(August 31, 2020) DEARBORN, Mich. —  Ford’s Project Apollo, in cooperation with Ford Motor Company Fund, is launching a community donation program that will initially deliver 10 million masks to at-risk communities across the U.S. with limited access to personal protective equipment.

Project Apollo — Ford’s codename for its efforts to produce personal protective equipment, including respirators, face shields, medical gowns, plus ventilators for COVID-19 patients — has improved its ability to build medical-grade masks and is now manufacturing more than the company needs to keep its employees safe.

Ford Motor Company Fund, the company’s philanthropic arm, is engaging its substantial network of nonprofit partners, state and local officials, schools and community groups to mobilize and distribute 10 million masks to help fill the essential needs of hospitals, businesses and communities across the United States.

“Protecting the health of students, families, workers and others at risk in our communities is the top priority as we continue to fight back against this unprecedented pandemic,” said Mary Culler, president, Ford Motor Company Fund. “We are proud to add these masks to our ongoing community support, knowing we are at our best when we all come together to help.”

Masks are being sent to select cities and states with Ford plant locations, as well as other organizations around the country. Recipients for the 10 million masks have been identified and distribution has already started. Additional donations will be made as mask production increases through the end of the year. Decisions on those recipients will be made later. Ford plans to leverage its dealer network where possible once manufacturing ramps up.
Among the first groups to receive masks are:

    •    African American community – The lack of personal protective equipment remains an obstacle to safe reopening of small businesses in many African American communities. Ford Fund and the National Urban League will provide masks to businesses in cities hard hit by COVID-19, including Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, New Orleans and New York.

    •    DAV – Disabled American Veterans require access to personal protective equipment so they can continue to transport veterans to VA hospitals for medical care. Ford has a 98-year relationship with DAV, longer than any other company in the U.S.

    •    Food insecure – Food banks and organizations providing food to individuals and families will receive masks to keep volunteers and clients safe.

    •    American Red Cross – Masks are needed for protection during blood donations.

    •    Schools – With the ongoing debate over how to proceed with opening schools, it’s clear the need for personal protective equipment will increase, especially in underserved communities where students will be going back to the classroom. The national network of Ford Next Generation Learning will target resources to schools in plant communities needing masks. Students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities will also be included.

    •    Southeast Michigan – Demand remains high for personal protective equipment among many community organizations in southeast Michigan, Ford’s home base. Ford Resource and Engagement Centers in Detroit will be utilized as distribution sites for area neighborhoods.

    •    State of Michigan – Ford is providing 1.5 million masks to the state for distribution to COVID-19 testing sites, health centers, homeless shelters and more.
 
“From providing disabled veterans free rides to VA medical appointments to free claims assistance and other much needed services in the community, DAV has continued making all of our no-cost services available to disabled veterans and their families since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said John Kleindienst, DAV national voluntary services director.

“We simply could not continue these operations without our many selfless volunteers and dedicated employees. Ford’s donation of these masks demonstrates its unwavering commitment to America’s disabled veterans and ensures DAV can continue its mission of supporting them through this pandemic as safely as possible.”