Michigan State University recently received more than 50,000 disposable face masks from Ford Motor Company through its philanthropic arm, the Ford Motor Company Fund. The masks are now available to university departments that are student-facing or related to MSU health and safety.
“Science shows that wearing a face covering, along with other health and safety measures like physical distancing and washing hands frequently, can not only protect our Spartans from contracting COVID-19, but it can save lives,” said University Physician David Weismantel. “We are incredibly grateful to the Ford Fund for their generous contribution and partnership to keep our Spartan community healthy and safe.”
“Students can’t learn if they don’t feel safe,” said Mike Schmidt, director of Education, Ford Motor Company Fund. “Masks play a vital role in slowing the spread of COVID-19. That’s why Ford Fund and Talent Acquisition are working with our long-time partners at Michigan State to encourage students and others on campus to be safe and respectful of others by wearing proper PPE.”
Working to keep MSU students, faculty and staff healthy and safe, University Services, which includes procurement and logistics functions for MSU, has distributed nearly 97,000 face coverings and masks to the MSU community since March.
“At the start of the pandemic, face coverings, sanitizers, cleaning supplies and gloves were in short supply nationwide,” said University Services Executive Director Kristin Demir. “Through diligent work and resourcefulness in finding suppliers, MSU is now well-stocked to meet the needs of campus now and into the future.”