The Brooks Crossing Innovation and Opportunity Center’s Innovation Lab, in collaboration with Old Dominion University, is using its 3D printers to create face masks for frontline workers amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. This initiative is part of a wider community effort providing PPE solutions in Hampton Roads, including the Williamsburg Regional Library which is producing free face shields for community organizations. Additionally, Dave Kashy, a mechanical engineer from Jefferson Lab, has created intubation boxes for healthcare workers to further protect them from virus droplets.
Local Lab Making Masks for Frontline Workers
FROM WYDAILY BY Julia Marsigliano
Brooks Crossing Innovation and Opportunity Center
The Brooks Crossing Innovation and Opportunity Center‘s Innovation Lab is using its 3D Printers to make face masks for frontliners.
Collaboration with Old Dominion University
Kim Lee, spokeswoman for the city of Newport News, wrote in an email on Tuesday, the lab can print five masks per day and the initiative is through Old Dominion University.
Community Efforts in Making PPE
Brooks Crossing is not the only agency on the Peninsula making masks and other personal protective equipment for health care workers.
Since April 8, the Williamsburg Regional Library is using its 3D printers to make free face shields and is delivering them to several community organizations. Recipients of these shields include long-term care facilities such as Consulate Health Care and doctor’s offices like the Pediatrics Associates of Williamsburg.
Another person making PPE is Dave Kashy, a mechanical engineer from Jefferson Lab. After working with Riverside, he created intubation boxes for health care workers. The clear, plastic boxes are placed around a patient’s head to protect staff from virus droplets.
COVID-19 Statistics in Virginia
As of Tuesday, there are now a total of 9,630 positive cases of the coronavirus and 324 deaths statewide, according to the VDH website.
James City County has 146 cases, Newport News has 101, Hampton has 92, York County has 43, Williamsburg has 15 and Poquoson has 6.
At least 20 people from the Peninsula Health District and one person from the Hampton Heath District have died from the coronavirus.
The Peninsula Health District covers Newport News, Poquoson, Williamsburg, James City County and York County. The Hampton Health District covers Hampton.
Question & Answer
1. What is the Brooks Crossing Innovation and Opportunity Center doing to support frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic?
The Brooks Crossing Innovation and Opportunity Center’s Innovation Lab is using its 3D printers to create face masks for frontline workers.
2. How many masks can the Brooks Crossing Innovation and Opportunity Center’s Innovation Lab print per day?
The lab can print five masks per day in collaboration with Old Dominion University.
3. Which other organizations in the Hampton Roads area are involved in making PPE for healthcare workers?
The Williamsburg Regional Library is producing free face shields, and mechanical engineer Dave Kashy from Jefferson Lab has created intubation boxes for healthcare workers.
