PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
March 23, 2020
 

GREATER VANCOUVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SUPPORTS REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION OF MEDICAL-GRADE MASKS FOR VETERINARY AND MEDICAL HOSPITALS 

 
VANCOUVER, Wash. – The Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce (GVCC) is proud to share the efforts of member-businesses, WellHaven Pet Health and Sweet Spot Skirts in the creation of medical-grade masks for use in veterinary and medical hospitals around SW Washington and the Portland-metro area. 
 
Sweet Spot Skirts, a Downtown Vancouver athletic clothing manufacturer, is creating medical-grade masks for purchase at a cost of $14, and caps at $19. The caps and masks will be donated to local metro area veterinarians and medical hospitals. For each mask purchased, WellHaven Pet Health and Compassion-First Pet Hospitals will be donating an additional mask to contribute to the widespread safety efforts of SW Washington and Portland-metro veterinarians and healthcare clinics. 
  
Due to the shortage of medical-grade caps and masks needed in human medicine for COVID-19 protection, all available tools are first offered to human medical clinics and hospitals, leaving veterinarians without the materials necessary to serve the community’s pet population. John Bork, CEO of WellHaven Pet Health is working alongside Dr. Bob Lester, WellHaven's Chief Medical Officer to ensure the production and distribution of these caps and masks will benefit local clinics. Bork adds, “As directives for our industry change during this time, we need to be at the forefront of preparedness. The need for protective equipment is undeniable. Without veterinary medical attention animal lives are at risk. Veterinary medicine is considered an essential service during this pandemic. Pets are critical as Americans turn inward to home and hearth. The support, stability and unconditional love offered by our beloved pets is more important now than ever.” Caps and masks purchased through chamber efforts will help support a long-time local business Sweet Spot Skirts and provide for essential protective equipment to be donated to surrounding veterinary hospitals and medical clinics in the SW Washington and Portland-metro area.  
  
Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce’s Vice President of Membership & Operations, Janet Kenefsky comments, “This is an incredible example of our business community supporting each other in a time of need. SW Washington is headquarters to growing veterinary companies whose core mission is to take care of the people and pets they serve and we are proud to spread the word about this donation opportunity. More information about how to become involved and how to donate, will be available on our website soon.” 
  
The Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce (GVCC) is a non-profit organization founded in 1890, aimed at advancing and strengthening the regional business community through member services, public affairs advocacy and community building. The Chamber is a supportive alliance of diverse member businesses, individuals and organizations, working together toward long-term business prosperity. GVCC is the heart of Clark County’s business community, advocating for sound, sensible and dynamic policies that ensure a vital economic climate while improving Southwest Washington’s infrastructure and quality of life. For more information, please visit VancouverUSA.com. 
  
###


For more information or to learn more about Chamber Press Releases:

Contact: Sarah Cooke, Marketing & Communications Manager
scooke@VancouverUSA.com