JOANN & Neiman Marcus to Make Free Hospital Essentials for Medical Personnel

Beginning today, JOANN will provide product to Neiman Marcus alterations facilities, so they can begin creating masks, gowns, and scrubs to frontline healthcare workers and the first shipment is expected to go out later this week. Both companies are covering the cost of shipping and delivery.

While not medical grade, JOANN is shipping fabric and materials recommended for medical settings per guidelines provided by the Providence Hospital System in Washington. Neiman Marcus’ alterations specialists will create these products, while observing appropriate social distancing guidelines.

For those who still want to do their part and are looking for a fun activity to do at home:

• JOANN created a video tutorial (joann.com/maketogive) on how to make masks that are accepted by hospitals
• Kits with all the necessary materials can be picked up curbside at JOANN stores across the country
• All open JOANN stores will serve as collection points for those making items at home, and JOANN will connect with hospitals nearby the stores to donate items
• See JOANN press release and images here.

Because of the critical shortage, health authorities and hospitals have changed their guidelines for what level of protection is recommended. The CDC has stated that homemade fabric masks are a crisis response option when other supplies have been exhausted.