Our Story
COVID-S.A.F.E. (Shield Access For Everyone) was founded in November 2020, in the middle of the pandemic. COVID cases began to surge, vaccines were unavailable, and personal protective equipment (PPE) was in high demand but in short supply.
COVID-S.A.F.E.’s co-founders recognized that 3D printing could offer a potential solution to the PPE shortage. As experienced 3D printers (certified volunteers for e-NABLE, a nonprofit organization that 3D prints low-cost prosthetic hands for individuals with limb deformities), the co-founders reached out to other volunteers within the e-NABLE international community for advice on how to optimize the face shield 3D print process. Then, under the supervision of medical professionals, they printed, assembled, and tested multiple different models of 3D face shields before choosing the NIH 3DVerkstan model of the 3D face shield. The Verkstan model has been used successfully by medical professionals at Columbia University Medical Center, NY-Presbyterian Hospital, Geisinger Health, and more. The benefit of this 3D face shield model is that the 3D printed frame can be easily reused by replacing the clear visor, making it more environmental-friendly.
In January 2021, COVID-S.A.F.E. applied for and received a generous $1000 grant through the Marin Academy Youth Grants Board (MAYGB). MAYGB’s funding has enabled the purchase of additional supplies, including an additional 3D printer, multiple reels of polylactic acid (PLA - a biodegradable thermoplastic), and multiple clear plastic visors. COVID-S.A.F.E. has since recruited additional volunteers to help assemble face shields, and simultaneously added education about 3D printing to its mission.
Today, COVID-S.A.F.E. represents a growing group of volunteer students, teachers, and medical professionals. Hundreds of 3D-printed face shields have been donated to nursing homes and long-term medical facilities caring for the chronically ill. COVID-S.A.F.E. will continue until the pandemic is under control and the need for PPE ceases (hopefully soon!) Until then, COVID-S.A.F.E. hopes to improve community safety, minimize the spread of COVID, and teach others about 3D printing.