Due to hoarding and the increased need for protective equipment, frontline medical staff are having to ration face masks. Coronavirus is highly contagious, but N95 rated face masks can protect staff being infected by those for whom they are caring in ERs and hospitals across the country. It is hoped that federal efforts will increase the supply of these life-saving items, but as cases increase there will be a need for alternatives according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Fabric face masks are currently being accepted by some hospitals for patients who are worried, but also as back-ups for doctors, nurses, and other staff. Please view this video from KOCO 5 ABC News in Oklahoma.

Connections to Baylor Scott & White as well as Methodist Health System Hospitals have alerted us they will gladly accept any help they can receive from us. Rev. Andrew Fiser has connections with and can help coordinate deliveries to those systems. You are also encouraged to to form connections with your local hospital.

HERE ARE OPPORTUNITIES TO PROTECT THOSE WHO ARE PROTECTING US AND OUR MOST VULNERABLE LOVED ONES

Collect and Donate N95 Masks to Hospitals

• Raise awareness with others at church, UMW circles, family, community 
• Collect masks and safely donate them to a local hospital (call ahead)
• Offer "amnesty" to those who initially hoarded masks
• Arrange to deliver masks to Methodist Health System Hospitals or Baylor Scott & White with the assistance of Rev. Andrew Fiser (fiser@ntcumc.org or 501.690.5421)

Make Fabric Face Masks for Hospitals

• Raise awareness with others at church, UMW circles, family, community
• Sew individually
• Create a UMW circle for making masks (with social distancing in place)
• Enlist friends who are sewing enthusiasts or who have supplies
• Help others collect materials for masks
• Collect elastic string or alternative: elastic of all sorts is in short supply
• Connect with a local hospital to safely deliver fabric face masks
• Arrange to deliver fabric face masks to Methodist Health System Hospitals or Baylor Scott & White with the assistance of Rev. Andrew Fiser (fiser@ntcumc.org or 501.690.5421)

Video Instructions: CLICK HERE to view "The Turban Project"

DIY Cloth Face Mask: CLICK HERE for "Instructables Craft" Instructions

Filter Material (Difficult to Obtain): CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

(Note: instructions are forthcoming on a more effective face mask with nose fit)

For more information, please contact:

Rev. Andrew Fiser

Associate Director

NTC UMC Center for Missional Outreach

fiser@ntcumc.org

501.690.5421