Arthrex recently donated 10,000 custom-made face coverings as part of the CollierCARES program in an effort to help slow the spread of COVID-19 as our population grows with seasonal residents and visitors returning to Southwest Florida.
After Collier County extended its face covering mandate on October 22, 2020 to last through April 13, 2021, President and Founder Reinhold Schmieding sent a letter to the Collier County Board of Commissioners thanking them for this extension and offering the donation to the CollierCARES campaign. The letter was read at the November 10 Commissioners Meeting and Arthrex Marketing department quickly went to work creating more than 21 different design options and sourcing a supplier to produce them. Director of Orthopedic Research Coen Wijdicks even created a decision matrix to help identify the best face covering option and provided a scientific article to support the efficacy of fabric masks. Ultimately, a four-layer cotton face covering with adjustable ear straps and a sewn-in metal nose crimp was selected featuring the Naples Pier landmark.
“Collier County is fortunate and grateful to Reinhold Schmieding and the entire team at Arthrex for their donation of 10,000 face coverings to the CollierCARES project,” said County Commissioner Penny Taylor. “This gift will make Collier County a safer place for residents, visitors and businesses throughout the remainder of this unprecedented pandemic. Experts confirm that face coverings are one of the most effective tools available in our battle to end this pandemic. Arthrex is making a transformative difference in the health of our community. This generous donation is yet another example of the community-minded leadership exhibited by this pioneering organization.
The county is now in the process of distributing the face coverings to all government employees and 120 local businesses to wear when at work and out in the community to remind residents and visitors to keep Collier County safe. These businesses and organizations have taken the “Paradise Pledge” to help stop the spread of COVID-19. A full list of businesses that have taken the pledge can be found here