Chequamegon Bay Mask MakersThe goal of the Chequamegon Bay Mask Makers has been to recruit, organize and facilitate the production of appropriately designed face masks for supplemental use in Chequamegon Bay Healthcare facilities and Essential Businesses in the area.
Our initial goal was to produce 3000 masks. As of 5/21/20 we have produced over 6000 with the help of over 60 sewers! The core organizing group has now decided to come to a halt with our active mask making. The area needs are decreasing and our sewers are moving into their gardens. Should there be an uptake in the need in the coming months we will reassess. Please see the update below for more information. We will leave the mask information on this page for ongoing information on the use and sewing of masks. DISCLAIMER: It is important to recognize that homemade masks are not a replacement for CDC approved masks used in healthcare settings. However, the current shortage of N95 masks and other PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) threatens the well-being of our healthcare workers and our community. The masks hopefully can be a backstop to the existing supplies. The N95 Coverage Mask have been designed to elongate the viability of those N95 masks Healthcare providers have on hand. For more information on CDC recommendations: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/ppe-strategy/face-masks.html Here is an excellent article on how to's with face masks - how to wear a face mask for maximum coverage, how to safely put it on and take it off, frequent washing: We currently have one specific version of masks that are needed. Updated Instructions (4/21/20) are provided here: Pleated Fabric Mask Instructions You should be able to print out the pdfs or work from computer screen. Please read through this entire page! It is very important for everyone to understand the safe steps to access materials & supplies, to set up your work area and to safely deliver the completed masks. We may be updating these designs as healthcare providers needs evolve. |
|
UPDATES
5/22/20
UPDATE!
Happy Memorial Weekend! Hard to believe it is coming up to the end of May.
As already shared, the core organizers have made the decision to slow down our production of masks. While we are continuing to distribute masks, the requests are decreasing. And many of our sewers are leaving the sewing machine to get into their gardens. We feel confident that our efforts have really made a difference and that if the needs arise significantly, we can regroup and determine the appropriate steps.
A few updates:
I am so proud of this community and of each and every one of you! As my mother would have said, "You done good!"
"The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members." – Coretta Scott King
Be well and be safe -
Nancy Sandstrom
715-209-2145
UPDATE!
Happy Memorial Weekend! Hard to believe it is coming up to the end of May.
As already shared, the core organizers have made the decision to slow down our production of masks. While we are continuing to distribute masks, the requests are decreasing. And many of our sewers are leaving the sewing machine to get into their gardens. We feel confident that our efforts have really made a difference and that if the needs arise significantly, we can regroup and determine the appropriate steps.
A few updates:
- As of 5/21/20 we have produced over 6000 masks! And over 5300 have been delivered to healthcare facilities so far.
- Over the course of our effort we have had 126 sewers at a wide range of participation. And we had about 25 additional volunteers doing other work including kit making, transporting, and assisting with the management of the program.
- As of today, all PICK UP bins have been removed from the three sites. We will leave the DROP OFF bins and clipboards at the three sites for at least the next week. There are still a good numbers of people working on kits and we want to be sure they are collected as completed.
- Approximately 500 of the overflow masks are the ones with jersey straps. These have now been bagged 2 per bag and are available for the general public to pick up at no cost at the Chequamegon Food Co-op in Ashland.
- We are also looking to establish a small number of Super Sewers - these people would be "on call" to start making masks again should there be a significant request based on Healthcare needs. We would still manage the organization and distribution of materials and completed masks. If you are interested in signing up for this elite group here is the SIGN UP. There is also a sign up link on our Chequamegon Bay Mask Makers Page.
- We do ask that folks try to get unfinished kits completed as soon as reasonably able.
I am so proud of this community and of each and every one of you! As my mother would have said, "You done good!"
"The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members." – Coretta Scott King
Be well and be safe -
Nancy Sandstrom
715-209-2145
Sign Up as a Super Sewer!
While we are pausing on our mass production of masks, if there are sewers out there who are able and willing to respond to emergency needs, we encourage you to sign up here (this is separate from your signup previously - this takes you to the Super Sewer category. If needs arise we will contact this elite group and determine if we are able to produce the needed masks. Sort of like being "on call".
SUPER SEWER SIGN UP!
SUPER SEWER SIGN UP!
Access to Materials and Supplies
The pattern provided indicates the materials needed (fabric, elastic or jersey strips, twist ties). In either case PLEASE follow protocol for CLEAN production (use scent free detergent, wash fabric in hot, dry on hot, wash hands often, sanitize work area, minimize handling of masks once completed).
If you have your own stash of tightly woven cotton (similar in weight to quilters cotton), you can use this. Please wash and dry on hot to complete initial cleaning. (See above for cutting instructions).
If you have your own stash of tightly woven cotton (similar in weight to quilters cotton), you can use this. Please wash and dry on hot to complete initial cleaning. (See above for cutting instructions).
Mask Production
- Instructions are provided above for the construction of the masks.
- Be sure fabric has been washed (scent free detergent) in HOT and dried on HOT setting, to pre-shrink the fabric and to assure basic cleanliness.
- BE CLEAN! Wash hands regularly and please sanitize your work area often. The sewer should try to be the only one handling the fabric/materials.
Have Questions?
This is the contact information for the current support group. Please know that we are all very busy with this project so we do ask for understanding in our ability to respond quickly. If unsure who to contact send an email to Nancy Sandstrom
|
Kate Stolp
507-254-3987 maruisland@gmail.com General Questions Gayle Chatfield 715-2097727 artgarden@centurytel.net Sewing Questions Resource |
Nancy Sandstrom
715-209-2145 sandstrom.nancy@gmail.com Volunteer Coordination |
We will provide Facebook updates for those who have signed up on the Chequamegon Bay Community Care Facebook Group.
Volunteer in other ways through this form. If you have already filled out this form but would like to update your preferences, email communitycare@cheqbaycc.org to let us know what you want changed instead of filling it out a second time.
Thank you for your help!
Volunteer in other ways through this form. If you have already filled out this form but would like to update your preferences, email communitycare@cheqbaycc.org to let us know what you want changed instead of filling it out a second time.
Thank you for your help!