Local companies donate to fight COVID-19

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Regional companies are stepping up to assist with the response to the COVID-19 outbreak in New Jersey and also benefiting from such initiatives.

Kenilworth-based Merck, through its Merck for Mothers initiative, announced Thursday it will provide $3 million to maternal health systems to meet the needs of pregnant women before, during and following delivery while tackling COVID-19.

“Our goal in establishing Merck for Mothers in 2011 was to advance the quality of maternal health care and improve access to care during one of the most critical moments in a woman’s life,” said Kenneth Frazier, chairman and chief executive officer, Merck. “That call to action for us is even stronger in the midst of the pandemic. That is why we are increasing our efforts to strengthen the capacity of our health care systems to support these women.”

Merck for Mothers will direct investments to efforts in the U.S. and globally in countries impacted by COVID-19 to help address maternal health challenges that are arising as a result of the pandemic. Proposals will be considered on an invitation-only basis.

Copper Compression, a New York-based designer, manufacturer and provider of copper-infused recovery wearables and self-care solutions, said that the company donated and delivered 18,000 Kn99 copper-infused face masks across several local New York City- and New Jersey-area health systems.

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the masks are being distributed to health care workers in critical need of personal protective equipment.

Copper Compression said it identified appropriate health care organizations in need throughout the area. In New Jersey, it is dispersing masks to Atlantic Health System and RWJBarnabas Health; in New York, the office of Gov. Andrew Cuomo; NYU Langone Health; Lenox Hill Oncology, part of Northwell Health; and volunteer ambulance service Flatbush Hatzoloh will receive donations.

The copper ion-infused facemasks feature a four-layer structure that blocks 99 percent of fine particulate matter with an antimicrobial and antibacterial outer layer. The company said that Copper is well known for its ability to stop and kill the growth of bacteria and other infectious pathogens.

The masks are washable, reusable and sustainable, without any loss of hygienic potency over time. Their copper protection will last through the lifespan of the product and never washes out. The interior is 100 percent cotton-lined and provides space for ventilation and moisture absorption.