Masks donated to Mayo Clinic Health System. (Submitted photo)

[UPDATED MAY 15] – Medical professionals in the Chippewa Valley who are working on the front lives of the coronavirus pandemic, as well as patients and visitors, are still in need of handmade cloth masks. If you are able to make or donate masks, here is some important information from several local hospitals.

Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire made the following request May 12:

Mayo Clinic Health System requesting donations
of handmade cloth masks

EAU CLAIRE – Mayo Clinic Health System is requesting community donations of fabric masks to help keep patients, visitors and staff safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mayo Clinic Health System is incredibly grateful for all community donations over the past several weeks and the organization continues to have a significant need for cloth masks.

Guidelines for making masks

When making masks, please:

• Follow cloth face covering guidance from professional organizations, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
• Use a tight-weave, 100% woven cotton fabric.
• Avoid synthetic or polyester fabrics.

Make your donation

Mayo Clinic Health System hospitals in Northwest Wisconsin are ready to accept cloth mask donations. Please check donation locations and drop off times prior to donating. For more information, please go to mayoclinichealthsystem.org.

HSHS Sacred Heart and St.Joseph’s hospitals put out a similar request on May 15:

More Cloth Masks Needed

Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls, WI - HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph’s hospitals are calling on community members to keep sewing and donating cloth face coverings. The overwhelming generosity in the past two months is appreciated by our hospital colleagues, leaders, board members and patients. Before use the masks are professional cleaned.

Cloth masks are being given to non-patient care colleagues, and patients when they are moving throughout the hospital and upon discharge. Those working in direct patient care areas will continue wearing personal protective equipment (PPE).

Current inventory of cloth masks is good, however the requirement for masking will continue within our hospitals, as per the CDC guidelines, for the foreseeable future. This will result in a need for additional donations.

Cloth masks can be dropped off in collection containers at Festival Foods in Eau Claire and Family Fare grocery stores in Chippewa Falls.

· Festival Foods, 3007 Mall Drive, Eau Claire
· Festival Foods, 2717 Birch St., Eau Claire
· Festival Foods, 2615 E. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire
· Family Fare, 212 Bay St., Chippewa Falls
· Family Fare, 17158 County Highway J, Chippewa Falls