In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hinsdale Public Library is working with AMITA Health Adventist Medical Centers, School District 181, and library partners to 3D print face shields for health care providers.

With a surge in COVID-19 cases anticipated in the coming days and weeks, frontline medical teams and hospitals are working to prepare. However, many area facilities have limited supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE). This equipment provides a first line of defense for healthcare workers against the virus, allowing doctors, nurses, and other staff to continue serving patients in a safe manner. Keeping healthcare workers protected is necessary for hospitals to maintain adequate staffing levels as the number of patients increases.

To respond to this unprecedented need, we are asking for assistance from the communities that these healthcare workers and hospitals serve by helping with the 3D printing of face shields. We are utilizing an open-source code of a hospital approved design (see below) for the face shield.

https://www.prusaprinters.org/prints/27950-prusa-face-shield-us-version

Unfortunately, 3D printing is not a fast process. Consequently, in order to achieve the volume of production needed, access to additional 3D printers is necessary. If you or your organization has a 3D printer that can be used to produce additional face shield parts, we would welcome your assistance! You can either print the parts at your location or, if you prefer, lend the 3D printer to the Hinsdale Public Library. If you choose to print at your location, we will coordinate logistics with you to pick up the parts once completed.

The 3D printed headpiece is only one of the parts to the face shield. The clear face mask and the elastic headband are the others. We have a limited supply of these materials on hand at the moment, have more inbound, and are working diligently to secure more. If anyone has access to clear plastic (.4 to .5mm thick polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate, PVC, or similar material) or adjustable elastic bands (buttonhole elastic works well), please let us know. All face shields produced will be given to local area hospitals free of charge.

For more information, please contact:

Karen Keefe, Executive Director

Ridgeway Burns, Youth and Young Adult Services Manager