Dow Inc.'s efforts to assist with COVID-19 relief include $3 million in donations and the conversion of a German plant to make hand sanitizer.
In a March 23 news release, officials with Midland, Mich.-based Dow said that the firm will donate $3 million to global relief organizations, as well as nonprofits in communities where Dow operates.
The donation will include $2 million for immediate support of impacts caused by COVID-19, including donations to support World Health Organization efforts around the world.
Funds also will go to Direct Relief, a humanitarian aid organization distributing medical supplies, as well as to local and regional non-profit organizations in Dow communities around the globe and to other funds earmarked for emerging needs. Dow also will give $1 million to build community resilience in the recovery phase.
Hand sanitizer production has begun at Dow plants in five locations: Auburn, Mich.; South Charleston, W. Va.; Stade, Germany; Seneffe, Belgium; and Hortolandia, Brazil. Dow doesn't typically produce hand sanitizer, officials said, but most of the needed raw materials are available at company sites.
When all locations are at full production, Dow's collective output is expected to be more than 440,000 pounds, equal to more than 880,000 8-ounce bottles. The sanitizer will be donated to hospitals and governments near the production sites.
Dow officials said that these donations will help distribute essential supplies, such as personal protective equipment to frontline health workers. The donations also will help protect the health and lives of people affected by poverty or emergency situations by mobilizing and providing essential medical resources.
"Safety is our top priority at Dow," CEO Jim Fitterling said in the release. "With the unprecedented impacts of COVID-19 impacting our world, we are committed to helping protect the health and safety of our employees and communities, while deploying our business solutions where they are needed most."
Dow President and Chief Financial Officer Howard Ungerleider added that through this initial commitment, Dow "is sending immediate financial support to organizations directly addressing the COVID-19 crisis and working to protect the resiliency of our communities."