USask unites: College of Dentistry sterilizes masks for Saskatoon Open Door Society
Since the first cases of COVID-19 were announced in the province, members of the USask community have come together to support one another in these uncertain times.
By Jenna FraserExtraordinary circumstances have brought out extraordinary responses from members of our USask community. From frontline health-care workers to researchers looking for a solution to this global health threat, there are so many stories about people are working to make our home communities safer and healthy. Here are a few of the inspiring stories of our students, staff, faculty and alumni.
The University of Saskatchewan (USask) College of Dentistry has partnered with the Saskatoon Open Door Society (SODS) for The Face Mask Project.
The Face Mask Project was initiated by newcomer women at the Women’s Business Hub and has set a goal to create 10,000 cloth face masks that will be distributed to grassroots community organizations in Saskatchewan.
As of April 23, 2020, the college has donated 4,000 sterilization bags to SODS for this project. Volunteers are sewing masks for this project that will be brought back to the College of Dentistry in the sterilization bags provided. The college will proceed to sterilize these masks, so that when they are returned to SODS, the masks are in sealed and sterilized bags. This allows for SODS volunteers to distribute these masks to the community with minimal risk of virus transmission. The college will continue to donate sterilization bags to The Face Mask Project until it reaches its goal of 10,000 masks.
On April 23, 2020, SODS dropped off the first 1,400 masks to the college. The first 250 masks sterilized by the college will be going to residents in La Ronge.
“The College of Dentistry is proud to be a part of this project and working together we will help ensure the safety and well-being of the Saskatchewan community,” said Dr. Doug Brothwell, dean of the College of Dentistry.
For more information on The Face Mask Project visit the SODS website.
Share your stories with us: We are collecting the stories of resilience and good spirit from our USask community. Please send story ideas and photos to news@usask.ca.
As a community it is critical that we support each other and remain respectful during what is a difficult time for all of us. Please follow all guidelines and take all precautions to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 in our community.
How you can help our students during the COVID-19 pandemic: https://alumni.usask.ca/news/2020/covid-19-how-you-can-help-our-students.php
For the latest developments and information about the University of Saskatchewan's response to COVID-19, please go to www.usask.ca/updates.
The University of Saskatchewan is undertaking critical research and contributing to global efforts to combat COVID-19. The University of Saskatchewan's Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO-InterVac) is a world leader in developing vaccines and technologies to combat infectious diseases. Your support of the COVID-19 Research Fund supports the increased efforts of researchers at the University of Saskatchewan to develop vaccines and treatments for COVID-19. Donate now.