The Suncoast Science Center/Faulhaber Fab Lab–in partnership with a group of dedicated volunteers–is requesting input from assisted living and other non-primary healthcare facilities to determine local need for replacements for nonexistent Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Face shields to be fabricated will be similar to https://www.coxhealth.com/innovation. Face masks to be fabricated will be similar to https://suncoastscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Joanns-face-mask-pattern.pdf.

Assisted living facilities, nursing homes and other non-primary healthcare facilities are encouraged to complete the form for face mask and shield requests here:

https://bit.ly/fablabppe (Note: URL is case sensitive)

The supply of PPE provided to healthcare workers to use while caring for patients during the COVID-19 pandemic is extremely limited and rapidly declining each day. In an effort to protect healthcare workers and patients and slow the spread of the Coronavirus, the Suncoast Science Center is seeking input from assisted living facilities, nursing homes and other non-primary healthcare facility in need of PPE alternatives like face masks or shields. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has ordered an additional 500 million surgical face masks, many of which will be provided to hospital and primary health center workers on the front lines. Healthcare workers in non-primary facilities like nursing homes and assisted living facilities could be left behind without even basic protection.

A first batch of requests will be accepted via the online form through Friday, April 3. Organizations will then be contacted upon review by Suncoast Science Center staff. A distribution plan and timeline will be determined to supply the need.

Call for Volunteers

Do you want to support this effort? If you have sewing skills or a sewing machine to use to help make masks, a willingness to help prototype and produce masks/shield, distribute masks/shields, etc, we need you! Complete this form if you’re interested in helping and staff will be in touch: https://bit.ly/fabcovidvol.

Call for Innovators

Do you have an idea for a face mask, shield or other product that could help slow or stop the spread of Coronavirus? The Fab Lab provides access to CAD and other design software, laser cutters, 3D printers, vinyl cutters, CNC routers, soldering equipment, power tools and much more. Free lab membership may be provided if you have a viable idea! Please complete this form if you have an idea: https://bit.ly/covidinnov