Making Masks

The face masks you are sewing are used as a barrier to maintain a sterile/ clean environment during surgery and bandage changes. They are also used in certain types of Isolation to either protect the patient from anyone who enters the room or to protect the people entering the room. This face mask is imperative to patient care and will help offset the national shortage until production can start again.

It will not protect you from Covit-19 virus or TB; only a N95 Mask will protect you. However I am of the opinion that this mask is better than nothing. I hope and pray that health care workers will have the proper equipment to care for the Covi-19 cases and that you will provide a shield for the other types of patients that we will continue to care for during this crises.

Thank you for your labor of love.

God Bless,

Linda Bryan RN

Masks4WV

Local health departments are central to community planning for public health emergencies and are responsible for the distribution of supplies in their communities. The West Virginia Association of Local Health Departments is welcoming fabric masks from our communities across the state. Orders for standard/disposable masks are on long back-orders, due to demand and supply chain issues. Local health departments are continuing to plan for those on the front lines as we respond to COVID-19.

According to the CDC, fabric masks are a crisis response option when other supplies have been exhausted. Local health departments, healthcare facilities, and hospitals can sterilize these masks and use them repeatedly as needed. Homemade masks will only be used as a last resort as they are not considered to be personal protective equipment since their capability to protect healthcare providers unknown. However, while we understand it is less than ideal, we want to do our best to protect all those providing care during this pandemic.

YOU CAN HELP by sewing face masks that can be used if there are no other supplies available. Here are details about making/delivering fabric masks:

• The pattern is attached and on our Facebook page.

• Use tightly-woven cotton fabric on both sides.

• Please remember that both women and men in a variety of roles may wear these masks.

• When your masks are complete, email us at masks4wv@gmail.com to receive further instructions

• Masks will be distributed by local health departments to healthcare organizations based on local community needs.

For more information on how to sew a mask, please click here or email masks4wv@gmail.com.

Linda Blanc BSN RN

Administrative Director of Patient Care Services

300 S. Preston Street

Ranson, WV. 25438

304-728-8090

linda.blanc@wvumedicine.org