Ford Offers Assistance During COVID-19

The rapid global spread of COVID-19 has turned the world on its head. The disease itself has already infected millions and killed hundreds of thousands of people across the world, and it only continues to spread, but the changes COVID-19 has caused are more pervasive than the virus itself. In response, Ford offers assistance during COVID-19.

Everyone has had to adapt to drastic changes in the way the world operates as a response to the COVID-19 outbreak. In the United States alone, schools and universities and non-essential businesses are closed. The spread of the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 and the measures that have been taken in response to the virus to attempt to slow its spread have had many serious consequences. 

Widespread closures of non-essential businesses have left millions of people without jobs. The novel coronavirus itself has forced tens of thousands to fight for their lives in U.S. hospitals amid unprecedented shortages of vital equipment for patients and healthcare workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis. People all around the world are in need of serious, immediate help, and many larger companies have revised their role in society to help fill the greatest needs and solve the largest problems that have developed as a result of the global novel coronavirus outbreak. 

Iconic American multinational automaker Ford is one of these companies that have been and continue to be extremely helpful through the novel coronavirus crisis. Here are 5 of the most notable ways Ford has stepped up to offer assistance to their U.S. customers and beyond as COVID-19 continues to wreak havoc around the globe. 

Supporting Non-Profit Organizations 

Non-profit organizations are always important, but they play an especially crucial role in the COVID-19 crisis by connecting individuals and families with the resources they need to fulfill their basic needs, survive, and learn to thrive through this global pandemic. 

Ford recognizes the need to support non-profit organizations during this time and has dedicated more than $500,000 to date to various non-profit organizations throughout the automaker’s home state of Michigan and throughout the United States as a whole. 

Producing Masks and Ventilators 

When you think of Ford, cars, and trucks are likely the first things that come to mind. Hospital equipment is probably not high on the list of things you associate with this iconic multinational automaker. 

However, Ford is dedicated to contributing to the fight against COVID-19, and some of the best contributions they can make include masks for healthcare workers and ventilators for coronavirus patients in critical condition. 

As of April 13th, 2020, Ford had produced several million face masks and respirators for healthcare workers and COVID-19 patients. This major automaker has devoted its Van Dyke Transmission Plant to the production of face masks. They have also partnered with manufacturing company 3M in Minnesota to produce respirators out of 3M’s manufacturing facilities throughout the U.S. 

Ford’s efforts have ensured that millions of healthcare workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis are protected with face masks and that patients in hospital suffering through more severe symptoms of COVID-19 have access to the N95 respirators and respiratory equipment they need to protect themselves and others. Ford has begun production of other personal protective equipment for healthcare workers as well, such as reusable gowns made from recycled airbag materials. 

Ford is also expected to ramp up the production of COVID-19 collection kits that aid in patient testing, which has thus far been widely unavailable as the coronavirus crisis plays out around the globe. More people being able to be tested will certainly help slow the spread of the virus and lead to fewer deaths overall. 

Facilitating Food Distributions and Deliveries 

As millions of people continue to lose their jobs as a result of widespread closures due to the spread of COVID-19, food insecurity is increasing exponentially throughout communities around the world. Ford is committed to helping combat this to ensure that everyone and their families have enough to eat. 

Ford has transformed their two Resource and Engagement Centers in Detroit into drive-up food pantry distribution centers. They are also financially supporting food delivery to thousands of senior citizens and schoolchildren throughout southeast Michigan. 

Helping Students Get Home 

Since the start of the coronavirus outbreak, the Ford Motor Company Fund—the branch of Ford that invests in non-profits and other such organizations—has launched an emergency aid program in partnership with the United Negro College Fund. 

This emergency aid program is dedicated to providing financial assistance to students at historically black colleges and universities who are struggling to get back home safety following the sudden closure of their universities due to the outbreak of COVID-19. 

Offering Six Months of Payment Relief 

In response to the COVID-19 crisis, Ford has launched their brand-new Built to Lend a Hand Program. This program offers up to 6 months of payment relief to Ford drivers who choose to finance their purchase of a new 2019 or 2020 model-year vehicle through Ford Credit.

As part of this special deal, Ford will pay their customers’ car payments for three months post-purchase and offer up to three additional months of deferred payments. Ford hopes that the options this program offers will help lift some weight off the shoulders of those who are struggling financially as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Tags: COVID-19
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