Teenagers Revolutionize PPE Distribution with Paralink

Strategic Insights -

Paralink, a charitable organization founded by four Alpharetta High School students, has become a significant supplier of protective gear to hospitals in Atlanta, delivering over 390,000 face shields as of June 9. The group utilized a decentralized web of volunteer manufacturers outfitted with 3D printers and a network of volunteer drivers to distribute PPE in a novel approach that has impressed experts in the field. By tapping into the makerspace culture and leveraging social media, the students demonstrated an unprecedented level of creativity and initiative in the face of the COVID-19 crisis.

Key Takeaways:

  • Paralink, founded by four 16-year-old students, has delivered over 390,000 face shields to hospitals in Atlanta and beyond by June 9.
  • The organization utilizes a decentralized web of volunteer manufacturers and a network of volunteer drivers to distribute PPE.
  • Paralink has expanded its operations to hot spots in New York, Colorado, and California, and has served hospitals big and small throughout the metro Atlanta area.
  • The group began as a project for a Future Business Leaders of America class in high school and has collaborated with local makerspaces, logistics experts, and organizations such as Atlanta Beats COVID-19 and GetUsPPE.
  • Paralink has received significant financial support from groups such as AFLAC and the Arthur Blank Foundation, allowing them to purchase their own 3D printers and plastic cutting equipment.
  • The organization donates their time and effort, and relies on donations and volunteer support to provide filament for 3D printers, plastic sheeting for the shields, and gas money for delivery cars.
  • Paralink has transformed their headquarters in teammate Michael Giusto's basement into a startup business, with a refrigerator, microwave, supply of ramen, ping-pong table, whiteboards, and a treadmill to keep the team energized.
  • The group has gained recognition for their innovative approach and creativity, with experts such as Karthik Ramachandran and Retsef Levi praising their initiative and entrepreneurial spirit.

Statistics:

  • Paralink has delivered over 390,000 face shields as of June 9 (FEMA delivered 190,000 in Georgia by the same date).
  • The organization has expanded its operations to hot spots in New York, Colorado, and California.
  • Paralink has served hospitals big and small throughout the metro Atlanta area.
  • The group began in April and has grown exponentially, now utilizing a network of 900 volunteers and coordinated with 50 different independent manufacturers by June.
  • Paralink has received significant financial support, including $240,000 from AFLAC and the Arthur Blank Foundation to purchase their own 3D printers and plastic cutting equipment.

Sources:

  • Karthik Ramachandran, associate professor of operations management at Georgia Tech
  • Retsef Levi, professor of operations management at the MIT Sloan School of Management
  • Sean Mills, seasonal art teacher with Cobb County Schools and volunteer at the Cobb County makerspace
  • The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)