Protecting our Protectors: How Eastman Helped our Frontline Workers

In March 2020, as COVID-19 cases were increasing around the world, healthcare workers and first responders quickly realized they were heavily unprepared to handle a pandemic. Without any PPE surplus, hospitals and healthcare facilities were soon in dire need of masks, surgical gowns, and eye gear to protect healthcare workers from the virus.

Eastman Chemical Company, a specialty materials and additives company, recognized this need for PPE and responded. The company partnered with various organizations around the world to increase their geographic reach in distribution of Eastman manufactured PPE, cleaning agents, and other personal hygiene products. Going above and beyond, Eastman aimed to protect essential healthcare workers and first responders who risk their lives every day to protect their communities. They donated thousands of products and manufacturing materials, including:

• Over 65,000 masks and face shields that were produced and distributed to hospitals and schools in the United States
• Co-polyester resin used to produce over 475,000 bottles for hand sanitizer used by organizations in France
• Over 500 gallons of hand sanitizer to nonprofits and businesses with front line workers in the U.S.
• 180 N95 masks and 4,400 nitrile gloves to first responders as well as more than 1,500 lap desks made of Eastman Spectar™ copolyester in Massachusetts

But Eastman’s efforts didn’t stop there. The company converted a pilot plant at its largest U.S. manufacturing site to produce hand sanitizer for area schools and emergency responders. And they collaborated with local healthcare workers and employees to develop ear savers that frontline workers described as ‘lifesavers.’ These ear savers are an expandable mask strap extender that sit against the back of the head, taking pressure off the ears, which can make extended facemask wearing more comfortable.

A year later, the COVID vaccine is being distributed and cases are decreasing, but Eastman and Eastman Foundation continue to find ways to protect its communities. In the last 12 months, Eastman Foundation, has committed $2 million to provide immediate support to global response organizations for food, shelter, medical PPE for front line workers, and childcare, as well as mental health, educational and economic support in the company’s site communities.

As healthcare workers continue to put themselves on the frontlines to protect their communities from sickness and disease, Eastman in turn continues to help protect them. Throughout 2021, Eastman and Eastman Foundation is focused on addressing the growing gap between the need for essential resources by the most vulnerable and underserved populations and the capacity of communities to meet those needs.