March 23, 2020
All Strafford County Staff, Friends, Family, Loved Ones, and Volunteers,
There is no secret, the medical field is short on supplies. N95 masks and respirators are impossible to find and surgical masks are becoming just as rare. A few staff and volunteers have reached out to ask what my thoughts are on people making cloth surgical and filter capable masks. My thoughts are YES, PLEASE!!
At this time, I’m asking that anyone with a sewing machine or needle and thread help us reach our goal of 2000 facemasks. I believe with all the loving people out there you can help us quickly reach this goal. If you can’t sew you could help by supplying materials to someone who can sew, or let us know and we can find a safe way to get those materials to someone who has the ability to sew facemasks.
Your help will benefit everyone, not only at Riverside and Hyder but in all of Strafford County. If you’re unable to make a mask or provide supplies maybe you could write a note or ask your children to make a beautiful picture for one of our residents. This is a tough time for everyone and the residents are no exception. Every effort will help us continue to provide the best care possible while keeping staff and resident’s safe.
Your masks will not only keep the staff and residents at Riverside and Hyder safe; these masks will also help keep our brothers and sisters safe at the Commissioner’s Office, Department of Corrections, Sheriff’s Department, and Community Corrections to name a few. These masks will go to keeping everyone safe, not only those who reside here but all that have dedicated themselves to keeping Strafford County Safe and Operational during these times of uncertainty.
There are so many wonderful people in the community reaching out to provide help and support, any bit of help is tremendously appreciated. There is no such thing as help too small. I know this will be a tremendous feat but I think if we all pool our resources; we can make 2000 masks by Friday! I know this seems like a large number but if everyone wears one mask a day and requires another one during laundering, we will require roughly this amount to keep everyone protected. I believe we can do this!
There are many available instructional videos, handouts, and patterns. I’m not a savvy seamstress and I’m not confident in my ability to look at patterns to be able to send you the right information. Please if you find a good pattern share it with as many people as possible, including me so that I may distribute it to others.
Strafford County is a strong community during the good times and even stronger during the bad times. I’m beyond blessed to be a part of this Family.
Everyone at Strafford County appreciates your support.
Warm Regards,
Brianna Haskins-Belanger, RN, BSN
If sending or dropping off masks or cards/drawings:
Unfortunately, we remain closed to visitors so we ask that you place any masks or cards in identified donation bins located outside the main entrance of Riverside Rest Home. These will be available starting Tuesday March, 24th. Also please note that any cards or pictures/drawings will remain in a safe unhandled place for at least 48hour (2days) prior to being delivered to ensure the safety of everyone. Mask will be laundered prior to distribution.
If unable to stop by please mail to:
Riverside Rest Home
Purchasing and Receiving Door
Attn: Activities (donations)
276 County Farm Rd.
Dover, NH 03820
We aren’t worried about looking stylish – but we are concerned about functionality. Non-matching fabrics, thread, binding strips are just fine – but a well sewn mask with no frayed edges or missed seams or “holes” is important.
In order to make sure the masks are safe and as effective as possible; we ask that you consider the following points.
• It is most helpful to use a standard pattern to ensure proper fit and function.
• Recommended fabric for the outer portion of the mask includes heavier, non-stretch fabric such as denim, duck cloth, canvas, twill, or other tight woven fabric.
• Recommended fabric for the inner lining and filter pocket can be other cotton, cotton-blend non-stretch fabric. It can be thinner and softer, but again recommended minimal or non-stretch.
• If both layers are the same material, I promise you won’t hear us complain.
• Consider using two different colors or patterns to easily identify the inside and outside of the mask.
• Must be laundered in HOT water prior to sewing to prevent future shrinkage.
• Polyester or other less breathable fabric will not work as well, due to moisture produced when breathing.
• If using denim or other fabric that is being “recycled”, please be sure it is clean and in good shape. Worn or dirty fabric will not be protective.
• Elastic should be in good shape, with plenty of stretch and of an appropriate size to fit over the ears. 1/16-inch round cord or 1/8-inch braided work best.
• If elastic is not available, fabric ties can be sewn on the mask. There will need to be 4 ties (one tie on each of the 4 corners). Ties should be approx. ¼ inch in width, sewn in such a way that there are no frayed edges, and long enough to be tied into a bow on the top of the head (for the top corner and behind the head for the bottom corner).
Again, we all appreciate your help and support.
This has great, easy to read information on materials:
smartairfilters.com/en/blog/best-materials-make-diy-face-mask-virus/
And this is a great link to a page with pdf’s with patterns:
turbanproject.com/patterns ... See MoreSee Less
