Greater Reading, PA — Berks PPE Resource Network has produced and donated 18,500 PPE materials in three weeks of production.The Greater Reading Chamber Alliance (GRCA) is a founding partner of the Berks PPE Resource Network.This initiative began as a string of emails between GRCA, Albright Science Research Institute, CrossTrainer Mixed Reality, Hamburg Area School District, Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern PA, Berks County Medical Society, Alvernia University, Mantis 3D Printing, Berks Alliance, Penn State Berks LaunchBox, and GoggleWorks Center for the Arts. Since the initial email brainstorm took place between these organizations 30 days ago, 93 volunteers have been engaged, 182 organizations have been served, and 18,500 pieces of PPE have been distributed. All materials have been provided at no cost to the end-users, which includes a large list of healthcare systems, assisted living facilities, private practice physicians, emergency services and first responders, businesses, and non-profits. A complete listing can be found as an additional attachment.The ad-hoc committee of founders listed above used their strong networks and existing relationships to engage partners at many different levels including: the maker-community/3D printing community; engineers and individuals to support prototyping + design; the business/manufacturing community; relationships with school districts and our institutes of higher ed; and local government and community stakeholders. Within days of outreach, the group created a vast network of makers, shakers, and movers, each taking a piece of the larger scope of work.A critical component of this work has been, and continues to be, constant communication. READ MORE