With N95 respirators and masks for healthcare workers among the most rapidly diminishing commodities in the current pandemic, Benton Harbor-based Whirlpool Corporation has crafted a collaboration between themselves, Dow and Reynolds Consumer Products to manufacture and donate alternative PPE products to remedy that dwindling supply, and they started right here at home.
Dr. John Froggatt III, MD of Spectrum Health Lakeland in St. Joseph has received the first box of what the collaboration is calling PAPR units as donated by Whirlpool, Dow, and Reynolds Consumer Products. As shown in this photo, he is receiving that first shipment from Christian Gianni, President of WIN Health Labs and VP of Technology for Whirlpool Corporation. Dr. Froggatt is an infectious disease specialist in Saint Joseph and has been practicing for 31 years.
Whirlpool, Dow and Reynolds have announced their collaboration to provide the much-needed respirators to the heroic men and women in healthcare who are working on the frontlines to combat the spread of COVID-19. The joint project is a protective piece of headgear and respirator system that is being manufactured and sold through WIN Health Labs, LLC, in addition to an initial donation to hospitals.
Dr. Loren Hamel, MD, President of Spectrum Health Lakeland in St. Joseph, says, “We are using our supply of N95 masks and respirators at a rate 10 times higher than normal,” and adds, “These are some of the most critical medical supplies to help ensure the safety of frontline workers who are often in direct contact with patients infected with the virus.”
The personal protective equipment (PPE) created by the joint team is a powered, air-purifying respirator, or PAPR, which takes the place of a traditional medical mask and visor and features a replaceable polyethylene hood. The clear hoods are both flexible and comfortable, and can quickly be replaced between patients.
Each of the companies was looking for ways to help, and through those efforts this unique collaboration was born. Christian Gianni, President of WIN Health Labs and VP of Technology for Whirlpool Corporation, says, “Volunteers within each of the companies began reaching out to local healthcare providers to inquire how they could be helpful,” and tells us, “In order to accelerate the design process, we created a virtual, agile team that was able to go from paper to approved product in just seven weeks. Through this unique relationship and a huge amount of effort by a very talented group of people, we are now manufacturing respirators and are in a position to help our frontline healthcare providers.”
Whirlpool Corporation designed, manufactured and assembled the headset. Dow provided the polyethylene resin for the hoods, and Reynolds Consumer Products, makers of Hefty brand, designed and produced the disposable hood. Volkswagen of America brokered connections with materials and supply chain partners to source critical components.
Jim Fitterling, Chairman and CEO of Dow, says, “This collaboration is a testament to the private sector’s continued commitment and quick actions to work across industries to innovate healthcare solutions at a time of unprecedented need,” and reports, “Team Dow is proud to be a part of this effort, and to continue to contribute our time, talent and material science expertise in the fight against COVID-19.”
Two thousand units are being produced in the first phase for donation to hospitals located in regions where Whirlpool and Dow have operations, as well as other hospitals in need of PPE. To get the needed PPE to as many healthcare providers as possible, the Hefty team is donating the first 1 million hoods. CEO, Lance Mitchell, at Reynolds Consumer Products, says, “We are pleased to be able to contribute to this solution to provide PPE that is both safe and effective. Supplies will be available so they can use a fresh barrier as needed.” Mitchell adds, “Multiple companies providing their expertise have moved this project forward quickly at a time when it was most needed.”
The response to COVID-19 is ongoing and will be for some time, according to Nicki Britten, health officer for the Berrien County, Michigan Health Department, who says, “Without the needed PPE for our essential healthcare workers, we will continue to see further spread of the virus, ultimately resulting in more lives lost due to COVID-19.”
The respirator is in production and is made available in a shortened time frame under guidelines set forth by the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Emergency Use Authorization authority, which allows the agency to facilitate the availability and use of medical countermeasures needed during public health emergencies.
Marc Bitzer, Chairman and CEO of Whirlpool Corporation, says, “We recognize the bravery and commitment of healthcare workers throughout this crisis,” and adds, “Working with Dow and Reynolds, we are honored to provide this critical equipment to frontline healthcare workers to help them protect themselves and their patients while they battle this pandemic.”
WIN Health Labs, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Whirlpool Corporation, formed to provide, manufacture, and distribute covered countermeasures to help combat the COVID-19 public health emergency. More information can be found online at this link:
The photo of the new device accompanying this story on Moody on the Market is courtesy of WIN Health Labs, LLC.
