Never underestimate the power of a seamstress.
Armed with sewing machines, fabrics, and elastic bands, a local group hopes to help slow the spread of COVID-10 in Bartholomew County.
Angie Behrman, owner of Sew Crazy, 5520 25th St, Columbus, said she received an unexpected call Thursday morning while preparing for work. On the line was Chris Raaf, vice president of hospital operations at Columbus Regional Health.
"(Raaf) asked if there was any way that she could reach out to our sewing and quilting community to see if we could help with face masks," Behrman recalled.
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Columbus Regional Hospital spokeswoman Kelsey DeClue described the mask-sewing project as an "organic effort, and not a request, but the hospital is grateful."
"We continue to source supplies to keep our stock adequate and those efforts are separate from the masks being made by the community," she said.
CRH hopes to have a head-start on tackling a major issue hospitals are facing worldwide.
Across the globe, hospitals are struggling to order medical gear amid surges in demand. One item in particular, N-95 respirators/surgical masks, are dangerously low in demand.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention protocol recently loosened its rules regarding face masks, allowing handmade masks for health care workers because of the shortages.
The CDC has stated that the demand for respirators cannot meet demand nationwide at this time, and that N95 masks should be reserved for workers in riskier settings.
More and more hospitals are requesting public assistance to fight impending shortages.
Federal health officials recently announced a plan to buy 500 million respirators over the next 18 months for stockpiling, but health officials need supplies before they’re overwhelmed.
Behrman said she reached out to all of her clients and fellow sewers Thursday afternoon via email asking for help to create face masks to donate to local health centers.
Once Behrman hit send on her email, her phone started ringing off the hook from people wanting to help the cause.
So far, she has at least 12 sewers donating time and material to the cause. Coincidentally, on Fridays, a group meets at Behrman’s shop for "community care projects," which typically involve projects such as making pillow cases and baby quilts to donate to the Salvation Army or blankets to service members.
Behrman has donated supplies from her "stash" to fellow sewers to help ramp up production. She said many other seamstresses are also willing to give supplies to the cause.
Instructions on how to make the masks and what supplies are needed can be found online, Behrman said. Right now, Behrman is making masks that use flannel on one side and 100% cotton on the outer layer with elastic. Behrman said Friday she plans on making an instructional video for her Sew Crazy Facebook page.
While the masks aren’t capable of eliminating all infectious particles, health workers say homemade masks will still help limit spread.
"The nurses said it doesn’t matter because anything helps," Behrman said. "Whether they are 100% cotton, or cotton with flannel, they’ll take it."
CRH visitation guidelines don’t allow Behrman to enter the hospital, but she has a plan to get the supplies to them. Behrman said she has several clients, including Melanie Meyer, who are nurses who can take the masks to CRH when ready.
Behrman said she thinks she will have a significant number of masks to be ready for transportation by Monday.
Masks are currently only being made for donation to health care workers, not private residents.
Those interested in helping make masks may call her shop at (812) 418-8200.
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Angie Behrman, owner of Sew Crazy, 5520 25th St., Columbus, is crafting and collecting face masks to donate to local hospitals and health centers.
Behrman recommends watching video tutorials online to learn how to sew together the masks. Lists of materials needed are also online.
Those interested in helping can call her business at (812) 418-8200 or visit the Sew Crazy facebook page.
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