FABLAB uses technology to help essential workers

One of Mississippi Power’s community partners is using a unique technology to assist healthcare and other essential workers in a major way.

Jackson County’s FABLAB recently began using their 3D printers to produce face shields to combat the protective equipment shortage in the area. The design for the face shields was approved by the FDA and the products are being given to healthcare workers across the Gulf Coast. Mississippi Power, along with Chevron and Chemours, has been providing funding and materials for the project.

“We are happy to help,” said FABLAB manager Scott Beebe. “Some of our community members reached out to us because they knew local healthcare workers were in need. I was able to get the design from a doctor in New York and immediately got to work.”

So far, hundreds of shields have been provided to hospitals and clinics in Gulfport, Biloxi, Ocean Springs and Vancleave. However, the requests haven’t stopped.

“We’re working on getting 1,000 shields to Singing River hospital and city officials in Gautier have requested 100 for their police force,” said Beebe.

The FABLAB can only produce about 20 shields per day as it takes five hours to print one set. Beebe has shared the design with other organizations, like the VA, so that they can start printing their own instead of waiting on a supply.

“The more that we can print, the more we can help,” said Beebe. “I always tell students that STEM helps solve problems and now we can see this firsthand. Our community has a problem and STEM is the solution. We’re so thankful for our partners like Mississippi Power that believe in our mission because we wouldn’t be able to serve our community without their generosity.”

To learn more about Jackson County’s FABLAB, and stay up to date on future online events and resources, visit their website here.

Mississippi Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), produces safe, reliable and environmentally responsible energy for more than 188,000 customers in 23 southeast Mississippi counties. With nearly 160 megawatts of approved solar energy capacity, Mississippi Power is the largest partner in providing renewable energy in the state of Mississippi. Visit our website at mississippipower.com, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

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