Who needs masks?
Right now, the medical community needs face masks in an unprecedented way. In addition to the healthcare providers and first responders though, public-facing workers and officials are in need of personal protective gear during the pandemic. This includes social workers, grocery store employees, vets, construction workers, funeral homes, delivery personnel, food servers, and other essential businesses that must remain open during global lockdowns.
Secondary to essential business workers, the personal use of masks to help protect your t-zone makes it easier to not touch your face and offer some protection when in the public and indoors. Personal use is important especially for the at-risk population like the elderly or pregnant women as well as the immunocompromised. Individuals with respiratory or heart conditions may not be able to wear a mask. It is important to note that the cloth masks are ideal for these circumstances and not the medical-grade PPE that is required in the hospital and emergency settings. Learn how to make your own masks>>
In the future, the project might expand beyond essential businesses and healthcare providers and into businesses like nail salons or tattoo shops. These types of businesses will need to be able to work closely with the public and let’s be honest, it would be nice if we could help some small businesses out there so that when we are released from isolation we can get our nails done and our hair did. To begin with, we will be focusing our efforts on supporting the medical community and essential workers.
What kinds of masks are being made?
The Carolina Mask Project aims to connect artists and makers with mask requests from North and South Carolina. There is a Carolina Mask Maker Group that is for the sharing of mask making information to help with sewing cloth mask covers or 3D printing PPE that is needed in the medical communities. We are still determining the needs of the local providers and seeking to understand medical guidelines for PPE to provide additional alternatives like gowns and face shields. Learn more about the difference between surgical masks and N95 masks here>>
When requesting masks, the recipient can choose between the fitted, rounded style masks or the pleated surgical-style masks. With so many individuals making masks, there is a range of variety in the construction of these masks. NOTE: Some items will use ties instead of elastic. Materials will vary. > (opens in a new tab)”> request form to help us identify your location and needs so we can work with our community of makers to meet your needs. Each request is handled on an individual basis. Thank you for your patience while we coordinate with a team of volunteers to meet your needs.
Where will we send the requested items?
Artists and makers are mobilizing from all over the world. This project aims to help connect mask makers and requests from all over the Carolinas. Charlotte is home base for The Carolina Mask Project, but we are excited to help connect makers and healthcare systems throughout both North and South Carolina. Items will be distributed through the community to their local providers based on requests. Each case will be handled individually by the volunteers.
Why is there a mask shortage?
We have all been affected by the SARS Coronavirus 2 pandemic and leading up to the COVID19 outbreak, many people bought up the important supply of surgical or N95 masks that are vital to the healthcare community around the world. With our medical providers working overtime, the regular supply dwindled quickly and now the CDC is suggesting replacements such as bandanas and scarves.
How can I help?
To begin with, we are creating a community of Carolina Mask Makers in an effort to mass-produce cloth masks. The Carolina Mask Project started on March 21, 2020, and seeks to join in the #MillionMaskMayDay by producing as many masks and other PPE items as possible.
Please fill out our Volunteer Survey so we can add your information to our mask-making production list. If you are an artist or local business with an online shop, we will add hyperlinks to our Special Thanks page to help drive traffic to your website. You can also visit the Mask Making page to learn more about how to make the handmade mask covers.
Spread the word about The Carolina Mask Project by using our hashtags and tagging us in your posts. #thecarolinamaskproject #carolinamaskmakers