In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic many healthcare facilities are running short on potentially life-saving personal protective equipment (PPE) like masks, face shields, gowns and gloves. In light of the shortage many local businesses, like Awards Atlanta, have pivoted from their usual services to craft PPE.
“We heard the local hospitals didn’t have any face shields and we knew we could make a small dent in fixing this problem” said Chuck Lisowski, who, along with his business partner Scott Marney, owns Awards Atlanta. “If we can save one life or keep one person from getting the coronavirus, then we know we’ve made a difference.”
Awards Atlanta would usually be in their busiest season, but with schools closed down and award ceremonies canceled, trophies and awards aren’t being ordered. Instead, they’ve turned their focus to face shields.
“Every doctor or nurse we’ve donated these to has told us how much they appreciate these shields,” said Lisowski.
Lectra, a tech company that offers software, equipment and services to meet the needs of fashion, automotive and furniture companies across the globe, has been making equipment and expertise available to companies who are working to mitigate the PPE shortage.
“Lectra believes that companies should contribute to communities they serve in whatever capacity they are able. Our solutions enable the fashion and apparel industry to bring to market quality products more efficiently, and so we are ensuring that we put this expertise to use for the public benefit to help produce life-saving PPE,” said Daniella Ambrogi, the vice president of marketing of Lectra North America.
Who’s helping?
Awards Atlanta
Services: making face shields along with cutting fabric for face masks for a local nonprofit, Peace of Thread.
Where supplies are going: Emory Healthcare, Kennestone Hospital, Piedmont Hospital, LifeBrite Community Hospital of Early, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and more.
How to help: "We are not asking for any donations. This is our way of helping reduce the spread of the coronavirus and helping our community who has kept us in business for the past 25 years," said Chuck Lisowski, co-owner of Awards Atlanta.
Lectra
Services: Helping clients and volunteer partners manufacture PPE by making technology experts and equipment available.
Where supplies are going: Clients and volunteer partners will be distributing PPE from their facilities, so supplies are helping in many areas of need.
Greatest need: Spread the word in the Atlanta and Georgia area that if an industry partner has sewing capabilities or textiles that can be made into PPE, Lectra can cut it. They have agile technology and a team of experts that work to ensure materials are used to maximum efficiency.
How to help: Donate by contacting Daniella Ambrogi at d.ambrogi@lectra.com.
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