CAA BACKS EFFORT FOR FIRST RESPONDERS

The CAA Foundation, Thrive Global and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health have launched the initiative #FirstRespondersFirst to provide first responder healthcare workers with physical and psychological resources as they serve on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

#FirstRespondersFirst will provide support for this workforce, ranging from minimum-wage hourly workers in home-care settings to social workers, nurses, physicians, and beyond.

As U.S. residents are asked to serve the public health by stepping back—staying home and minimizing their contact with the outside world—these healthcare workers are being tasked with stepping forward. The health of frontline healthcare workers is threatened due to shortages in personal protective equipment, including gowns, gloves and masks.

The #FirstRespondersFirst program will tap into CAA’s resources and relationships with cultural influencers, helping to raise awareness around the well-being and needs of health providers and public health allies in the fight against Coronavirus.

“Our frontline healthcare professionals need the support of everyone in this country,” said CAA President Richard Lovett said. “Our goal is that #FirstRespondersFirst becomes the destination for healthcare workers and those who wish to support these heroes.”

#FirstRespondersFirst is launching fundraising efforts to provide essential supplies and equipment for protecting frontline healthcare workers and their patients.