Rotary’s seven areas of focus, include “Disease Prevention and Treatment.” SW Rotary approached our leaders in the County and Wichita Falls government with the idea. Rotary Club of Southwest Wichita Falls Club President worked with other area Rotary Clubs and the community to implement the initiative which include a great TV interview on channel 3.Yard Signs and Banners with the message, MASK UP Wichita County, You can Save a Life," were available from February through end of August of 2021. Orders were delivered to homes and businesses by Road to College participants with profits going towards Zavala in support of the Road to College programs.
The Rotary Club of Southwest Wichita Falls is partnering with the other Rotary and Service Clubs in Wichita County in an initiative to encourage the wearing of masks in advance of reaching vaccination levels supportive of “Herd Immunity”.
Why are we doing this project?
Citizens are getting tired of following the protective measures: wear a mask, social distance, wash hands frequently and minimize our movement in public to necessary activities. COVID-19 will continue to spread till we reach “Herd Immunity” that comes as 75% of the population has been vaccinated. If we wear a mask we can prevent, “People are going to die that don’t need to die.”
Mask Up & Save a Life!
Service Above Self
People of Action
Frequently Asked Questions and other resources: COVID FAQs - Feb 2021
Wichita County Mask Up Initiative Launches
(Wichita Falls, TX, February 8, 2021) – The Rotary Club of Southwest Wichita Falls announces an initiative by Rotary clubs and other Service Clubs in Wichita County to encourage the wearing of masks in advance of reaching vaccination levels supportive of “Herd Immunity”.
Retired Midwestern State University Professor Dr. David Barbosa had an idea heading into the new year and instead of sitting around waiting for the pandemic to end, wanted to do his part. “I just thought, there could be something done to encourage people to wear masks,” Dr. Barbosa said. “If I drive around the community and I see ‘Mask Up’ yard signs, banners and US flags being displayed, I think it would encourage a few more people to wear masks in our community?'”
Lee Gunter, 2020-2021 President of the Rotary Club of Southwest Wichita Falls said, “Dr. Barbosa brought the idea to us of increasing the wearing of masks to reduce COVID-19 infections. This initiative aligns with one of Rotary’s seven areas of focus, for “Disease Prevention and Treatment.” SW Rotary approached our leaders in the County and Wichita Falls government with the idea.
Woody Gossom, Judge of Wichita County, “We welcome the county wide support by local Rotary clubs encouraging citizens to wear masks in public as defense against COVID-19.”
Witchita Falls Mayor Stephen Santellana, “This effort can make a real difference in the COVID-19 infection rates.”
Director of Health, Lou Kreidler said, “I think this is a great initiative.” And She noted the district’s goal is to get at least 75% or more of the city’s population vaccinated in order to control the spread of the virus. “Of course, we would love to see 100% of our community vaccinated but we understand that there are individuals who have concerns about the vaccine because it is so new. We really want them to understand that the vaccine is safe and its effective,” Kreidler said. “It’s more effective than any other vaccine that I’ve seen in my entire nursing career,”
SW Rotary’s Gunter also stated, “Through club members' relationships with others in the community, we were able to connect with other Rotary clubs and organizations to gain support for making sharing the ‘Mask Up’ message county wide. We're excited to be able to support this important initiative, and mindful of our mission of Service above Self.”
The Service Clubs will promote the wearing of masks in their communities. Promotional actions include social media and website promotion, local media messages, display of US flags in limited high visibility locations as well as sale and distribution of yard signs and banners. These efforts high light the message “Mask Up Wichita County,” and “Save a Live.” Check with service club web or facebook pages in your community for details.
Southwest Rotary will be displaying flags at areas of high visibility and will also sell and deliver yard signs and banners for credit card purchases shop/mask-up-initiative-sw-rotary. Orders fulfilled by SW Rotary will be delivered to homes and businesses by Road to College participants with profits going towards Zavala in support of the Road to College programs.
We expect other service clubs, organizations and chambers of commerce may offer yard signs and banners on their websites and facebook pages.
Mask Up & Save a Life!
Service Above Self
People of Action