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22
How to Support Columbus Organizations With Mask Donations
COVID-19, typically referred to as the coronavirus, has impacted every aspect of our daily lives. Social distancing and quarantine-appropriate behavior have forced many of us to work, study, and spend all of our free time at home. Even with plans to begin re-opening the state in May, the CDC is still encouraging all individuals to wear protective masks when in public. Our healthcare workers, emergency personnel, and other essential workers have an even greater need for personal protective equipment (PPE).
At Cutler Real Estate, we consider the health and wellbeing of our family members, friends, and neighbors throughout the community to be a top priority. In these unprecedented times, we must come together and do our part to reduce the risk of spreading the coronavirus around Columbus. By making, wearing, and donating homemade masks, we can decrease our chances of spreading or contracting this virus.
The Importance of Masks in Fighting COVID-19
The coronavirus is a microscopic virus that is small enough to pass through nearly all facial coverings. However, when someone infected sneezes or coughs, the virus attaches itself to water molecules before leaving the body. Facial coverings made of nearly any fabric can effectively contain these water molecules, essentially providing a significant element of protection that everyone has immediate access to.
The masks that are most effective at preventing the spread of coronavirus are N95 surgical and procedure masks, which are typically used in healthcare settings. Although these forms of PPE are available for the public to purchase, government officials are asking that these masks only be reserved for healthcare workers who are constantly at risk of coming in contact with infected individuals. However, all other non-medical individuals can create homemade face masks to wear or donate to others in need.
How to Make a Homemade Mask Without a Sewing Machine
For a quick and easy no-sew way to make an effective mask using materials in your home, refer to these instructions provided by the Center for Disease Control.
Steps for a Bandana Face Mask
- Fold a square bandana in half.
- Fold the top down to the center and the bottom up to the center.
- Feed the folded bandana through two rubber bands or hair ties.
- Fold the ends of the bandana to the middle and tuck them into the bands.
- Place the mask across your mouth and hook the bands around your ears.
Steps for a T-Shirt Face Mask
- Cut across the stomach of a t-shirt roughly 7-8 inches from the bottom.
- Cut a rectangle out horizontally in the center of the shirt about 6-7 inches in.
- Cut the edges of the open side to make tie strings.
- Tie one of the tie strings around your neck and the other around the top of your head so that the cloth covers your nose and mouth.
How to Sew a Homemade Mask
If you're interested in sewing your own mask, the CDC also offers guidelines. For this task, you'll need a sewing machine, scissors, a needle and thread, two pieces of elastic-like rubber bands or hair ties, and two pieces of cotton fabric measuring 10"x6".
- Cut the 10"x6" fabric pieces out of a large cloth such as bed sheets or blankets.
- Place them together and fold over the long sides ¼" then hem. Fold the fabric over ½" over the shorter sides and stitch them down.
- Thread the elastic through the openings on the wide side and tie each side in a knot to create ear holes.
- Place the mask over your nose and mouth, adjusting as needed.
Keep these tips in mind when using homemade cloth masks:
- The mask should fit snuggly without restricting your breathing.
- They should be made of multiple layers of fabric.
- They can be washed and dried in the washing machine and dryer without incurring damage.
Columbus Donation Locations
If you have the time and materials, please consider making extra homemade masks to donate to those in need. Here are a few organizations around Columbus that are accepting donations of PPE.
- The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
410 W. 10th Ave., Columbus, OH 43210
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The OSU Wexner Medical Center is accepting donations of unopened medical items such as hand sanitizer, gloves, gowns, shoe covers, and N95 masks at their donation center. - Mount Carmel Health Corporate Service Center
6150 East Broad St., Columbus, OH 43213
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Mount Carmel is currently accepting unopened medical supplies, including N95 masks, gowns, gloves, hand sanitizer, and sanitizer wipes. - OhioHealth Columbus Donation Center
830 Kinnear Rd., Columbus, OH 43212
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OhioHealth is currently accepting donations medical equipment, including medical coveralls, face shields, disposable lab coats, catheters, HEPA filters, and exam gloves, as well as hand-sewn masks and headbands. - Franklin County Emergency Management and Homeland Security
5300 Strawberry Farms Blvd., Columbus, OH 43230
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FCEM&HS is accepting medical PPE like surgical masks, viral swabs, gowns, and gloves, as well as handmade masks donations. - YWCA of Columbus Ohio
65 South Fourth St., Columbus, OH 43215
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The YWCA of Columbus is seeking donations of medical disposable face masks, disposable gloves, and hand sanitizer in addition to their traditionally requested needs. - Ohio Department of Health
246 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43215
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The Ohio DOH is accepting donations of vital medical equipment as well as any other services or resources that can be offered to assist the state and benefit all Ohioans.
Helping Frontline Workers
If you know of any other healthcare or frontline facilities accepting donations of homemade masks or other critical PPE, please let us know in the comments below.
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