Ever since Owensboro Health asked for the community’s help to replenish a dwindling supply of surgical masks, the response has been swift and overwhelming as people try to support those on the front lines of the battle against COVID-19.
People of all ages have joined the effort, making masks that can be used not only by doctors and nurses, but also by first responders or simply those who need them during essential trips around town.
See here for how to make surgical masks that can be accepted by Owensboro Health.
And the process has gotten innovative, at least for some, as a laser cutter is being used to swiftly produce mass amounts of mask kits — cutting as many as 400-500 in a single day.
Though the high-tech approach is in full swing, the collaborative process actually started with Jan Miller and the Owensboro Area Quilters Guild.
Once the hospital was able to provide information on the style and materials for acceptable masks, Miller said members of the Quilter’s Guild quickly jumped on board. With the hospital requiring a more heavy-duty fabric, though, it took a long time to make the masks.
Glenn Taylor, Jr. — who already had the idea of using the laser cutter at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory to cut fabric — found out the guild was in need of help and immediately offered his services.
“I thought, oh my gosh that would be super helpful,” Miller said. “If we could get the heavy stuff cut out, that would save so much time.”
It saves literally hours, as the machine can cut through four layers of fabric at a time and can make dozens of pieces in a matter of minutes — compared to one every 15 minutes or so at best by hand.
“That’s when it really started to take off and we knew we could get this done for the community,” Taylor said. “It took us about a day to really get it fine-tuned. By the middle of the next day, we were really starting to roll through things.”
Even so, it is still a joint effort from people all over Owensboro. It’s also not quite as simple as cut-and-sew for the masks accepted by the hospital.
All of the fabric must first be washed in hot water, dried and ironed before ever being cut. Then two layers are sewn together — an outer layer of thick material and an inner layer of cotton.
Typically straps would be made of elastic, but Miller said they’ve had to make those of fabric as well.
“There’s no elastic in town anymore,” she said. “We’ve adapted to making ties on all four corners out of fabric.”
Any masks used by the hospital are then sterilized before use. All in all, it can take several days to go from fabric to usable mask.
Miller said she quickly had to enlist help as people started donating fabric in bulk, and there was plenty to be found. Some people are sharing washing duties, some fold, and some sew.
The Daviess County Cooperative Extension Service has also been a major partner, serving as a pick-up point for pre-packaged sewing kits and a drop-off for completed masks.
Extension Agent Katie Alexander said with everyone working remotely and people getting involved individually, her office has served as a central source of info and materials.
“I don’t think it could be done without the community,” she said. “The Extension is here for the community to be an outreach and to be kind of that place where they can get information. It’s awesome to see how the community came together so quickly.”
Not all masks will go to the hospital. Some are sent to nursing homes, some to those who are sick, some to first responders.
Much of the masks that Jenny Pyland makes will serve those sorts of purposes. She got involved to help her daughter, and has so far made about 100 masks.
“I like to sew, and that’s the least I can do,” she said. And some of her denser fabric has made it to Taylor to be laser cut. “I hate to cut, and they can do it in a really fast time so I’m happy.”
Pyland is glad that so many people have gotten involved in whatever way they can.
“I think it’s wonderful,” she said. “Everybody is doing their share. I think it’s great. When it comes down to it, people are there for you.”
Taylor is happy to help out everyone, pointing to the bigger picture as motivation.
“We’ve got healthcare workers who are on the front line of this,” he said. “They need all the support that we can give them. If we can get ourselves ahead of this and have those materials ready for them, then we’re just one step ahead of the game.”
Miller said the outpouring of support has been incredible, and it’s taking all of Owensboro to get it done.
“This is not about one person,” she said. “This is about everybody. This is a huge undertaking that has snowballed beyond belief.”
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The Owensboro Health coronavirus hotline is available 24/7 by calling 877-888-6647. Call the hotline before seeking in-person care. More information from OH can be found here.
For the latest information and data on COVID-19 in Kentucky visit kycovid19.ky.gov or dial the Kentucky state hotline at 800-722-5725.
For the latest health guidelines and resources from the CDC, visit their website here.
