This article is part of a series featuring Utah-based companies and what they’re doing during the coronavirus pandemic.
In response to the coronavirus pandemic, the Utah STEM Action Center is working with school districts, industry partners and local makers to produce 3D printed face shield headpieces.
“This is an unprecedented time in our community, with needs that we never anticipated,” says Tami Goetz, director of the Utah STEM Action Center. “We are so grateful to all of them for their willingness to not only bring their time and resources to create face shields but to do it quickly and without hesitation.”
A major partner in this project is Utah COVID-19 PPE Makers, a grassroots organization that supplied local hospitals and first responders with Prusa face shields. Jonathan House, the founder of Utah COVID-19 PPE Makers, pulled together groups and individuals around the state to contribute to this effort.
The STEM Action Center is also working in partnership with teachers in Salt Lake, Canyon, Nebo and Davis school districts, to name a few, to get PPE produced and funneled through UServe donation sites.
Micron Technologies is also an industry partner on this project and is producing and donating more than 1,000 masks each week. The company’s commitment to this initiative helps ensure Utah meets its goal of producing 10,000 face shields for medical professionals. In addition to their production contribution, Micron Technologies made a generous $20,000 donation to the Utah STEM Foundation to support the ongoing printing of personal protection equipment.
“With the hardship of COVID-19, it’s been truly magical to see so many partners work together to help fill a need and make a difference in our community,” says Becca Robison, STEM In Motion program coordinator. “The fact that all sectors of the STEM community are doing their part to put STEM into action and help those on the front lines speaks volumes about the compassionate and giving nature of our state.”