to hospitals, it is recommended to check the website or call your local hospital to see if they are accepting donations. You can also refer to online lists of hospitals and facilities that are asking for donations of handmade face masks.
When donating masks, it is important to follow the hospital's guidelines and preferences. Some hospitals may request specific types of masks or have requirements for the quality and potential risks associated with the masks. It is also recommended to include print-outs of product information and any relevant certificates, such as an FDA certificate.
In addition to donating masks, some individuals and organizations choose to donate money or other supplies to support hospitals. It is important to ensure that any donations are coordinated effectively with the receiving hospital to avoid wasting resources or causing delays.
Some television shows, such as New Amsterdam, Station 19, and The Resident, have donated medical supplies, including masks, to hospitals and local emergency response teams. These donations have been well-received and have helped to support healthcare workers and firefighters during the pandemic.
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Other ways to help
If you are unable to make masks, there are other ways to help hospitals and healthcare workers. Here are some ideas:
- Reach out to your local hospital or healthcare providers to ask if they need any other handmade protective equipment, such as aprons or head covers.
- If you have sewing skills, consider making masks for your family, friends, and neighbours to help reduce the demand for masks.
- Donate materials such as cotton sheets, elastic, or baggies to those who are making masks, to ensure the masks arrive at hospitals clean and sanitised.
- Organise meal donations from local restaurants to support frontline workers, such as fire, police, EMTs, nurses, and doctors.
- If you know of hospitals asking for help, share this information with others so they can take action and spread awareness.
- If you are unable to sew but want to help, look for local groups or organisations that are accepting volunteers to assist with mask-making efforts.
Remember, even small acts of kindness can make a significant impact during challenging times.
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Frequently asked questions
During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers. Homemade masks were used as a last resort for HCP in settings where masks were unavailable.
Find a hospital near you that is asking for fabric face masks. You can check the hospital's website or give them a call. Reach out to the hospital to ask if they need fabric masks and what kind they require.
You will need fabric, elastic, and a sewing kit. You can upcycle old cotton sheets and purchase elastic from Etsy.
Cut two rectangular pieces of fabric measuring 7" x 9" each. Place the two pieces of fabric together with their faces touching and put the elastic in between them. Sew the group together on all four sides, leaving a 2" gap on one side so you can turn it inside out. Pin three pleats on the left and three pleats on the right, ensuring they are the same size and not overlapping.
