With coronavirus cases expected to increase soon, Newman Regional Health is asking residents to help reduce the risk for patients and health professionals by donating sewn face masks.
Business Development Manager McKenzie Cinelli says people can help by sewing masks for patients out of fabric or by sewing coves for N95 masks used by healthcare workers. Cinelli says there is a need for both kinds of masks as evidenced by the over 1,000 N95 covers the hospital now uses every week.
Patient masks must be made out of 100 percent cotton or 100 percent flannel. Mask covers, meanwhile, must be made from surgical drape. Once donated, the masks are sterilized before use.
Interested residents are asked to call Volunteer Coordinator Deb Storrer at 343-6800 ext. 22525 or email dstorrer@newmanrh.org. Information about patterns and requirements are available at www.newmanrh.org/facemasks.
Masks can be dropped off at Emporia Main Street. Residents are told to use the clear garage door on Eighth near the butterfly mural to drop off their donations. Call Main Street at 340-6430 or email main.street@emporia-kansas.gov to make arrangements.
