Jacob, 16 – New Haven, CT

As my hometown of New Haven, Connecticut faced the inevitable invasion of the Covid-19 pandemic, I, like many others, was incredibly fearful. As I heard more about local medical facilities’ shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE), I became increasingly concerned about how local professionals would be able to treat people in need. As days passed, news did not look any better, as reports of nurses having to go on shifts without face shields, thus susceptible to airborne infections, shook the region to its core. These reports served as my call to action as a maker. 

After finding models of face shield frames I could produce on my 3D printer, I set up a small additive manufacturing plant in my basement. In the first two days, I produced more than 20 face shields. Within the 4 days, this figure doubled. I then had to think where I could donate my face shields where they would be put to use. I quickly began corresponding with local facilities, and decided I would make my donation of 40 face shields to the West Haven Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Though I had not heard of any Covid-19 cases on their campus, I did not feel this should minimize their need for medical supplies. Shortly after this donation, I felt as though I had outgrown my facility. With donations from family friends, I was able to expand my capacity to two 3D printers. Just a week later, I made another donation, this one of 40, again to the VA. 

By that point, the response network of 3D printers had become more organized. To join this network, I signed up for MatterHackers’ Maker Response team. Over the next two weeks, I donated a total of 90 face shields to their cause. My most recent donation was made to the local

children’s psychiatric hospital. For its staff, I donated 40 “ear savers,” supports used to relieve the stress of breathing masks on one’s ears. 

While I realize a few more than 200 pieces of personal protective equipment has not caused a reversal in the trend of cases of Covid-19, I feel as though I have played my part in helping those in need. In the coming weeks, I will continue to produce PPE, insofar as it is needed and my donations are accepted. While Covid-19 has upended my life as a high schooler, I have resisted putting my energy into negative thinking, and have instead devoted myself to helping my community.

Jacob, 16 – New Haven, CT

As my hometown of New Haven, Connecticut faced the inevitable invasion of the Covid-19 pandemic, I, like many others, was incredibly fearful. As I heard more about local medical facilities’ shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE), I became increasingly concerned about how local professionals would be able to treat people in need. As days passed, news did not look any better, as reports of nurses having to go on shifts without face shields, thus susceptible to airborne infections, shook the region to its core. These reports served as my call to action as a maker. 

After finding models of face shield frames I could produce on my 3D printer, I set up a small additive manufacturing plant in my basement. In the first two days, I produced more than 20 face shields. Within the 4 days, this figure doubled. I then had to think where I could donate my face shields where they would be put to use. I quickly began corresponding with local facilities, and decided I would make my donation of 40 face shields to the West Haven Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Though I had not heard of any Covid-19 cases on their campus, I did not feel this should minimize their need for medical supplies. Shortly after this donation, I felt as though I had outgrown my facility. With donations from family friends, I was able to expand my capacity to two 3D printers. Just a week later, I made another donation, this one of 40, again to the VA. 

By that point, the response network of 3D printers had become more organized. To join this network, I signed up for MatterHackers’ Maker Response team. Over the next two weeks, I donated a total of 90 face shields to their cause. My most recent donation was made to the local

children’s psychiatric hospital. For its staff, I donated 40 “ear savers,” supports used to relieve the stress of breathing masks on one’s ears. 

While I realize a few more than 200 pieces of personal protective equipment has not caused a reversal in the trend of cases of Covid-19, I feel as though I have played my part in helping those in need. In the coming weeks, I will continue to produce PPE, insofar as it is needed and my donations are accepted. While Covid-19 has upended my life as a high schooler, I have resisted putting my energy into negative thinking, and have instead devoted myself to helping my community.