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Cleveland Clinic, Standard Textile Collaborate to Develop Reusable Face Masks

Proceeds from mask sales to support COVID-19 research at clinic

CINCINNATI and CLEVELAND — Standard Textile, a global manufacturer of healthcare, hospitality and consumer products, and Cleveland Clinic report they have collaborated to produce a non-medical grade, reusable face mask that is designed for comfort and customization. 

Standard Textile will sell the face masks on its consumer website, www.standardtextilehome.com. The company is donating the majority of the profits 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,” says Gary Heiman, Standard Textile’s president and CEO. “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,” says 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 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,” says 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, which earlier this year led the urgent charge to increase production of PPE 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.  

As a nonprofit healthcare system, Cleveland Clinic relies on philanthropic gifts to fund its critical research projects and programs. Since spring, thousands of donors have contributed to COVID-19 research.

Cleveland Clinic Collaborate to Develop Reusable Face Masks

(Photo: Standard Textile)

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