American Spirit Stepping Up When Government Missed the Boat

I started worrying about this dangerous virus prior to a trip at the end of January. I wish our Federal government, would have taken it more seriously that early too. Maybe if they had, measures would have been in place to ensure significant increases in production of personal protective equipment and ventilators and we wouldn’t be in such a crisis now. Rather than focusing on the negative, I want to use this post to talk about the amazing things individuals and corporations are doing to make a difference.

Stepping-Up while Staying-In

Sewing Masks and Gowns

Tons of crafters across the country have started making masks for their local communities. Christian Siriano, a former Project Runway winner, was one of the first U.S. designers to shift production from designer clothing to personal protective equipment.

Additionally, companies like Hanes, Fruit of the Loom, Gap, Inc., Zara, H&M, Prada, and others are adjusting their production to make masks, scrubs, and gowns for healthcare workers and first responders. Numerous companies like Apple, Prudential, and Google, universities like Notre Dame and television shows like The Resident, The Good Doctor, Grey’s Anatomy, New Amsterdam, Station 19, Chicago Med, Chicago Fire, and Chicago P.D. are donating money, masks, and other equipment.

3D Printing

An open source pattern was created and posted to allow individuals to use 3D printers to make face shields and masks. Falls Church, VA teenager, Charles Randolph, and Dylan Capshaw, of Scottsdale, AZ have been printing masks to donate. And they aren’t the only ones. Doctors, researchers, and individuals have used their labs, home offices, and basements to create personal protective equipment for healthcare workers.

Ventilators

Dyson, Tesla, Ford, GM, and 3M are switching their production lines to make ventilators rather than vacuum cleaners or cars.

Hand Sanitizer

Hand sanitizer has been one of the hottest items flying off the shelves. While some are relying on do-it-yourself recipes, others may benefit from distilleries shifting from making alcohol to hand sanitizer. Journeyman Distilleries of Three Oaks, MI sold hand sanitizer to raise money for its employees who were laid off due to the pandemic and they gave away 400 bottles as well. They joined distilleries across the country aiming to meet the demand by producing ethanol-based hand sanitizer. Larger companies like Absolute Vodka and Jameson Whiskey are also producing hand sanitizer.

Higher Education Fighting Covid-19

As someone who works in higher education, I know how hard this pandemic is impacting colleges and universities across the country. Most are dependent upon tuition revenue and will now be in the position of refunding a portion of room and board and that will have a lasting impact on many institutions. Despite this, many institutions are taking the lead in research, clinical trials, drug testing, developing rapid Covid-19 tests, and providing reliable information. Several universities in hard-hit cities are also preparing to convert dormitories to temporary hospitals.

Aiding Hourly Employees

With the call to close dine-in options at restaurants in most states, the close of many stores not selling essential items, and the huge demand on grocery stores and pharmacies, there are many hourly employees struggling in this pandemic. Several large chains have revamped their sick leave policies; larger grocery store chains are raising wages or offering bonuses for employees. Many smaller businesses in my community are using gift card sales or other promotions to benefit their hourly employees. Several athletes and celebrities have also made significant financial donations to help those who support their work and industries.

Finding Hope in this Crisis

It’s hard to stay positive with all of the sobering numbers being reported daily. It’s hard to stay positive when you realize our government could have been preparing for this for months. It’s hard to stay positive when you have no idea how long this new normal will last or how much worse it may become. It’s hard to understand that, as individuals, doing nothing may be the best thing we can do. For most of us, the best way we can help is to stay home.  When you see the resilience of the American people and you see the hundreds of ways  – big and small – we are stepping up, it’s easy to find hope. It’s easy to see that we are all in this together and together we can make a difference.

Stay Safe. Stay Healthy. Stay Home!