The COVID-19 pandemic prompted a widespread response from companies and organisations to support frontline healthcare workers. Numerous freebies, discounts, and promotional offers were launched to provide practical assistance and recognition. This article details the types of resources available, from essential apparel and footwear to digital wellness services, based on information compiled from various sources during the pandemic. It is important to note that many of these offers were time-limited and tied specifically to the COVID-19 crisis. For UK-based healthcare workers seeking similar support, it is advisable to check directly with organisations and brands for current programmes.
Apparel and Footwear Offers
Several companies recognised the physical demands placed on healthcare professionals and offered free or discounted items to aid their comfort and protection.
Crocs launched a significant initiative, donating a free pair of shoes with free shipping to healthcare workers on the frontlines of COVID-19. A specific claim page was provided for this offer.
Barco Uniforms, a leader in medical apparel, committed to donating scrubs to medical professionals for the duration of the COVID-19 crisis, with a request process available through their website.
For those purchasing footwear, Clove offered free compression socks with every purchase. To redeem, customers were required to add a pair of socks to a cart containing shoes and use a specific discount code for the discount to apply.
Ably Apparel had a promotion for first responders, where tagging oneself on the company's Instagram page starting from a specified date would result in a free item from their website.
Kerusso offered a 10% discount on all items in their store as a token of gratitude for first responders.
Healthcare Heroes merchandise, including shirts and water bottles, was available for sale through the Jim Coleman store.
Tieks by Gavrieli ran a campaign to encourage mask sewing, offering a $50 gift card for sewing 25 masks and a $100 gift card for 50 or more masks.
Reebok provided a 50% discount to verified nurses, first responders, teachers, military personnel, and government employees.
Food and Delivery Discounts
Recognising the need for convenient nutrition, several food and delivery companies offered freebies and discounts.
Starbucks offered frontline workers and first responders a free tall hot or iced coffee until May 31st.
DoorDash provided nurses, doctors, and hospital employees with 60 days of free Corporate DashPass.
Connectivity and Technology Support
Telecommunications and technology companies provided essential connectivity and device support.
Verizon began providing discounts to nurses starting April 23rd, including free additional data and up to $40 off when combining Verizon unlimited wireless and Fios internet plans.
Sprint offered free expedited shipping, waived activation fees on Sprint.com, and Sprint Perks to healthcare workers on the front lines.
AT&T announced it would offer nurses and physicians three free months on their FirstNet Mobile - Responder plan.
Samsung offered free repairs on Samsung phones, including cracked screens and battery replacements, to frontline healthcare workers with valid ID. This offer, which included nurses, doctors, hospital workers, EMTs, police officers, and firefighters, was valid through June 30th while supplies lasted.
Training and Educational Resources
Numerous organisations provided free training and educational resources for healthcare professionals during the pandemic.
IntelyCare, a workforce management solution for post-acute facilities, launched a free COVID-19 training certification programme.
The American Nurses Association offered free COVID-19 training for nurses 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, "Pulmonary, ARDS, and Ventilator Resources," available 24/7 with the latest information for caring for COVID-19 patients.
Osmosis developed several free resources, including a COVID-19 course for health professionals eligible for 2 CME credits, free clinical skill videos, and free events such as meditation and yoga sessions and AMA sessions with their Chief Medical Officer.
Mental Health and Wellness Support
The mental wellbeing of healthcare workers was a key focus, with several services offering free support.
Talkspace provided medical professionals with one free month of its Unlimited Messaging Plus plan, which includes online therapy via text, audio, and video calls with a licensed therapist.
Neurocore Brain Performance offered free telehealth counselling to all first responders and medical professionals in the U.S. through May 1st, 2020.
The Warrior Teletherapy Network offered free teletherapy to healthcare workers in the Kansas City metro area.
The DiveThru App, a guided journaling app developed with mental health professionals, was available for healthcare workers to help manage stress and difficult moments.
Support Groups for Nurses provided no-cost, confidential emotional support groups for nurses on the frontlines of COVID-19. These groups were led by trained facilitators and offered a space for connection, sharing, and learning emotional skills.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Volunteer Resources
Efforts to address PPE shortages and support volunteers were also documented.
The American Hospital Association (AHA) ran the "100 Million Mask Challenge," helping connect manufacturers with hospitals in need of PPE and providing design specification guides.
The American Nurses Association provided a mechanism to easily tell Congress to increase PPE supplies immediately.
Resources were also compiled for volunteers, including information on free or discounted housing, travel, and car rentals to assist those contributing to the pandemic response.
Conclusion
The response to the COVID-19 pandemic from various companies and organisations was extensive, covering a wide range of practical and supportive offers for healthcare workers. These included essential apparel and footwear, food and delivery discounts, connectivity plans, educational training, mental health resources, and PPE initiatives. While many of these specific offers were tied to the peak of the pandemic and may have expired, they illustrate a significant community effort to support frontline professionals. For current support, healthcare workers in the UK should consult official resources from organisations such as the NHS, nursing unions, and directly with brands for any ongoing programmes.