The Seamstresses Behind the Mask
Over the last five months, the coronavirus has swept over numerous countries creating a worldwide health crisis. While many areas are facing lockdown procedures, first responders and essential workers continue to leave the comfort and safety of their homes to help their communities survive this challenging time.
Throughout this pandemic, there has been growing concern over the shortage of supplies that are needed in health care centers. The lack of resources in hospitals and other facilities stems from regular use and cases of theft. According to Business Insider, “New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Friday that his administration had directed state police to investigate cases of the theft of masks and other equipment from hospitals and medical facilities, putting healthcare workers at risk.” The increase in demand for masks and other necessary equipment around the world has put a strain on supplies in many healthcare facilities while they continue to wait on shipments. To combat these problems, local designers and seamstresses have been using their skills to help provide these workers with masks.
Irene Dominioni, a contributor for Forbes, states, “In the area of Bologna, a city in the region of Emilia-Romagna, a number of volunteer seamstresses have started a mass-scale production.” Not only is this being done in Europe, but also in the United States. A Michigan based designer, Susan Rothfuss Howard, is one of the many people offering their helping hands and sewing machines. During a short Q&A session with Peacock Plume, she shared what influenced her to start sewing masks, “I was motivated by the lack of resources for those affected. I wanted to make sure everyone had the opportunity to protect themselves.” When she said everyone she truly meant just that. Not only does she donate to employees of hospitals, but to everyone in need. “I am donating the masks to a variety of people not just health care workings but, the postal workers, the grocery workers, my family, my friends and those with who ask. I am not saying no to anyone. You want a mask you get a mask.”
Image Credit: Susan Rothfuss Howard
While Susan is working on this project at home by herself, she has also been accepting donations from other sewers to further her initiative. When asked how she believes her efforts will make a positive impact within her community, Susan replied, “I think it just makes people feel a little safer knowing they have an extra layer of protection. And knowing it will cost them nothing will make a lot of people happy for the time being.”
As those with skills in sewing unite to fight against the pandemic COVID-19, they are still practicing social distancing to help minimize contact between individuals. Throughout this pandemic, people around the world are taking such measures to ensure their safety and the safety of others. To find more information on how to stay healthy and safe during this time please visit the Red Cross website.
