The Science Library Makerspace, part of UGA libraries, is helping to produce face shields. Technology Librarian Andrew Johnson is expected to be able to create 70 face shields a week using a design approved by the National Institutes of Health.
With hospitals in Athens, around Georgia and across the nation in need of medical supplies and protective gear, one local STEM teacher and a small groups of fellow makers are building face shields for medical personnel on the front line. Chris Sugiuchi and his wife Deirdre have created Shield Athens.
"I'm one person with an army of local volunteers and 3-D printers just trying to get it done as fast as we can."
While he is glad to be able to contribute in the battle against COVID-19, Sugiuchi says he can’t believe his efforts are really necessary.
"I'm really hoping I get the call where someone says 'Hey, you're done. We've got semi-truck loads of medical supplies, personal protective equipment for everybody who needs them, you can stop.' That call will make me very happy because right now it's kind of terrifying that I'm the guy but I'm glad I can help."
His wife Deirdre helps in the creation of the shields, which can take up to three and a half hours to complete. She also makes cloth masks for others.
"It's overwhelming and it's exhausting but it's also exilerating because this is something you can have control over. I feel like a lot of people feel very powerless right now but by making and helping people, you can control some of your stress."
The Sugiuchis have a website, shieldathens.net, and a Paypal fundraiser to help get the materials necessary for the face shields. They have been able to distribute over 200 shields so far.
