KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — There may be a way you can join in on the effort to slow the impact of the coronavirus in Kalamazoo, if you can operate a sewing machine.
Several local volunteers are working with the Kalamazoo County Health Department to make face masks.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fabric masks are a crisis response option when other supplies have been exhausted. In a statement,the CDC explains, “Homemade masks are not considered Personal Protective Equipment, since their capability to protect the health care provider is unknown. Homemade masks should ideally be used in combination with a face shield that covers the entire front and sides of the face.”
There is a looming shortage of the simple protective devices that could put lives at risk. “This is a way that we can prepare now locally and have our community help us take action to protect our most vulnerable residents and our front line workers,” says Kalamazoo County Administrator Tracie Moored.
“It started off with a bunch of people just getting together and trying to figure out how, what they can do to help and then we put out a call to action looking for people who sew and can make these masks,” said Kalamazoo County Vice Chair Tracy Hall.
She says now there are over 100 people working to make these masks in the county.
Here are the details for those looking to help:
- The pattern is courtesy of Phoebe Putney Health Systems
- Remember both women and men in a variety of roles may wear these masks
- When your masks are complete, drop-off at the Kalamazoo County Health & Community Services Department (311 E. Alcott St., Kalamazoo, MI 49001) Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 pm.
- Collected masks will be immediately sent to laundry/processing to be prepared for usage
- If there are any surplus masks after the COVID-19 response, those masks will be distributed to other organizations in need
Kalamazoo County Government will have the face mask pattern and instructions on their website at www.kalcounty.com.
(John McNeill contributed to this report)
