TERRE HAUTE, Ind – Ivy Tech Terre Haute along with the Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute (CTSI) is working with colleges across the state to produce personal protective equipment, (PPE) to help address current shortages as a result of COVID-19.
Indiana CTSI has mobilized materials for rapid manufacturing with partner universities including Indiana University, Purdue University, IUPUI, University of Notre Dame and Ivy Tech Community College campuses across the state.
Ivy Tech Terre Haute started production of medical face shields last week in Ivy Tech labs. Eight faculty or staff are currently involved in production, working two 7-hour shifts per day to produce roughly 85 medical face shields per day, and 425 per week. The team is 3D printing head bands and fitting them with clear visors to complete the face shields.
Face shields completed by Ivy Tech Terre Haute will be delivered to the Vigo County Emergency Management Agency for local distribution and to Bryan Herta Autosports in Speedway for central distribution to hospitals and organizations throughout the state.
David Will and Molly Joseph organized the Ivy Tech Terre Haute campus effort and prepared Ivy Tech labs for production. David Will is the dean of the School of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering and Applied Science. Molly Joseph is program chair for the Advanced Automation and Robotics Technology program.
The production process and schedule allows faculty to continue to teach their virtual classes. Shifts do not overlap so team members will be able to maintain social distancing.
Institutions that need supplies should visit EMResource, the Indiana State Department of Health’s new coordination system, to track COVID-19 supply availability at https://www.in.gov/isdh/17855.htm. Organizations that need face shields and are interested in securing a shipment through this coordinated effort should fill out the Indiana CTSI survey at https://redcap.uits.iu.edu/surveys/?s=A73L888PPT. The survey will help Indiana CTSI coordinate with Ivy Tech and other participating groups across the state.