My name is Adam and I am an entrepreneur in Washington, D.C. I was scrolling through my social media feed and it was becoming very apparent that there is a shortage of N95 masks for health care workers. I had seen a website that provided templates to create masks and eyewear using a 3D printer, so began researching what it would take to do it myself.
I decided if I’m working from home, I can easily step away from what I’m doing for a few minutes and oversee the creation of some masks. And if I have the time, then of course I should do my part to make a difference. I’m definitely a gadget guy so I decided to order a 3D printer and set up a fundraiser that would allow me to print some masks. The project apparently resonated with my friends, because within a few hours I had raised almost $1700!
One thing that has been great about this project is that it’s not only providing much-needed PPE for health care workers, it’s also mobilizing a community of people and showing them the value of 3D printers. When the COVID-19 crisis is over, I plan on donating the printer to a local school, non-profit, or program.
I think it’s important for individuals to step up creatively and take initiative. The reality is that it’s important for everyone to do what they can to minimize the impact of this pandemic. For some people it may be knitting masks, for others, it may be ordering groceries for an elderly neighbor, or even a landlord offering rent breaks to their tenants. In this case, the “maker” community has come together to use their 3D printers to make masks and personal protective equipment for first responders. It’s great to see so many people collaborating for good.
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Adam’s printer just arrived and he’s ready to put down the flamethrower and build some masks! Follow his progress or contribute to the cause.
