ATSU library steps up to help during the Coronavirus crisis
Posted: May 18, 2020
In mid-March, the library was asked by A.T. Still University-Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine’s (ATSU-KCOM) Dean Margaret Wilson, DO, dean of ATSU-KCOM, if 3D face shields for ATSU’s Gutensohn Clinic, Northeast Regional Medical Center, the surrounding nursing homes, and first responders could be produced in the A.T. Still Memorial Library 3D print shop. Debra Loguda-Summers, CLSS, public services and 3D printing services manager, researched different designs and contacted Rich Chapman at the Kirksville Area Technology Center, and Jamie Carroll, senior graphic artist in Academic Technology, to see if they could help.
After working with Chapman, a prototype was printed and given to Dr. Wilson and Adam Moore, DHA, CMPE, executive director of ATSU’s Gutensohn Clinic, to approve. By running several 3D printers 24/7, over 780 face shields have been produced to date. These face shields add another layer of protection for medical staff.
The library and ATSU’s Academic Technologies department have now switched our focus to printing N95 masks that hold replaceable filters. To date, we have printed 170 masks. All of these items can be disinfected and used multiple times by staff.
Thanks to everyone who has helped in this endeavor, from printing to assembling the face shields and masks. We would also like to thank ATSU and the Student Government Association for purchasing supplies for these projects along with Stratasys/DEPCO and Affinia Healthcare for the donation of 3D printing materials.
by Debra Loguda-Summers, CLSS, print services and 3D printing services manager