Mask Makers
How our Volunteers have greatly aided VNA nurses and aides safely deliver care with home sewn masks.
VNA is upholding its tradition of caring during the ongoing COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic with the help of community members who are taking on new roles such as sewing protective masks.
“Since 1898 VNA has played a role in addressing every major public health concern and this pandemic has been no exception,” said Faith Scott, MPH, MBA, President & Chief Executive Officer. “On a daily basis, our team of nurses, certified home health aides and other professionals routinely serve as a safety net for a population of seniors with underlying medical conditions who are now deemed at heightened risk for COVID-19.”
VNA is upholding its tradition of caring during the ongoing COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic with the help of community members who are taking on new roles such as sewing protective masks.
“Since 1898 VNA has played a role in addressing every major public health concern and this pandemic has been no exception,” said Faith Scott, MPH, MBA, President & Chief Executive Officer. “On a daily basis, our team of nurses, certified home health aides and other professionals routinely serve as a safety net for a population of seniors with underlying medical conditions who are now deemed at heightened risk for COVID-19.”
Volunteers to the rescue
Unfortunately, the VNA has not been immune to the personal protective equipment (PPE) shortages that health care providers nationwide have experienced. Friends (and staff) of the VNA have responded by producing handsewn masks for its nurses and aides.
Amy Renna, Scott’s administrative assistant, was among the first and most prolific volunteers. In fact, she’s already produced more than 130 high quality 100% cotton masks. “When Faith said we’d need to recruit volunteers to make masks, I volunteered to pitch in since I had a sewing machine and some fabric at home. I found a pattern online, watched a You Tube video and got started,” said Renna, who’s actually an experienced seamstress and quilter who’s been honing her skills since attending a summer sewing course at age 10.
“Although disposable masks are now the standard, cloth masks were widely used in the healthcare industry until the 1960s,” observed Faith Scott, CEO & President. “Throughout our organization’s 122-year history, volunteers have played an integral role in supporting the VNA’s mission of caring. Everyone who answered our call for handsewn masks and other PPE donations has helped to uphold that long tradition of community service and volunteerism.”
In addition to Amy Renna, the VNA’s network of volunteer mask makers (as of today) has included Board of Trustee member Judith Ward; Hannah Bruseo; Courtney Carell; Jill Harris; Elaine McLaughlin; Sharon Saparito and a team of nine other women from Jefferson Township; Sue Schmerler; Alice Schroder; Ginger Scott; Haley Scott; Peggy Scott; residents of Mendham Boro and Mine Hill Township; staff of Regal Drapes of Morristown; and countless members of the SOMa Sewing Volunteers group.
Unfortunately, the VNA has not been immune to the personal protective equipment (PPE) shortages that health care providers nationwide have experienced. Friends (and staff) of the VNA have responded by producing handsewn masks for its nurses and aides.
Amy Renna, Scott’s administrative assistant, was among the first and most prolific volunteers. In fact, she’s already produced more than 130 high quality 100% cotton masks. “When Faith said we’d need to recruit volunteers to make masks, I volunteered to pitch in since I had a sewing machine and some fabric at home. I found a pattern online, watched a You Tube video and got started,” said Renna, who’s actually an experienced seamstress and quilter who’s been honing her skills since attending a summer sewing course at age 10.
“Although disposable masks are now the standard, cloth masks were widely used in the healthcare industry until the 1960s,” observed Faith Scott, CEO & President. “Throughout our organization’s 122-year history, volunteers have played an integral role in supporting the VNA’s mission of caring. Everyone who answered our call for handsewn masks and other PPE donations has helped to uphold that long tradition of community service and volunteerism.”
In addition to Amy Renna, the VNA’s network of volunteer mask makers (as of today) has included Board of Trustee member Judith Ward; Hannah Bruseo; Courtney Carell; Jill Harris; Elaine McLaughlin; Sharon Saparito and a team of nine other women from Jefferson Township; Sue Schmerler; Alice Schroder; Ginger Scott; Haley Scott; Peggy Scott; residents of Mendham Boro and Mine Hill Township; staff of Regal Drapes of Morristown; and countless members of the SOMa Sewing Volunteers group.
