How You Can Help Health Workers During the Coronavirus Pandemic
As millions of lives are threatened by COVID-19, Project HOPE is delivering critically-needed supplies and training to front-line health workers fighting the outbreak. Here's how you can help.
As coronavirus COVID-19 cases increase, vulnerable people’s lives are at risk around the world. And health workers who are working tirelessly to combat the outbreak are particularly vulnerable. If you’re wondering what you can do to help health workers during the coronavirus pandemic, here’s where to start.
Protect yourself and others
With health systems already strained from an influx of sick patients, and many health workers quarantined due to exposure in the course of their work, each of us needs to do our part. And that starts with being vigilant about our own health. Follow instructions from credible sources like the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which advises the public to:
Wear a mask when out in public. Wearing a mask remains one of the most basic ways to prevent the spread of the virus.
Wash your hands often, use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available, and avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
Avoid close contact with people who are sick, and maintain distance from others if the illness is spreading in your community
If you are sick, stay home unless you’re at a medical appointment
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue if you cough or sneeze, or use the inside of your elbow
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily, and clean any dirty surfaces
Support organizations who are helping health workers
A great way to help health workers during the coronavirus outbreak is by ensuring they have the supplies and training they need. And you can do that with a donation to a reputable organization like Project HOPE today. So far, we have delivered 11+ million pieces of PPE in countries around the world, and we have trained 85,000+ health workers who are on the front lines of the pandemic.
Because the needs vary from country to country, a donation helps deliver what is needed most in affected communities, as quickly as possible.
You may want to send protective supplies, medicines or other items. However, managing and shipping donated goods from individuals is costly and time-consuming. And the items might not be what an affected community needs, or be blocked from importation due to local policies.
But when you give money, responders can buy exactly what’s needed. And since they often buy locally, this helps the local economy recover more quickly, and gets the right assistance to people faster.
Project HOPE President and Chief Executive Officer Rabih Torbay speaks about the threat of COVID-19 to people everywhere. Project HOPE’s focus is to build resilience around the world, to help strengthen health systems so that they are able to cope with disaster and health crises when they inevitably arise.
Enlist others to help
Friends, family, colleagues, neighbors – everyone has something to give, and every dollar goes a long way. Ask them to join you in supporting health workers.
You can raise money in a variety of ways, from hosting a bake sale or big fundraiser to allocating a portion of proceeds from your business. The easiest way is to do an online fundraiser.
It takes just two minutes to set up a fundraiser to help power Project HOPE’s global coronavirus response. It’s easy to share with your friends on Facebook or your social media of choice. And you can support an existing fundraiser, or start your own. Try it now and see what happens!
Learn more about the coronavirus crisis and share what you’ve learned
Conditions on the ground change daily. Stay up-to-date by visiting our crisis page that highlights the main things you need to know about COVID-19. Don’t forget to share it with friends to help combat the spread of misinformation! Get the facts about coronavirus.
Stay involved
After the headlines fade, a pandemic like COVID-19 affects the lives of survivors for months, even years. They’ll need to know the world hasn’t forgotten about them as time goes on.
Stay up-to-date on this story and our lifesaving work around the world by following us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter, and help spread the word by sharing stories that move and inspire you.