NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ – Middlesex County is working to protect its local heroes in the face of COVID19. Even as healthcare workers across the country face a shortage of PPE (personal protection equipment) like masks and gloves, some of Middlesex County’s most creative minds are helping to combat that shortage using their own ingenuity and any materials at hand.

“It’s always inspiring to see our County staff and our residents working together for the benefit of others, but it’s especially important now during this worldwide crisis,” said Middlesex County Freeholder Director Ronald G. Rios. “Witnessing the selfless efforts of these individuals, and the efforts of so many others around the County, I am proud to lead the Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders alongside my fellow Freeholder colleagues, but more importantly, proud to call this County home.”

Collaborating With Middlesex County College To 3D-print PPE

Middlesex County’s Office of Marketing has joined the PPE construction efforts. Middlesex County’s print team, located on New Jersey Avenue in New Brunswick and traditionally responsible for producing printed materials like signs, flyers, and banners for the County, joined an initiative led by Eric Mewengkang, a New Jersey resident who has created a network of 3D printer users to make PPE. Led by Middlesex County’s Director of Marketing, Shannon Tambini, the print team contacted Middlesex County College’s V.P.M.A. Department (Visual, Performing & Media Arts) to ask for printers for this project.

While the printers are not being utilized by the college’s students, Middlesex County College loaned the County five 3D printers, one MakerBot and four FlashForge Dreamers. Within the first week, Middlesex County’s print team, with guidance from Middlesex County College’s staff, produced 200 face shields and 200 surgical mask extenders for frontline workers. All PPE produced will be donated to local hospitals and first responders.

Utilizing The Talent At George Street Playhouse

Since performances have been postponed until fall at one of Middlesex County’s most prestigious arts organizations, George Street Playhouse, staff members have devoted their time to producing PPE for local hospitals. Individuals have been working around-the-clock, creatively reusing scrap and household materials, old costumes, and other items.

Shannon White, the theatre's prop master, is fashioning face shields and gowns with the use of a 3D printer. The face shields are made with the help of her associate Sam Ghali and utilize acetate and rubber bands (no fabric or foam) which allow the shields to be completely reusable and easily disinfected. The gowns are made of Tyvek material, or paint suit material, and when that runs out, White will use polyester scrap fabrics left over from past theatre projects.

Playhouse costume shop manager Joleen Addleman Loyd and her assistant Suzann Cornelison are contributing by sewing masks using scrap and materials from their own homes. The masks and gowns will be donated to RWJBarnabas Health upon completion.

Appeals From Local Hospitals

Through its long-time partnerships with local hospitals, the County collaborated with these healthcare systems to create appeals calling for PPE donations. Participants include St. Peter'sUniversity Hospital, Hackensack Meridian Health, RWJBarnabas Health. Each video, shared online and broadcasted on television, features a member of each respective hospital and highlights the needs of those healthcare workers fighting on the front lines.

“This call to action is a collaboration between the County and its hospital partners, reinforcing the working relationship between the County and local hospitals that dates back long before the pandemic, and will continue to grow following this state of emergency,” said Freeholder Director Rios, who is featured in these videos.

Community Stepping Up

Middlesex County’s Fire Academy has been and continues to collect PPE at several locations. At the beginning stages of this pandemic, the County made a call to residents and business owners to donate PPE. Donations are still being collected, but thus far, the County has collected 500 pairs of goggles; 120 face shields; 7,875 surgical masks; 5,000 N95 masks; 700 boxes of gloves; 190 gallons of hand sanitizer; and a new wheelchair and walker. These supplies have made a tremendous impact by being used by first responders, the County’s Office of Health Services, and by those administering tests at the County’s two drive-thru COVID-19 testing sites.

Those wishing to donate PPE to the County can still do so at the Middlesex County Fire Academy located at 1001 Fire Academy Drive in Sayreville, and at the First Bilingual Seventh-day Adventist Church in Middlesex Borough located at 111 Howard Avenue, Middlesex.

Please visit the County's COVID-19 website for more information and resources.