During this global crisis, the safety of the public including our dedicated healthcare workers and first responders, is paramount. 3M is grateful for the work healthcare and facility workers on the front line are doing in response to this global pandemic. We are doing our best to support essential workers and the public by addressing COVID-19 from all angles, including manufacturing, distribution, and collaboration with other companies on innovative solutions. Since January, 3M has doubled global output of N95 respirators to a rate of more than 1.1 billion per year and has already put into motion investments and actions that will enable it to double its N95 respirator capacity once again to 2 billion globally within 12 months.
Given the high use rate of N95 respirators, 3M is also collaborating with several sterilization companies to find a way for hospitals to safely decontaminate, 3M’s N95 respirators.
Further, the company is busy maximizing production of other solutions used in the response as well, including hand sanitizers and disinfectants and continues to work closely with suppliers on near and long-term continuity of supplies. 3M is also partnering with Ford to expand the production of 3M’s powered air purifying respirators (PAPRs), which are highly specialized pieces of equipment used in the most demanding healthcare environments. Our goal is to increase production by six-fold within the next 60-90 days.
In response to needs for immediate relief and a plan for long-term recovery, 3Mgives and 3M Foundation together have committed $10 million in cash and product donations to COVID-19 response efforts and are working with a range of nonprofits, including GlobalGiving. Donations to GlobalGiving’s Coronavirus Relief Fund will support first responders’ access to medical supplies, food access for under-resourced communities, and nonprofits that work with children, the elderly and refugees. 3M is dedicated to our healthcare partners and is here to support your efforts. You can find additional resources at 3M.com/medical related to PPE, cross-contamination, and other information.
Contact:
Nancy Melloy Harper,
Professional Relations 3M Medical Solutions Division, Health Care Business Group
nmelloyharper@mmm.com