Cleveland - University Hospitals recently put out a call to the people of Northeast Ohio to help make masks for our caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic. UH received an overwhelming response, including from the Cleveland Browns, which partnered with a group of local sewers to donate 3,500 homemade masks.
Browns team seamstress Becky Zielinski led this service effort in collaboration with Mask Making Miracles, a local group of volunteer sewers who wanted to help during this crisis. Together, Zielinski and Mask Making Miracles have produced 3,500 cloth masks for UH caregivers. Browns staff also provided support from their homes by cutting fabric for Mask Making Miracles.
As the Official Healthcare Provider for the Cleveland Browns, University Hospitals finds the tables are turned. While our physicians care for the health and wellbeing of Browns players and staff, their team is contributing to the wellbeing of our caregivers.
“This donation will help protect thousands of our caregivers,” said Dr. Randy Jernejcic, Vice President of Clinical Integration at University Hospitals. “We are grateful for the response we received by all of the volunteers who’ve helped in this effort and want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Cleveland Browns and Mask Making Miracles.”
Not only did the Browns’ donation result in thousands of masks, but also words of encouragement. The second component of the service project consisted of Browns staff creating personalized notes of gratitude for frontline medical professionals at UH.
"I can't imagine being in their shoes. It was the least I could do to spread some love," said Rich Hanchette, Browns Motion Graphic Artist.
The masks and notes are being distributed to staff throughout the UH system.
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.
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