ST. PAUL, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In its continued effort to combat the COVID-19 global pandemic, today 3M announced plans to provide $20 million in financial support to frontline healthcare workers, vulnerable populations disproportionately affected by the virus and medical research initiatives. 3M’s investment will be directed to community partners working to address critical needs during this global crisis.
“Since the outbreak began, 3M has addressed the COVID-19 pandemic from all angles and across all stakeholders, and this includes supporting our community partners around the world,” said 3M Chairman and CEO Mike Roman. “It’s important that 3M holds true to its core values during this pandemic by supporting our communities and improving lives. Throughout this global crisis, we will continue to look for ways to help in the fight against COVID-19.”
3M is the lead sponsor for Direct Relief’s newly formed COVID-19 Fund for Community Health. Our $10 million investment will provide community health centers with direct financial aid to support healthcare workers. A portion of this investment is dedicated to international markets responding to COVID-19, as prioritized by Direct Relief global insights.
“Direct Relief is so deeply grateful for the leadership and commitment reflected by 3M’s action today, which is keenly needed, will be put to immediate use, and epitomizes exactly what's needed in this extraordinary time,” said Thomas Tighe, CEO and President of Direct Relief.
Another important aspect of 3M’s giving includes funds for communities and families who have been disproportionally affected by the pandemic. 3M will donate $5 million toward United Way’s COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Fund as the agency works to provide critical resources, including food, shelter and rent assistance to vulnerable populations around the world.
3M will also provide $5 million for COVID-19 research and development initiatives at leading education institutions in the United States and around the world. This includes $2 million for the University of Minnesota – recognizing their Medical School as a federally-designated infectious disease containment center. Science is at the heart of 3M and the company is dedicated to advancing the rapid study of this virus.
As the crisis unfolds, 3M will continue to respond with innovative and effective ways to help, which will span all of 3M’s global operations.
About 3M
At 3M, we apply science in collaborative ways to improve lives daily. With $32 billion in sales, our 96,000 employees connect with customers all around the world. Learn more about 3M’s creative solutions to the world’s problems at www.3M.com or on Twitter @3M or @3MNews.