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Greg Matulionis's residential construction company, Sawdust Therapy on Nine Mile Road, had to pause their last job because his client wasn't working due to coronavirus.
Lack of work for Sawdust Therapy means Matulionis has no use for his N-95 particulate respirators - but he found another way for the respirators to fill a need.
Luckily, the N-95 respirators are also effective protection for medical professionals, a St. Elizabeth Healthcare spokesperson told WCPO 9 News. During the coronavirus pandemic, the spokesperson also said the health group is going through masks quickly, and that there is some concern about supply.
Matulionis heard about the need from his step-daughter, who works for St. Elizabeth.
"She's working in a hot zone," Matulionis said.
He put out a call to action for all contractors experiencing a work slowdown. Matulionis himself is donating 38 masks.
"Is that a big quantity?" Matulionis said, "No, but if there are 100 contractors in Cincinnati who can come up with 38 masks, that's 3,800 masks."
He said he wants people to help as much as they can and protect the medical professionals who are working to keep us all healthy.
"The doctors and nurses have taken care of us since our infancy," Matulionis said. "It's time to pay it forward -- let's take care of them."
The masks he donated were taken to St. E's health group where they will be sterilized and put to use.
The St. Elizabeth's spokesperson said the donated masks are much appreciated and will be added to help extend their supply.
