Despite the turmoil the COVID-19 coronavirus has brought to the United States, many individuals and businesses are finding ways to cope and give back.
Through these acts of community service, Americans are able to help and bring a sense of security to others and to one another. According to the National Governors Association, governors of multiple states, including Pennsylvania and Maryland, have issued orders that mandate citizens to wear masks in public. However, because of the sudden increase in demand, there has been a shortage of masks. So, many individuals and companies are stepping up to make them.
New Balance, a U.S.-based shoe company, is making face masks by using materials from its footwear, including shoelaces, according to an article published in The Boston Globe.
On the organization's website, New Balance company officials write that the crisis is calling on individuals and organizations to bring their expertise and resources to help meet the challenges the coronavirus presents. The company is also in contact with government officials and medical institutions.
In Rockland County, New York, an effort called The Masked Warriors Project serves the local community by making masks for healthcare workers. It has over 2,000 volunteer members and is continuing to grow.
In addition to a shortage of face masks, access to ventilators has also been difficult.
Companies such as Tesla, Ford and General Motors are using car parts to make ventilators, according to The Verge.
According to CNBC, Ford and General Electric (GE) have signed a $336 million federal contract to make 50,000 ventilators. The contract is under the Defense Production Act, which said each ventilator will cost $6,720.
Both GE and Ford have started to produce ventilators and are expected to finish by July 13.
Individuals across the U.S., including Christian Parker of Washington State, are using 3-D printers to battle the virus. Parker, with a blueprint for a Y-shaped piece of plastic, was able to produce ventilator splitters for hospitals, according to CNN.
Ventilator splitters allow multiple people to use the same ventilator for breathing support, and is a vital tool for hospitals across the U.S. because of the shortage of ventilators.
Additionally, Parker is part of a nation-wide community that is making efforts in combating the virus. Parker and the others in that community have reportedly produced and sent hundreds of splitters to hospitals across the United States.
He and many others are making efforts to combat the coronavirus to bring security and safety to their communities across the United States.
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