Social distancing doesn’t mean social responsibility should be on hold - if anything, there is a greater need for all of us to look for ways to help.
If you’re actually following recommendations for social distancing, you’re staying away from people outside your family, disinfecting like you’ve probably never done before, and washing your hands so much they’re cracking.
And if you’re in the position to do so, I hope you’re also looking for ways to help people who are struggling right now. There are local businesses hurting right now, friends and neighbors out of work, and our “seasoned” community members who need help.
On top of that, we’ve got health workers in many areas expressing concern for dwindling supplies they need to treat patients, and a high concern over lack of space for patients - both for the coronavirus and other health-related issues.
One of the solutions I’ve seen on social media is the push for homemade medical masks. I LOVE this idea but wanted to verify with my friend at the University of Washington Medical Center that they could actually use them. Here’s what she said:
“If made from proper materials - maybe…*they could be used, with caution, for everyday use (outside hospital) when we do have to go out, if it comes to that kind of measure - mostly because they prevent us from touching our face and provide a bit of precaution from droplet transmission (as well as signaling to others that you made your mask and are not using supplies that are definitely needed in the hospitals). At this time we still have capacity at UW and appropriate PPE. Short version- better than nothing but definitely not good enough for patient care unless made from specific hospital recommended materials. [However,] things change every day so we may hear a call for this from a specific hospital with detailed recommendations- then it would be time to start cranking them out. [In the] meantime- *they could be used, with caution, for personal use for our older [population].”
So, a huge shout out to all of you making these masks for your neighbors and friends. Stay alert for news on local hospital demand and proper materials needed to make medical masks.
There is also an industry-wide mobilization plan for the creation of supplemental care units happening right now in the U.S. In addition to the fear dwindling medical supplies needed to care for infected patients, hospitals are also running out of space for both the infected and those with other medical needs. If you would like to learn more, get involved, or back this collaborative project, reach out to me at heather@brandhmarketing.com.
With so many challenges people are facing nationwide and around the world, find a need and help solve a problem. Don’t be idle. We are in this together.