As the number of COVID-19 cases continues to grow in El Paso, so does the need for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). To help fill the need, the non-profit Fab Lab El Paso, as well as an alliance of local fabricators and private producers have been working together to create affordable PPE with 3D printers.
The face shields and masks are available for healthcare and frontline organizations/businesses to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Local businessman and KTEP radio host Charles Horak and Fab Lab El Paso’s Executive Director Cathy Chen saw a chance to create and distribute face masks and face shields to the community.
The pair have harnessed community talent and resources to address the scarcity of commercial PPE in the region.
Fab Lab El Paso normally hosts a number of events even with a demanding schedule but since the pandemic crisis, their work has shifted, “We have been able to put our know-how and numerous 3-D printers to work during this pandemic to help meet a community need,” said Chen.
Since coordinating and combining their efforts with other area makers, the group now has the capacity to produce, collect, and distribute
up to 500 reusable face shields and face masks per day.
Because the need for PPE keeps growing, it can be hard for healthcare providers, first responders, medical workers, nursing homes and other medical professionals who are on the frontlines of fighting COVID-19 to have access to them.
Organizations and businesses that are deemed essential and continue to serve the public are also struggling to find adequate supplies of PPE.
In addition to providing the facemasks and face shields, the group is also requesting a donation ($1 per mask and $2 per face shield) to the EP COVID-19 Medical Equipment and Supply Fund when you place an order for a facemask or face shield.
To donate to the EP COVID-19 Medical Equipment and Supply Fund, click here
