“UnityPoint Health – Cedar Rapids, Iowa has an adequate supply of masks however – they remain in short supply nationwide due to COVID-19. The hospital is looking to be proactive in addressing the possibility of future supply challenges. Therefore, St. Luke’s is calling all sewers to help make masks. Our hope is that we won’t need them, but we must plan for the unknown. Fabric masks offer the benefit of being able to be washed and re-used as each healthcare worker will need to change their mask several times during their shifts, as the mask becomes soiled or damp – for maximum protection.

A new modular mask, The Olson, named after 1930’s legendary maker nurse Lyla Mae Olson, was quickly developed by clinicians from UnityPoint Health and is being shared across the globe in the fight against COVID19. A group of clinicians teamed up in the hospital’s generate prototyping space to create a series of experimental designs rooted material science and easy fabrication. No special instruments are required for fabrication, and the pattern is compatible with common mask patterns being released around the country. Your time and talent can greatly impact our ability to care for our community members and help ensure our safety as we do. Fabric masks offer the benefit of being able to be washed and re-used. They don’t have to be stylish – just functional. Non-matching fabrics, thread, elastics are fine. It just needs to be well sewn mask – with no frayed edges or missed seams. Download the Olson Mask pattern here: https://bit.ly/UPHMask Completed Masks Enclose completed masks in a closed plastic bag or closed plastic box. “