Cooper, Norcross Foundations To Give Out 175K Masks Amid Pandemic

CAMDEN COUNTY, NJ — The Norcross Foundation and The Cooper Foundation will give more than 175,000 reusable and washable fabric face masks to patients, employees, and the members of its community to reduce the spread of the coronavirus, the heads of those foundations announced.

At the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, The Cooper Foundation began a dedicated fund to provide Cooper’s clinical team with needed personal protection equipment (PPE). The Norcross Foundation was among the first donors to the new effort.

“As the state begins to resume normal activities, these face masks will provide a measure of protection for residents as they interact with others,” said George E. Norcross III, the chairman of the Cooper Board of Trustees and founder of the Norcross Foundation. “For over 130 years, Cooper has been a leader in the community, and we are proud to do everything we can to protect our neighbors during the pandemic.”

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The first 20,000 fabric masks that have arrived will be distributed to residents in the City of Camden by the Camden County Police Department beginning Thursday, officials announced.

Over the next few weeks, additional masks will be distributed to residents in Burlington, Camden and Gloucester counties as well as patients at Cooper offices and Cooper University Hospital.

Future distributions will be coordinated with local officials to ensure that the most at-risk communities receive priority.

“Efforts to keep people healthy and safe is of utmost importance, and The Cooper Foundation and The Norcross Foundation are pleased to make these masks available to members of the communities we serve,” Cooper Foundation Chairman Phil Norcross said.

“The health of the community and our patients is always our top priority and these face masks are just another way we can demonstrate our commitment to those we serve,” Cooper Co-President/CEO Kevin O’Dowd said.

“Wearing a face mask is a simple way to keep yourself and others healthy when you are out and around others. As New Jersey begins to slowly open, we are happy to be able to provide masks to those we serve as an easy way to stay healthy,” Cooper Co-President/CEO Anthony J. Mazzarelli said.

Cooper continues to offer both in-person and telemedicine visits at all of its primary and specialty care offices. To schedule an in-person or telemedicine appointment, call 800-826-6737.

Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know