Highmark contributes nearly 40,000 face coverings to EMS providers during National EMS Week beginning May 18

PITTSBURGH (May 18, 2020) — Highmark Inc. is extending its gratitude to Emergency Medical Service (EMS) first responders during National EMS Week by donating nearly 40,000 cloth face coverings to help mitigate the spread of the coronavirus and preserve valuable PPE for direct patient care. This effort spans across Pennsylvania, Delaware and West Virginia.

“EMS professionals have been on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic since day one. We owe them an immense amount of gratitude for their ongoing partnership, as we continue to serve our community,” said Deb Rice-Johnson, president of Highmark Inc. “It’s fitting that we can show our appreciation by providing them with face coverings that will allow for high-grade personal protective equipment to be preserved for when it’s needed the most.”

The face coverings are made of a washable cloth material and are branded with Highmark’s signature colors, blue and green. The face coverings are intended to be worn in situations where an EMS provider may not be interacting with a patient or is off-duty. The initiative highlights Highmark’s dedication to the community by providing coverage for more than health care alone.

“While more than 5 million people rely on Highmark for covering their health insurance needs, we are going an extra step to literally help cover the faces of the professionals who are essential in caring for our communities’ emergency medical needs,” Rice-Johnson added.