Essentia, St. Luke’s quickly surpass 10,000 donated face masks; need remains

Essentia Health and St. Luke’s are excited — and humbled — to announce that our “Land of 10,000 Masks” campaign has been a smashing success. And we hope to maintain the momentum.

Four weeks after the initiative launched, community members have donated more than 10,000 cloth face masks. These homemade masks help limit the spread of COVID-19 by covering mouths and noses. They are worn by patients and visitors to Essentia and St. Luke’s, as well as staff members.

In the first week of the campaign, 1,399 masks were donated. That number climbed to 3,354 during the second week and a remarkable 5,230 during the third. We’ve since surpassed the 10,000 mark, with 2,993 donated last week for a to-date total of 12,976.

Both Essentia and St. Luke’s want to thank everyone who has taken time to sew masks. We are so grateful for the support of our communities. And while we’ve reached our initial goal, there remains a significant need for masks across our facilities as both health care systems abide by universal masking guidelines.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourages people to wear face coverings in public settings, especially where social distancing might not be possible.

Step-by-step instructions for preferred mask designs can be found at EssentiaHealth.org/masks and slhduluth.com/masks.

Masks, as well as other items, can be dropped off at:
Essentia Health-Miller Hill Health Plaza
1600 Miller Trunk Hwy, Bldg. C
Duluth, MN 55806
M-F: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

St. Luke’s Foundation
Northland Medical Center
1000 E 1st St, Suite 102
Duluth, MN 55805
M-F: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Another Essentia Health drop-off location is:

VIP Pizza-Superior
1201 Tower Ave
Superior, WI 54880
7 days a week: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.