In an uncertain and scary time, it’s heartwarming to see local businesses doing their part to help.
Rightfully Sewn, a local nonprofit seamstress training program for at-risk women, will sew and donate cloth masks to Truman Medical Center, Liberty Hospital, North Kansas City Hospital and The University of Kansas Health System, the first batch available by April 3.
While these sewn masks are considered nonmedical, some hospitals—like Deaconess Health System in Evansville, Indiana, where the idea came from—are using them for non-COVID-19 patients in order to reserve medical-grade N95 masks. Others are wearing them over N95 masks or under face shields while working with COVID-19 patients.
Rightfully Sewn owner-founder Jennifer Lapka says sourcing materials will become the biggest challenge. “Fabric warehouses around the country are closing for quarantine measures, too, so we need to act fast,” she says.
Lapka encourages at-home sewing proteges to make masks themselves and donate N95 masks to local hospitals. “Pull out that home sewing machine, search YouTube and make your own machine-washable one,” she says. “And, stay at home as directed.”
If you’re interested in helping Rightfully Sewn’s cause, donate here.
