Covid-19 PPE Project
In response to the growing impact of the pandemic and shortages of PPE for essential workers, Haystack’s Fab Lab helped produce and deliver supplies to our community.
What we did
In late March 2020, Haystack made the difficult decision to suspend all of our programming for the entirety of the season. Soon after this decision was made, the Haystack Fab Lab switched gears to producing personal protective equipment (PPE) in response to the Coronavirus pandemic.
What we made
Staff in the Haystack Fab Lab produced medical face shields and surgical mask strap “ear savers” for community organizations. We prioritized efforts for Hancock County and the surrounding area in Maine. These supplies were intended for medical facilities, government agencies, first responders, schools, community organizations, local businesses, and other essential workers.
Fab Lab Internship
Haystack continues to offer unique and exciting learning opportunities to DISHS students through the Fab Lab internship program. In 2020 our interns assisted with the PPE Project. Through this real-world project, they learned about the design, manufacturing, and production process and used the Fab Lab to help the community through these challenging times.
Press
Listen to the Podcast “Just For The Health Of It” Community Discussions with Paul Sacaridiz
Haystack’s Fab Lab Makes 4000 Face Shields (Penobscot Bay Press)
Dirigo Talks: Community PPE Response (Points North Institute)
Fab Lab, Local Mom Making Protective Equipment (Penobscot Bay Press)
Haystack Produces Face Shields for Homeless Shelter (The Ellsworth American)
Support
To help support our work, including these Covid-19 response efforts, please consider making an unrestricted donation to the Haystack annual fund. Your support allows us to respond to pressing needs in real-time, and to scale our outreach and community support. Link here to make a secure online donation to the Haystack annual fund.
Contact
For additional information about the Fab Lab and the COVID PPE project, please contact fablab@haystack-mtn.org.
Haystack was fortunate to receive general operating support from the Maine Arts Commission in 2020. Organizational Partnership funding and additional funds from the C.A.R.E.S. Act—regranted via the Maine Arts Commission—was not only appreciated but vital, helping staff to continue working throughout the global Coronavirus pandemic, which resulted in a year in which all programming was canceled and with no earned income for the School.
Do You Need PPE?
We are not longer producing PPE at the Haystack Fab Lab. If you are still in need, please contact fablab@haystack-mtn.org to make a request.
How many did we make?
FACE SHIELDS: 3,500
EAR SAVERS: 2,500
Who did we help?
Blue Hill Hospital
Island Nursing Home
Memorial Ambulance Corps
Peninsula Ambulance Corps
Waldo County General Hospital
Ellsworth Free Medical Clinic
Searsmont Rescue
Cahoon Care
Home Inc.
Emmaus Homeless Shelter
USPS | Castine
St. George Volunteer Firefighters & Ambulance
Parker Ridge | Senior Living Community
Isle au Haut Boat Services
St. Joseph Healthcare
Maine Organic Therapy
McArthur Home for the Aged Association
Dr. Wendy Alpaugh, DMD
Tree of Life Food Pantry
Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry
McArthur Home for the Aged Association
Thomaston Ambulance & Fire Department
Rockland Fire & EMS
Hancock County Sheriff’s Department
Hancock County Jail
Healthy Island Project
Eggemoggin Country Store
Island Employee Cooperative
Casco Bay Dental
Boston University Medical Center
Sweetser | Maine Mental Health
Optum Health Services
Bath-Brunswick Respite Care
Downeast Community Partners
Robert & Mary's Place
Healthy Island Project
Town of Surry
George Stevens Academy
Deer Isle Sunset Congregational Church
Penobscot Bay Press
Blue Hill Co-op
Chase Emerson Memorial Library
Maine Maritime Academy
Island Health & Wellness Foundation
Opera House Arts
Brooksville Elementary School
Want to make PPE?
Click on the button below for our production guide.