The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Westlake company donates 60,000face shields
Westlake company GEON Performance Solutions donated 60,000 masks July 23 to local hospitals, schools and first responders in Lorain County.
In response to the global pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus, Chief Commercial Officer of GEON Performance Solutions Larry Shaw said the donations happened organically within the company.
“There was a need that was generated by the pandemic, and it grew into this,” Shaw said. “It was the right thing to do at this moment in time.”
The face shields are made of plastic and include a soft headpiece to make it more comfortable as well as give the recipient proper oxygen intake, he said.
“On TV, we see people wear masks or wear face shields and sometimes both,” Shaw said. “But, it prevents the spread according to scientists.”
Dr. Neil Smith, president of Cleveland Fairview Hospital, said there are difficulties with personal protective equipment for staff at many hospitals as well as general spread of the virus.
“We’ve mandated face shields, so this couldn’t have come at a better time,” Smith said.
A few staff members currently are on furlough and have been relieved of their duties due to the coronavirus, he said.
However, Smith believes there will be progress in figuring out a solution to the virus.
“I think by this time next year, we’ll have it under control,” he said.
Dozens GEON employees, hospital representatives and Westlake Mayor Dennis Clough socially distanced as the masks were presented to the community.
“I’m so pleased they were
“There was a need that was generated by the pandemic, and it grew into this. It was the right thing to do at this moment in time.” — GEON Performance Solutions Chief Commercial Officer Larry Shaw
able to do this and gave back to the community,” Clough said.
GEON is new in the community and has made an impression on the mayor and the city, he said.
“It’s so great to see this business that recently moved to Westlake did this as their first act,” he said.
“It shows they definitely want to be part of the community, and they will be.”