(Photo: IC)

SAN FRANCISCO, April 10 (Xinhua) -- Boeing on Friday announced its first delivery of reusable 3D-printed face shields to support healthcare professionals working to stop the spread of COVID-19.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) accepted the initial shipment of 2,300 face shields Friday morning. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will deliver the shields to a care site to treat patients with COVID-19 in Dallas, Texas, Boeing said in the statement.

According to Boeing, the company is producing face shields with additive manufacturing machines at a dozen of manufacturing sites across the country. It is set to produce thousands of more face shields per week ... to meet the growing need for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in the United States. The distribution of additional face shields will be coordinated with HHS and FEMA based on immediate needs.

"We are dedicated to supporting our local communities, especially our frontline healthcare professionals, during this unprecedented time," said Boeing President and CEO David Calhoun, "we stand ready to assist the federal government's response to this global pandemic."

Solvay, a long-time Boeing supplier, provided the clear film for the face shields. Another supplier, Trelleborg Sealing Solutions, donated the elastic used for the adjustable headband, Boeing said.

Face shield production and donations are part of Boeing's effort to leverage company and employee resources to aid with COVID-19 recovery and relief efforts. Boeing has also offered the use of its airlift capabilities, including the Boeing Dreamlifter, to help transport critical and urgently needed supplies to healthcare professionals, according to the company.