IACMI statement on COVID-19 response

In accordance with CDC recommendations and Knox County guidelines, our headquarters staff is working from home until Tuesday, April 7, 2020. Although we are not in our headquarter offices, we are committed to continuing to support our partners and members during this time.

The demands of the number of COVID-19 cases are already creating a strain on the resources needed to adequately meet healthcare provider needs, and the strain may continue as the virus spreads. Therefore, it is critical that the U.S. manufacturing community utilize its resources and capabilities to create solutions to this healthcare resource crisis.

Please consider what your organization’s role can be in creating solutions to meet collective challenges, such as the following:

Existing and anticipated shortages of medical supplies and equipment
Product and service availability, as well as knowledge outside of conventional purchasing chains
Methods for broadly sharing solutions to the above

The IACMI community is working on these important problems. For example, Oak Ridge National Laboratory; the University of Tennessee, Knoxville; and industry partners are working to create near-term, large-scale manufacturing paths for masks, face shields, and other safety equipment by utilizing additive manufacturing to accelerate design validation and tool production.

Additionally, Manufacturing USA institutes are pooling resources to offer new ideas to create additional innovations. Institute responses include the following:

LIFT and REMADE's support of ventilator design and production. Read more
AmericaMakes is creating a repository of capabilities and resources to support the healthcare system. Read more

As healthcare needs increase, the U.S. manufacturing community is challenged to consider innovative ways to meet the demand for ventilators, N95 respirators, masks, and protective eye wear. Please consider how your organization can take a role in addressing the emerging challenges presented by COVID-19.

Contact us at COVID19response@iacmi.org to share your input and visit iacmi.org/covid19 for latest updates from the Institute. Let us work together to support one another during this crisis.