When Jon Johnson first learned about the national shortage of personal protective equipment, turning to his 3D printer for a solution was a natural instinct.
Johnson has been leading a group of eight Interior residents who are volunteering full-time to manufacture N-95 masks with 3D printers to donate to essential workers in need of protection from COVID-19. As of Saturday morning, Johnson and his team have produced 267 masks — 73 have been delivered, 78 are waiting to be shipped and 116 are available to order.
Doctors and clinic workers at the Anchorage Pediatric Group, volunteers at the Bread Line and firefighters and other first responders have all ordered masks and received shipments. Some nurses have also approached him individually asking for the protective gear.