St. Francis Hospital accepting hand-sewn face masks

LITCHFIELD — As potential shortages of masks and other personal protective equipment are being reported in the news, the hospital has received several messages from members of the community asking if homemade, sewn cloth masks would be accepted.

There are several ways the community can help with the efforts against COVID-19.  Those include staying home, practicing good hand hygiene, giving blood if possible, making a donation, or consider making masks for non-clinicians.

HSHS St. Francis Hospital will accept cloth face masks to help with the national shortage during the COVID-19 outbreak.  If you or someone you know is able, please consider sewing face masks for the hospital. These masks will be used in accordance with CDC guidelines.

For those who wish to make masks, the following criteria must be followed. The link is posted on the hospital’s Facebook page and website at stfrancis-litchfield.org:

• Make masks with elastic straps following these directions – CLICK HERE for directions.
• Make masks with cotton straps (no elastic needed) following these directions – CLICK HERE for directions.
• Bundle masks in no more than 25 increments in a sealed zip lock bag.

Volunteers should follow the state’s Stay Home Order and should not leave their homes to purchase supplies.

Beginning Wednesday, March 24, individuals can drop off their donations at: the Litchfield McDonalds restaurant and the Holiday Inn Express and Suites of Litchfield. Community members should not bring them into the hospital. Please use the designated drop off areas listed above.

If other hospitals wish to be added to this list, please send your specifications to Stephanie at [email protected].