COVID-19 Freebies and Support Programs for First Responders and Healthcare Workers

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted numerous organizations, brands, and government entities to establish free programs and resources for first responders and healthcare workers. These initiatives were designed to provide essential goods, services, and financial assistance to individuals on the frontlines of the crisis. The available offerings span a wide range of categories, including food and beverage, mental health support, professional development, housing, transportation, and financial aid.

Food and Beverage Offers

Several food and beverage chains provided complimentary items to acknowledge the efforts of healthcare professionals and first responders. These offers typically required verification of employment status or uniform presentation.

Krispy Kreme: The company provided free dozens of their Original Glazed® Doughnuts on Mondays during Nurses’ Week, which concluded on May 12th.
Wawa: This chain offered free coffee of any size for healthcare workers and first responders until the crisis was deemed resolved.
Sheetz: Free coffee was available for frontline workers through June 1st at Sheetz locations.
Starbucks: A free tall brewed hot or iced coffee was served to first responders and front-line healthcare workers through the end of May.
Snickers (via Walmart): Nurses and essential workers could obtain a Snickers bar by signing up for an e-gift card to be redeemed at Walmart.
Nando’s: Hospital workers living near a Nando’s location could receive free peri-peri chicken takeout. The chain distributed 50 free meals daily at every North American location through May 17th.
Circle K: First responders and healthcare professionals could receive a free Polar Pop.

Mental Health and Wellness Resources

Support for mental health and personal wellness was a significant focus, with companies offering free counseling, peer support, and wellness sessions.

Care.com: The platform offered one month of free premium access to frontline workers, allowing them to find and manage caregivers for children, seniors, and pets.
Talkspace: Frontline professionals were eligible for one free month of counseling via text, audio, and video calls with a licensed therapist under the Unlimited Messaging Plus plan.
NurseGroups.org: This resource provided a free and confidential platform for nurses to connect with peers to discuss challenges they were facing.
Neurocore Counseling: Free telehealth counseling was available to medical personnel and first responders through May 1. The service was described as private and completely confidential.
TB12: Tom Brady’s fitness brand offered a free Virtual Performance and Recovery Coaching Session with a TB12 Body Coach to healthcare members fighting the pandemic.
Osmosis: Beyond educational content, Osmosis offered events including guided meditation and yoga sessions.

Professional Development and Training

Multiple organizations provided free courses and training materials to help healthcare workers stay updated on COVID-19 care and safety protocols.

American Nurses Association: This organization offered a free webinar titled "Be Confident Protecting Yourself and Providing the Best Care to Your Patients during this COVID-19 Pandemic."
American Association of Critical Care Nurses: A free course on COVID-19 Pulmonary, ARDS, and Ventilator Resources was available 24/7.
Osmosis: In addition to a COVID-19 course eligible for 2 CME credits, Osmosis provided clinical skill videos on topics such as imaging features and body temperature assessment.
IntelyCare: This workforce management solution for post-acute facilities launched a free COVID-19 training certification program.
Speeko: Nurses, physicians, and other healthcare professionals could receive free access to the Speeko app through 2020. The app focuses on coaching effective communication skills and maintains a list of COVID-19 communication resources.
Supporti: This accountability partner app offered healthcare workers a free one-month subscription. Users are matched one-on-one with a buddy for mutual support.

Technology and Connectivity

Services were established to ensure first responders had the necessary technology and connectivity to perform their duties effectively.

FirstNet (AT&T): FirstNet, a network built for first responders, offered 3 months of free wireless service to COVID-19 first responders. New customers also received a $200 activation credit on a Mobile-Responder plan.
FirstNet: The network also provided a $200 activation credit for new customers on a Mobile-Responder plan.

Medical Supplies and Protective Equipment

Initiatives were launched to connect healthcare workers with essential personal protective equipment (PPE).

Mask Match: Healthcare workers in need of masks could fill out an "I need masks" form to be connected with individuals willing to donate masks.
Glowforge: The 3-D printer company manufactured and offered free Ear Savers to frontline workers, including nurses, doctors, retail workers, delivery workers, and sanitation workers.

Housing and Accommodation

Several hotel chains and platforms provided free or discounted lodging for medical personnel and first responders.

OYO Hotels and Homes: This company offered free hotel room stays in the U.S. to nurses, doctors, and other medical first responders. A valid, active medical ID was required, and reservations could be made by calling a specific number with a provided code.
RVshare: In partnership with RVs 4 MDs, a volunteer group, RVshare provided temporary housing to healthcare workers by connecting them with RV owners.
The Redbury New York hotel: This hotel offered special rates for medical workers and first responders on the COVID-19 frontlines. Reservations were handled via email.

Transportation Assistance

Free transportation services were made available to help essential workers travel to and from their jobs.

Delta Airlines: Eligible medical volunteers could book free round-trip flights to states including Georgia, Louisiana, Michigan, and New York through June. This program was launched in partnership with state and local governments.
Citi Bike: The Citi Bike Critical Workforce Membership Program offered a free month of membership to first responders, healthcare workers, and transit workers. Employers or facilities could be enrolled by emailing a specific address.

Financial Support Programs

Government and private funding was allocated to assist essential workers with out-of-pocket expenses incurred during the pandemic.

Empire Pandemic Response Reimbursement Fund (New York State): Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced $29 million available to support essential workers and first responders. The program, coordinated by the Office of Children and Family Services, provided up to $1,000 per household to reimburse out-of-pocket expenses for childcare, transportation, lodging, and other qualifying costs. Funding was sourced from private donations. Qualifying applicants included first responders, healthcare workers, and multi-industry workers. Referrals were required from employers, unions, or social service providers to verify employment during the emergency.

Conclusion

The provided data indicates a broad, multi-sector effort to support first responders and healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Initiatives ranged from immediate gratification, such as free food and coffee, to long-term support structures, including mental health counseling, professional training, and significant financial reimbursement for essential expenses. The availability of these resources was often time-sensitive, with expiration dates ranging from specific weeks in May to the end of June 2020. Verification of status through identification, employer referral, or specific sign-up processes was a common requirement across most offers.