Hospitals Asking for Fabric Face Masks that You Can Sew

Find a hospital near you to sew fabric face masks and other protective gear for!

I don’t think any of us can believe what uncertain times we are living in. The news is difficult to watch and read, and I see fear in so many people’s eyes. People that I would love to reach out and hug – but I can’t because we are staying 6 feet apart!

 

 

In all this commotion, I am so grateful that I know how to sew. Many of us have been making DIY facemasks to help provide protective gear for the brave doctors and nurses that are fighting this devastating virus on the front lines. You can see the pattern I’m using here.

Here is a statement from the CDC regarding homemade fabric face masks:

HCP {healthcare personnel} use of homemade masks:
In settings where facemasks are not available, HCP might use homemade masks (e.g., bandana, scarf) for care of patients with COVID-19 as a last resort. However, homemade masks are not considered PPE {personal protective equipment}, since their capability to protect HCP is unknown. Caution should be exercised when considering this option. Homemade masks should ideally be used in combination with a face shield that covers the entire front (that extends to the chin or below) and sides of the face. {source of quote at cdc.gov}

If you are wondering who needs help like this, we put together a list of hospitals and facilities that are asking for donations of handmade face masks and other items.

This list is in no particular order. Perhaps you might see a hospital near you – or you can ship the masks.

University Hospitals in Ohio

Children’s Hospitals of Philadelphia

Vanderbilt University Medical Center In Tennessee

CAMDEN CLARK Medical Center In West Virginia

Atlantic Health System in New Jersey

North East Alabama

Kaiser Foundation Hospital – Fontana California

St. Francis Medical Center Colorado Springs, Colorado

Gritman Medical Center in Idaho

I also encourage you to check the website of your local hospital (or call them) because there is probably a need right in your own community. If you know of other hospitals asking for help online, please leave a link in the comments so I can add them to this post.

Thank you for your help in this unprecedented time. I have found that busying myself with this project has made me forget to check the news and has relieved me of some of the stress. I hope that you find the same thing is true for you!

I also made an easy photo tutorial of the Olson Mask Pattern so anyone can make it.

Take care. Be healthy. And keep sewing!

xoxo,