Gary Sinise Foundation Announces Proactive Measures In Wake Of The Coronavirus
March 9th, 2020
LOS ANGELES, CA (March 9, 2020) With continued spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) across the nation, the Gary Sinise Foundation announced today that its First Responder Outreach grants are available to first responders in need of personal protective equipment and gear when answering coronavirus-related service calls. The Foundation is also offering financial assistance should they become personally affected.
First responders can apply for a First Responder Grant for purchasing personal protective equipment and essential gear that guards against the transmission of the disease.
Additionally, any military service members, veterans, first responders, and their families affected by COVID-19 can apply for financial assistance through an initiative of the Foundation’s Relief and Resiliency program, called H.O.P.E. (heal, overcome, persevere, and excel).
“Part of our mission at the Gary Sinise Foundation is to serve and fiercely protect those who so courageously defend and protect our nation,” said retired Air Force Gen. Robin Rand, Chief Executive Officer of the Gary Sinise Foundation.
“To that end, it is of the utmost importance to prioritize the health and safety of our nation’s defenders, veterans, first responders, their families, everyone who supports our noble mission, and the public at large. "
Out of an abundance of caution and to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in large public settings, the Foundation has postponed several events and select programming to ensure the health and safety of veterans, service members, first responders, and the communities they serve.
"First Responders face unique challenges because of the nature of the setting, enclosed space during transport, and frequent need for rapid medical decision-making. We are staunchly committed to standing with our first responders and those indispensable to the safety of our nation,” said Rand.
“We hope to reschedule any canceled programming soon, circumstances permitting. We will continue to evolve our service focus to areas where it’s needed most so that we execute the Foundation’s programming in a manner that achieves our mission while prioritizing the health and safety of our defenders, supporters, and staff.”