Comprehensive Guide To Covid-19 Freebies And Support For First Responders And Healthcare Workers

During the COVID-19 pandemic, first responders and healthcare workers have been on the frontlines, risking their health and safety to care for others. In recognition of their service, numerous organizations, businesses, and government entities have stepped forward to offer free resources, products, and support. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the freebies, discounts, and support services available to first responders and healthcare workers during the COVID-19 crisis, based on verified information from official sources.

Food and Beverage Freebies

First responders and healthcare workers can access numerous complimentary food and beverage options as a token of appreciation for their service during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Several coffee and donut chains have extended offers to frontline workers: - Krispy Kreme provided free dozens of their famous Original Glazed® Doughnuts on Mondays through Nurses' Week, which ended on May 12th. - Wawa offered free coffee of any size for healthcare workers and first responders until the crisis was averted. - Sheetz extended free coffee for frontline workers through June 1st. - Starbucks served free tall brewed (hot or iced) coffees to first responders and front-line healthcare workers through the end of May.

Additional food options included: - Snickers offered free Snickers bars to nurses and other essential workers. Participants could sign up for an e-gift card and redeem it at Walmart. - Nando's provided free peri-peri chicken takeout, giving out 50 free meals daily at every Nando's location in North America through May 17th.

Mental Health and Counseling Services

The mental well-being of first responders and healthcare workers has been a focus of many support initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Several organizations offered free mental health services: - Talkspace provided 1 free month of counseling via text, audio, and video calls with a licensed therapist using their Unlimited Messaging Plus plan. - NurseGroups.org offered a platform for nurses to "meet" and discuss challenges faced during the pandemic, with services that are both free and confidential. - Neurocore Counseling provided free telehealth counseling to medical personnel and first responders through May 1, with services that are private and completely confidential. - Speeko offered healthcare professionals free access to their communication coaching app through 2020, along with maintaining a free list of COVID-19 communication resources on their website.

Additional mental health support included: - Supporti, the accountability partner app, offered healthcare workers a free one-month subscription. Users get matched one-on-one with a buddy for support toward daily actions like meditation or staying hydrated.

Technology and Communication Resources

Several technology companies and platforms provided free services to help first responders and healthcare workers stay connected and access necessary resources.

Communication and support services included: - FirstNet, part of the AT&T network, offered 3 months of free wireless service to COVID-19 first responders. New FirstNet customers also received a $200 activation credit on a Mobile-Responder plan. - Care.com provided frontline workers with one month of free, premium access to their platform for finding, managing, and paying for caregivers for children, seniors, and pets.

Training and Educational Resources

Educational institutions and professional organizations developed specialized training to help healthcare workers and first responders respond effectively to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Free training resources included: - The American Nurses Association offered a free webinar titled "Be Confident Protecting Yourself and Providing the Best Care to Your Patients during this COVID-19 Pandemic." - The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses provided a free online course on COVID-19 Pulmonary, ARDS and Ventilator Resources, available 24/7 with the latest information for patient care. - Osmosis.org developed multiple COVID-19 resources, including a course eligible for 2 CME credits, clinical skill videos on imaging features and body temperature assessment, and meditation and yoga sessions. - IntelyCare launched a free COVID-19 training certification program for post-acute facility staff. - Osmosis also hosted AMA sessions with Chief Medical Officer Dr. Rishi Desai.

Housing and Accommodation Support

Recognizing the need for safe housing during the pandemic, several organizations provided free or discounted accommodations for healthcare workers and first responders.

Housing options included: - OYO Hotels and Homes offered free hotel room stays in the U.S. to nurses, doctors, and other medical first responders fighting against COVID-19. A valid, active medical ID was required, and reservations could be made by calling (+1) 628-213-7020 with the code OYO4FIRSTRESPONDERS. - RVshare partnered with RVs 4 MDs, a volunteer group connecting first responders to RV owners during crises, to provide temporary housing to healthcare workers. - The Redbury New York hotel offered special rates for medical workers and first responders working on the COVID-19 frontlines, with reservations available via email at [email protected].

Transportation Assistance

Transportation services provided free or discounted options to help healthcare workers and first responders commute to their essential jobs.

Transportation support included: - Delta Airlines offered eligible medical volunteers free round-trip flights to states including Georgia, Louisiana, Michigan, and New York through June, as part of a program launched in partnership with state and local governments. - Citi Bike established a Critical Workforce Membership Program offering first responders, healthcare workers, and transit workers a free month of Citi Bike membership. Facilities or employers could enroll by emailing [email protected].

Financial Support Programs

Government and private sector initiatives provided financial assistance to help first responders and healthcare workers cover expenses incurred during the pandemic.

The Empire Pandemic Response Reimbursement Fund in New York offered: - Up to $1,000 available per household, funded through private donations from individuals, charitable trusts, and businesses made during the COVID crisis. - The program was designed to reimburse out-of-pocket childcare, transportation, lodging, and other qualifying expenses that enabled workers to perform their duties. - Qualifying applicants included first responders, healthcare workers, and many multi-industry workers, who needed to be referred by employers, unions, or social service providers who could verify employment during the COVID emergency.

Medical Supplies and Personal Protective Equipment

Recognizing the critical need for personal protective equipment (PPE), several organizations worked to provide masks and other essential supplies to healthcare workers.

Medical supply resources included: - Mask Match connected healthcare workers in need of masks with donors. Workers could fill out the "I need masks" form to get started. - Glowforge, a 3-D printer company, manufactured and offered free Ear Savers to frontline workers including nurses, doctors, retail workers, delivery workers, and sanitation workers who must wear masks.

Additional Discounts and Offers

Various businesses extended special discounts to healthcare workers and first responders as a gesture of appreciation.

Additional offers included: - Vineyard Vines provided a 15% discount off everything for healthcare professionals. - Through ID.me verification, healthcare workers and first responders could access a Military and First Responder Discount at checkout with participating retailers.

City and Community Support Initiatives

Several cities and community organizations established comprehensive support programs for healthcare workers and first responders during the pandemic.

The City of Chicago, along with health, hotel, and other partners: - Created a microsite to offer a variety of free resources and supports for healthcare workers and first responders during the COVID-19 pandemic. - Provided resources and supports offered directly by the City of Chicago or through partner organizations and agencies, assisting healthcare workers, first responders, and their families during the crisis. - Dr. Allison Arwady, Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health, emphasized that supporting the wellbeing of healthcare workers, first responders, and their families throughout the pandemic response is a serious responsibility.

Conclusion

During the COVID-19 pandemic, first responders and healthcare workers have received significant support from businesses, organizations, and government entities. This support has taken many forms, including free food and beverages, mental health services, technology resources, educational training, housing accommodations, transportation assistance, financial support, medical supplies, and special discounts. These initiatives recognize the vital role that first responders and healthcare workers have played in caring for others during the crisis and aim to provide them with the resources they need to continue their important work while taking care of their own wellbeing.

Sources

1. First Responder Freebies During the COVID-19 Pandemic
2. City of Chicago and Partners Provide Free Resources to Health Care Workers and First Responders
3. Resources, Discounts, and Offers for Healthcare Workers and First Responders
4. Governor Cuomo Announces $29 Million Available to Support Essential Workers and First Responders