by Natalya Andrex
During the COVID-19 global health crisis, masks are in short supply. Medical personnel don't have enough N95 masks or surgical masks. All types of disposable face masks have become increasingly hard to find/super expensive. The disposable masks, even if you have them, are not made to be washed and reused.
Here in New Jersey, our governor issued an executive order that everyone needs to wear a face covering when on essential outings/work, and there are not enough face masks available. Sewing a washable mask or using a cotton bandanna or t-shirt scrap is a possibility. However, many people do not have the materials or resources.
Many home seamstresses and crafters have started making washable face masks. There are countless blogs and YouTube tutorials on a huge variety of mask construction methods, depending on what materials you have to work with.
During this time, my mom, who teaches dance and fitness classes, is unable to work, like many of the people in our state. She started sewing face masks for our family and friends, and then connected with other people sewing and donating masks on social media.
Many states now have Facebook mask maker groups that are all volunteers. The members sew masks and other Personal Protective Equipment, (like making face shields with cricut machines and 3D printers, and crocheting connectors with ear saving buttons), and get them to people and facilities in need. Even if you don't sew, there are many people donating and trading supplies, driving masks and supplies to and from locations, researching design and material options, finding out where masks are needed, collecting and shipping orders of masks, and organizing people to make everyone able to get masks!
The Red Bank Public Library has offered to help facilitate getting masks to people in our community, and we were able to make masks for the Parker Family Health Clinic on Shrewsbury Ave. You can contact the Red Bank Public Library at redbanklibrary@gmail.com for more information.
In Monmouth County New Jersey, there is a group called: SOSmatters Face Mask Sewing Group
Please consider joining the public Facebook group if you would like to help in the mask making efforts!
Link to Face Mask Sewing Group:
SOSmatters Face Mask Sewing Group Public Group | Facebook
Hi guys, I'm one of the founders of the open source covid19 medical supplies (OSCMS) subgroup in North Jersey. Our group operates under the same umbrella as OSCMS global group with same principles of making DIY/3D PPE to support North Jersey (and eventually NY frontlineres.
This group uses google docs to organize requests, offers, members etc. Here is the link to the google doc for requesting face masks:
Click here for the Face Mask Request Form.
ENTER INDIVIDUAL REQUESTS or on behalf of a LARGE FACILITY: The form is super simple. Include organization or hospital the masks are going too if applicable. After you fill out this request form, we will contact you to arrange delivery. Pick up is preferred for obvious reasons. We will try our best to accommodate your needs but understand that this is an all volunteer operation.
*Understand that these are handmade and are not NIOSH approved N95 face masks.Stay safe. Contact us at info@sosmatters.org