Erlanger announced Wednesday that it is now accepting donations of homemade face masks from the Chattanooga community, according to a news release.
While Erlanger currently has enough personal protective equipment (PPE) available for staff and patients, it is trying to secure more supplies due to the uncertainty around global demands.
Only 100% cotton face masks will be accepted. The masks will be cleaned before being given to Erlanger's Emergency Preparedness Team for distribution to all regional facilities, the release states.
Those wishing to donate masks can do so Mondays through Thursdays from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. at Kennedy Outpatient Center located at the corner of East Third Street and Palmetto Street. The donation cart will be placed in the valet area outside of the building with signs directing donors to the drop-off location.
"We are moved by the outpouring of support from our community," Liz Hedges, director of Business Development at Erlanger Health System, said in the release. "Our community has rallied around the health system and our staff and we couldn't be more touched by all your messages and desire to help. From the bottom of our hearts we truly appreciate all of you."
Resources for how to make a face mask, with or without elastic:
* Video from Deaconess Health: https://www.deaconess.com/How-to-make-a-Face-Mask
* Instructions from Joann Fabrics: https://www.joann.com/make-to-give-response/
* Instructions from Vanderbilt Medical Center: https://www.vumc.org/coronavirus/how-donate-hand-sewn-face-masks