Health care workers at the University of Michigan’s hospitals and clinics currently have the gear they need to protect themselves and others as they care for patients with COVID-19. However, with the number of COVID-19 patients rising daily, Michigan Medicine and the U-M College of Engineering have developed a team to address the rapid development of emerging and alternative sources for finished personal protective equipment (PPE), sterilization tools, and other in-demand materials.
The University of Michigan anticipates that by matching the designs and solutions created by this team with the region’s manufacturing capacity, they can develop rapidly deployed solutions to benefit our region, our state, and our country in the fight against Covid-19.
Ann Arbor SPARK is asking regional manufacturers to complete the survey with details about their ability and interest in supporting Michigan Medicine and the U-M College of Engineering’s efforts.
The survey will assess the types of materials and manufacturing capabilities that could be used to support this effort. Relevant companies include those that are producing (or have the capacity to produce) any kind of PPE, or necessary hospital textiles, as well as companies that might be able to produce inputs for the above-noted items (such as nonwoven fabrics).
If you represent a company that fits those criteria and you are interested in collaborating with Michigan Medicine in the fight against COVID-19, please respond to the survey.
Michigan Medicine continues to ask, should you have any personal protective gear, such as disposable face masks, N95 masks, face shields, safety goggles, antimicrobial wipes, etc., that you please consider donating them to a hospital in your region. They anticipate a growing need over the coming days and weeks. For details about donating PPE and other resources to the University of Michigan, please click here.
