In times of crisis, people who are not affected by the crisis look for ways to help.
And, while the message from all levels of the health care system is “stay home,” this call to inaction is frustrating for some who need to do something.
Unfortunately, sometimes that help is expressed in ways that isn’t needed at the time.
Such is the case with homemade masks.
While many countries are experiencing a shortage of surgical and N-95 masks and are accepting homemade masks, the situation hasn’t reached that point in Canada yet.
“We are extremely grateful from all the offers, whether it is protective equipment or financial support,” says Northern Health Media Relations Manager Eryn Collins. “However, we’re not accepting home-made items at this time; we do ask you not drop off items at any of our facilities at this time. Donated items need to be unused and unopened.”
So, if you have a box of surgical masks or N-95 masks kicking around, they will gladly accept. But they don’t need a home sewn mask.
Yet.
One thing that is appreciated? Headbands.
Mehgan Trafananko, co-owner of Haven + Ohlee, a company that manufactures scrunchies, has been making headbands for the local nurses the last few days.
These are not your standard headbands, though. Each band has a pair of buttons sewn on, which go just behind the ear.
This allows doctors and nurses to attach their masks to the headband, alleviating pressure on the ears. Most doctors and nurses are wearing PPE far more than before. Even here in Tumbler Ridge, staff are using what used to be two month’s supply of masks in about a week.
Trafananko says it was a fairly easy leap to make. “My sister and I own a scrunchie company and I have had a tonne of fabric sitting around for a while not knowing what to do with it. My cousin is a nurse so I sent her the photo and she said she could totally use them as her ears have been hurting from the masks. So the headbands are made to relieve some of the pressure off their ears while they wear the masks all day.”
She reached out to the community for buttons, and has been sewing for the past two days. She’s managed to make about 70 of the devices so far. “My plan is to reach out to some other hospitals in the Lower Mainland and send some to them,” she says.
She says she just wanting to do something nice. “They are the ones doing all the hard work and risking their lives each day so if I can help make one of them more comfortable then awesome,” she says. “First responders don’t get enough credit for all they do.”
If you’re wondering what you can do to help (more than just staying home), Northern Health has set up an email address for people who are thinking about donating: ppe.donation@northernhealth.ca. Right now, though, they are only looking for sterile, unopened and authorized equipment.
And those homemade masks? Don’t need to go to waste. There are people who are dealing with people with Coronavirus outside the medical system who don’t have access to surgical masks or N-95 masks. Better yet, consider non-ppe items that are still useful. Like scrub caps or garment bags/shoe bags to put dirty clothes in.
And if in doubt? You can always ask. You can also talk to some of the other health organizations around town (Hospice Society, Hospital Foundation) and ask if they need anything.
