At the forefront of biomedical research, Cleveland Clinic is leading several research projects related to COVID-19. Cleveland Clinic formed a multidisciplinary committee to evaluate therapies for mild to severe cases of the disease, intending to support trials scientifically sound and prioritize those with the potential for significant impact on clinical care.
Standard Textile, a global manufacturer of healthcare, hospitality, and consumer products, and Cleveland Clinic will collaborate to produce a non-medical grade, a reusable face mask designed for comfort and customization. Standard Textile will sell the face masks on its consumer website.
In addition, Cleveland Clinic’s new Global Center for Pathogen Research and Human Health is bringing together top scientists in infectious disease, virology, and other specialties to research the causes, treatments, and cures of COVID-19 and other global health concerns such as HIV, Zika and Dengue fever with a focus on identifying and preventing the world’s next viral threats.
Cleveland Clinic relies on philanthropic gifts to fund these critical research projects and programs as a nonprofit healthcare system. Since spring, thousands of donors have contributed to COVID-19 research. Their charitable gifts hold the promise of saving countless lives. Standard Textile is donating most profit from face mask sales to support COVID-19 research at Cleveland Clinic.
“We applaud Cleveland Clinic’s commitment to dedicating substantial resources to important therapeutic studies that have the potential of improving outcomes for individuals who have contracted COVID-19,” said Gary Heiman, Standard Textile’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “We value our long-standing relationship with Cleveland Clinic and are pleased we have an opportunity to expand that by supporting COVID-19 research.”
Standard Textile’s and Cleveland Clinic’s respective innovation teams collaborated to design the non-medical face mask, which will bear the inspirational message “HOPE” after Hope Hospital, a temporary hospital in the Sheila and Eric Samson Pavilion on the Health Education Campus of Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland Clinic. In April, Cleveland Clinic transitioned the Samson Pavilion to a temporary hospital to meet the potential needs of patients and the community in the event of a surge of patients with COVID-19. The building was converted back to the Health Education Campus for the fall semester.
“As we consider opportunities to commercialize innovations, it’s important to us to collaborate with industry leaders who align with our commitment to protecting the community and advancing research,” said Will Morris, M.D., Executive Medical Director of Cleveland Clinic Innovations. “Teaming up with Standard Textile on this creative project supports social distancing and mask-wearing while raising funds for critical COVID-19 research at Cleveland Clinic.”
The reusable face mask offers enhanced comfort with its 100% cotton construction and breathability with its mesh lining. Adjustable ear loops and a neck strap add the convenience of use, while its filter pocket and removable nose clip offer customization options. Standard Textile and Cleveland Clinic plan to produce custom-branded versions of the face mask for key partners looking to outfit their employees and customers with an enhanced, non-medical face mask.
“We appreciate the collaboration with Standard Textile on this project,” said Lara Kalafatis, chair of Cleveland Clinic’s Philanthropy Institute. “This new mask truly represents hope in several ways, from raising critical research funds through sale proceeds to giving us all one more way to #MaskUp to keep our families and communities safe.”
The HOPE™ face mask is being produced by Standard Textile, who earlier this year led the urgent charge to increase PPE production such as protective gowns, face masks, and face shields to provide hospitals and healthcare workers in the United States with additional protection against COVID-19.
“We have an 80-year legacy of inspiring care, comfort, and change in our communities. Our work with Cleveland Clinic allows us to bring to the consumer a face mask that not only helps mitigate the spread of COVID-19 — it also inspires hope for a healthier future for all of us,” said Heiman.
