Recently, we recapped some of the amazing work brands have been doing in response to the global health pandemic our society is fighting right now. While we are living through an ongoing state of uncertainty, stories about how people are stepping up for the greater good is something we could all use a bit more. That is why we decided to curate another list of “some good news” as John Krasinski would say. Let’s dive in.
Headlines of healthcare heroes dedicating everything they have to not only treat the ill but also slow the spread of the virus have dominated the news cycle for several weeks now. Specifically, outlets have shared that inventory of PPE has reached dangerously low levels and what workers need most is supplies. Almost immediately brands stepped up – in a big way.
The Toyota way
The automotive manufacturer recently announced it would be utilizing several of the company’s North American facilities to create face shields, while collaborating with medical device companies to speed the manufacture of ventilators, respirators and other vital devices for hospitals. Its facilities just kicked off production of 3-D printed face shields, which will first be distributed to MD Anderson in Houston, UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas and other hospitals in Indiana, Kentucky and Michigan. The company is also prepared to start making mass produced COVID-19 masks, and it is finalizing agreements to begin working with companies that produce ventilators and respirators to help increase their capacity.
Apple is thinking differently
In a recent tweet, Apple CEO Tim Cook announced the tech-giant is dedicated to supporting our medical professionals. As part of that effort, the company has sourced over 20 million masks through its global supply chain, and it is working with government entities to ensure supplies reach those most in need first and foremost. In addition to that work, Apple’s design, engineering, operations and packaging teams have come together to design, produce and ship face shields for medical workers – the first shipment of one million shields was delivered in early April, and the goal is to produce and ship a million per week from there on out.
The Patriots did their job
“Do your job” took a different meaning last week as tractor trailers and jetliners emblazoned with the New England Patriots’ logo arrived in New York with more than 1.7 million N95 masks and critical supplies to help hospitals combat the ongoing, nationwide shortage of personal protective equipment. In an Instagram post to the team’s account, owner and humanitarian Robert Kraft shared, “We’re all in this together. Headed to New York with hope, love and 300,000 masks for healthcare workers.” While Tom Brady may have recently broken hearts across New England, this act of kindness certainly helps put some of the pieces back together.
Healthcare prefers Hanes
Hanes has joined a coalition of 11 brands that also includes Fruit of the Loom and Los Angeles Apparel that “will start manufacturing personal protective equipment for healthcare workers on the front lines of the fight against the coronavirus,” Fast Company reports. America’s first name in comfort clothing has completely shifted its production (sacrificing its bottom line) to deliver much-needed gear to hospitals across the U.S., as providing medical workers with the necessary gear to protect themselves is a top priority – pledging to make one million medical-grade masks a week.
The best part of this post: I could go on for much longer. That is how many brands have stepped up to protect those protecting us. We’re looking forward to more good news in the coming weeks.
Suggestions