Community Solutions For Healthcare Workers

As the threat of the coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to spread throughout the country and Montana, hospitals and medical facilities are encountering a shortage of necessary equipment to keep healthcare workers safe. Masks, specifically, are in short supply with some facilities asking providers to use one mask per day due to the limited supply. Even though the virus has not hit Valley County, as of press time, Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital isn't immune to the shortage.

In times of crisis, a community comes together to help out their fellow friends, neighbors and family. Finding a solution to the problem was no different. An article shared over social media from a Billings neurosurgeon early last week on how he was rectifying the shortage of masks sparked an idea in FMDH nurse Joyce Stone's mind. "An article was shared on social media on how this doctor in Billings was creating 3D masks, and then I saw the video on a newscast. I just cried," recalled Stone. "As a nurse, having these masks will be a game-changer!"

These masks would be able to be utilized more than once, while at the same time keeping medical personnel safe "The masks, with a new filter, can be utilized five to six times, wiped down and sanitized after each use, before having to be thrown away," explained Stone.

She immediately contacted her brother-in-law Jim Stone, who is a faculty member of Glasgow Schools, to inquire about the possibility of using Glasgow Schools 3D printers to make the masks for the community. Quick calls made on a weekend to Glasgow School Superintendent Wade Sundby and the Glasgow School Board for permission to use the school's printers, as well as a cold call to Bob Stormer, Glasgow resident who also owns a 3D printer, made the solution a reality. With the sharing of instructions and template that was previously created, Randon Stormer, Bob's son, was able to create a mask that evening. "Within 180 minutes, a prototype was delivered to the hospital and nurses were able to provide feedback on the fit," stated Joyce Stone.

In a Glasgow School Board meeting on March 27, it was reported Jim Stone has made a total of 22 masks on his first production day, six to seven of which didn't work as expected, and as of March 26, a total of 40 masks were produced. Carla Swanson, another faculty member of Glasgow Schools, is also assisting with the project, utilizing a smaller machine to create the little square inserts that are placed inside of the masks while Jim Stone is utilizing the bigger machines to make the masks themselves.

FMDH is certainly grateful for the community support and coming together to create a solution."While we navigate these uncertain times, one thing that remains unwavering is the constant support that we have received from our community," stated Director of Marketing at FMDH Kyla Burns. "It means more than just a smile on someone's face; it means safety and assurance that we will get through this together. While we don't know what the future holds, we do know that it will take every member of our community to ensure the safety of our future."

The project could not go on without funding by First Community Bank, who donated an initial $2,500 and then donated an additional $500 from their employee dress down fund. "These masks change the safety factor for first line providers. They are able to protect themselves and protect their families," stated Joyce Stone.

This project of 3D printing masks isn't only centralized in Valley County. Using Joyce Stone's connections as not only a nurse, but also as the Republican candidate for Montana Legislature House District 33, she has reached out to surrounding communities to notify them of this option. "I am trying as a nurse and a community member to get this project going in other areas of the state. It can be a game changer to get healthcare workers, the front-line, protected. So many nurses in the country don't have masks," stated Joyce Stone. So far, the feedback has been positive from other areas and a sign no one is alone in this battle against coronavirus.

Joyce Stone told the Courier, "Time and time again, the community comes together to find solutions. This place is the best place to live. Community partners make sure we have what we need. Thank you to Superintendent Wade Sundby, the Glasgow School Board, Jim, the Stormers, for what they are doing!"