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Southeast Missouri State University Produces PPE For Area Hospitals & First Responders

  • April 06, 2020

Faculty and staff at Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, have been using 3D printers and laser cutters to design face shields and protective visors for local hospitals. The university is using existing supplies and materials it has on hand to manufacture the equipment.

Southeast Missouri State recognized the community’s need for personal protective equipment and began designing a prototype which was delivered to local hospitals in March. Since then, the school has delivered nearly 220 face shields to area hospitals, and another batch of equipment has been given to the local fire department.

“We knew there was a need, so we reached out to the hospitals, they confirmed the demand and with the encouragement and support of university President Carlos Vargas, we proceeded accordingly,” said Chris Martin, Chief of Staff at Southeast Missouri State University.  “We all have a responsibility to help fight this unprecedented pandemic, and we felt this was one small way in which we could support our local community.”

The university plans to ramp up production over the coming weeks as they reach out to other first responders in the area about their equipment needs. About six staff members are working in shifts to produce the equipment.

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