University Hospitals Reaches Goal of Collecting 100,000 Homemade Masks

Hand-written Notes to Caregivers Also Included with Donations

University Hospitals recently put out a call to the community to help make masks for our caregivers during this critical time. The people of Northeast Ohio rose to the occasion. As of today, UH has collected 100,000 homemade cloth masks.

At the end of March, UH began distributing kits with enough materials to make 10 masks. Within three weeks, all kits were within the hands of the community and within four weeks volunteers returned 100,000 cloth masks to UH.

“We are overwhelmed and grateful for the response we received,” said Dr. Randy Jernejcic, Vice President of Clinical Integration at University Hospitals. “Whether one volunteer sewed 10 masks or a group of volunteers donated thousands, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to each and every person who gave their time and talents to this cause.”

Along with donations of masks, UH asked volunteers to provide hand-written notes of encouragement and appreciation for caregivers.

“I wanted to say thank you for everything you’re doing. There are so many people that are sick and scared and it’s really helping to know that there are people like you trying to help keep everyone safe and healthy,” wrote Abbey, an 8th grade student.

The masks and notes are being distributed to staff throughout the UH system.

UH will continue to accept donations of masks sewn by volunteers with their own materials. We encourage sewers to follow the UH-specific design. That pattern and more information about how to donate finished masks can be found at this website.

UH is currently under universal masking guidelines, which means everyone in all facilities should wear a mask. It’s important for visitors, vendors and patients to bring their own mask when possible. This will help sustain the number of cloth masks available at screening checkpoints when entering a facility.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, UH is taking critical steps to ensure the health safety and well-being of all those we serve and adjusting our policy in accordance with CDC guidance. Cloth masks are not recommended for use in the presence of patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. The homemade cloth masks can be worn by patients, visitors and any caregiver who is not in direct contact with COVID-19 patients or suspected COVID-19 patients.