Cleveland Artist Derek Hess Creates 'Medi-Teddy' to Help With PPE Shortage


Cleveland-based artist Derek Hess is producing art to benefit a nonprofit called Direct Relief that helps provide personal protective equipment (PPE) to organizations in need.

Created in his signature line-drawing style, the “Medi-Teddy” piece —  a teddy bear wearing a protective mask, and bearing his iconic angel wings, along with the text, “We Heart Our Healthcare Workers” — is available as a print or on a t-shirt at derekhess.com.

Fifty-percent of the proceeds from the Medi-Bear will be donated to Direct Relief, which works with public health authorities, nonprofit organizations, and businesses in the U.S. and globally to provide personal protective equipment and essential medical items to health workers responding to COVID-19.

“The selflessness of our doctors, nurses, and first responders gets all my respect. Instead of running away, they run towards, often without the required safety equipment,” said Hess. “I was inspired to do something for the cause. If it wasn’t for them, no telling how bad this would be.  I’m proud to create something that allows us all to show our solidarity and provide some financial support to an organization that’s truly helping where it’s needed most.”

You can see Hess’s other artwork on his site and also through his Instagram @DerekHess.