Blessing Health System is following federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for health systems across the country to implement tactics to conserve the use of PPE. One CDC-approve tactic is the use of cloth masks over Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) N95 masks to extend the life of the masks. Individuals and organizations are now contacting Blessing Health System to volunteer to sew the cloth masks. 

“It is what the people of this region do,” said Maureen Kahn, RN, MHA, MSN, President/Chief Executive Officer, Blessing Health System. “When there is a community need, even as massive as the COVID-19 response, people step up and donate their skills and talents to meet the need.”

“At Blessing Health System, the safety of our our patients, families, visitors and employees is always our first priority,” Kahn continued.  "While Blessing Health System has appropriate levels of (PPE) now, there is worldwide demand for these items and a shortage of supply. Whatever we can do to safely extend the usefulness of the equipment we have now strengthens our COVID-19 response and helps ensure the safety of our patients and caregivers.”

“We appreciate the response from individuals and organizations in the Blessing region and look forward to working with them to address this crisis to enhance the safety of patients and our caregivers,” Kahn concluded.

The volunteer-made cover masks are placed over a respirator, known as an N95, to allow it to be worn for longer periods of time without becoming contaminated. 

If interested in making masks, please contact Blessing’s Volunteer Services Office at (217) 223-8400, ext. 6820 or 6821, to pick up a packet. Packets will include fabric and instructions on how to make the masks. Volunteers will need a sewing machine and thread. 

Masks made from other fabric will be accepted, if CDC guidelines are followed. There will be a drop box for all homemade masks at Blessing Hospital’s circle driveway at 11th & Broadway. 

For additional information on COVID-19 and Blessing's response, click here.