IU1 Produces, Donates 200+ 3D-Printed Face Shields to Area Hospitals
PPE Created in Fab Lab Will Protect Local Medical Staff Amid Coronavirus
Coal Center, Pa. – Intermediate Unit 1 (IU1) donated more than two hundred face shields to Uniontown and Washington Hospitals today to support local medical workers battling the COVID-19 outbreak.
With a lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) putting a strain on hospitals around the world, staff at IU1 in Coal Center asked local hospitals what was needed most and 3D-printed face shields in their Fab Lab for frontline healthcare workers. Fab Lab Coordinator Matthew Weightman produced the equipment at the IU1 Educational Campus at Colonial in Fayette County, using designs provided by the National Institute of Health.
“IU1 is grateful for the bravery and compassion of our community’s doctors, nurses and staff during this unprecedented time,” said Don Martin, Executive Director of IU1. “Today’s donation would never have been possible without initial funding from Chevron six years ago. The idea behind the Fab Lab was to address community issues and these face shields are a perfect example of how that investment and partnership has paid off.”
The IU1 Fab Lab is a partnership between Chevron, the Fab Foundation, and Intermediate Unit 1 to provide digital fabrication curriculum towards K-12 students, teachers, and communities in the region.
"To have the support of our community and folks from our area school districts, including Laurel Highlands and the team at Intermediate Unit 1, utilizing 3D printer capabilities to help provide protective equipment for our staff amid this crisis is incredible," Josh Krysak, director of Community Relations for Uniontown Hospital said. "We cannot thank enough all of those who are dedicating their time to ensure the safety of our staff in such a creative and unique way. We are truly blessed."
Laurel Highlands, West Greene, Southeastern Greene and Peters Township school districts are also producing PPE intended for donation.
