Combatting COVID-19 on a Regional Basis
Barstow, CA – March 30, 2020 – When Barstow Community College (BCC), received acall from the Barstow Community Hospital asking if BCC had face masks like the N95 version that they could donate from their welding program or college maintenance operations, things were put in motion fast.
Collaboration is Key
After reaching out to California Community College’s regional director for business and entrepreneurship, (a division of the state’s Strong Workforce initiative), it just so happened that Lisa Kiplinger-Kennedy had recently come across an open-source code for 3D-printing. A team, headed up by Dr. Crystal Nasio, Career Education and Workforce Development at BCC, was assembled and James Lee, Career Technical Education, used the equipment available at the college’s Makerspace to create a prototype. Making a Positive Impact
The prototype was a huge success and received approval from the Barstow Community Hospital Infection Control Director, as well as others in the region. Through this collaborative effort, innovative thinking and great entrepreneurship, the teams have secured an initial purchase order for 5,000 Face Shields and more is expected. Barstow Community College, Victor Valley College, and other community colleges in the Inland Empire are currently partnering to fulfill this order, and are also in talks with High Schools and others in the community to help speed up the production.
How You Can Help
Barstow Community College is donating cost of labor, use of equipment and expertise, and have also contributed $5,000 dollars towards materials. If you know of someone with a 3D-printer who would like to assist with the production of the Face Shields, or would like to support in form of sponsoring this initiative, please contact Lisa Kiplinger-Kennedy (contact details below). For more information on Product and Collaboration Opportunities:
Lisa Kiplinger-Kennedy
Phone number: (760) 954-5334
Email: LisaK.Kennedy@vvc.edu
