United Way of the MOV, in cooperation with the office of Senator Joe Manchin announces support for MASKS 4 WV initiative - a statewide call to sew. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a need for more supply of personal protective equipment (PPE). We are asking volunteers who have the ability to sew to make masks. We are not providing the materials or providing reimbursement for masks.
United Way Executive Director Stacy DeCicco said, “We are proud to join other United Ways across the state to launch this effort. It is a wonderful way for everyone to become a difference maker and truly have impact in the face of this community crisis.”
WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center and the United Way Alliance of the Mid-Ohio Valley have coordinated efforts to receive mask donations at various drop off locations in the Mid-Ohio Valley and have released this joint statement:
“We want to thank our community for its outpouring of support during this very challenging time. As COVID-19 affects our community, we are anticipating a substantial increase in demand for our personal protective equipment (PPE). Many of you have stepped up by donating medically approved PPE, including N-95 respirator masks, shoe covers, etc. Others are supporting us by making cotton masks based on CDC guidelines to support our back up supply. Please know that the donated items will be added to our inventory for use at such time the need arises. Your support and efforts are very much appreciated, and we are extremely fortunate to operate in a strong community in which our businesses and residents are so generous. We will get through this together.”
Starting this week, United Way agencies statewide will collect crafted masks in designated collection sites. Individuals can now drop off their completed masks locally at the front entrance of Medical Office Building B at WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., as well as the following Piggly Wiggly Store locations:
• 100 23rd St – Vienna
• Gihon Village – South Parkersburg
• 1206 Plum St – Parkersburg
• 4000 Emerson Ave – Parkersburg
Additional drop off locations will be announced via the United Way Alliance Facebook page
“We are particularly appreciative of Jim Oppe’s willingness to use his retail location as a drop point. It is strong community partners like this that will ensure that our community is able to sustain in this time of crisis, DeCicco shared.
Masks will be donated based on community need throughout the Mid-Ohio Valley. According to the CDC, fabric masks are a crisis response option when other supplies have been exhausted. Local health departments, health care facilities, and hospitals can sterilize these masks and use them repeatedly as needed. Homemade masks will only be used as a last resort as they are not considered to be personal protective equipment since their capability to protect healthcare providers is unknown. However, while we understand it is less than ideal, we want to do our best to protect all those providing care during this pandemic.
To view a tutorial video on how to make the masks, for the mask pattern and more information please visit: http://www.wvumedicine.org/camden-clark/face-masks-donations
For any questions, please call the United Way Alliance at 304-580-0570. If you would like to make a monetary donation to MASKS 4 WV, your United Way has established the MOV Community Response & Recovery Fund in response to the pandemic. Just text the word, MOVResponse to 40403 to be redirected to our secure payment page.