For McKesson, COVID-19 Response Begins with Supporting Employees
Across the country, frontline healthcare workers are leading COVID-19 response efforts. HDA member McKesson is taking care of its employees so they can continue to support these medical professionals every step of the way in their efforts to treat patients, maintain vital healthcare operations and support emergency responders.
Supporting Team McKesson
During the midst of a pandemic, thousands of Team McKesson members continue to work every day in order to deliver vital medical products to the frontline in the fight against COVID-19. Supporting these employees is paramount, and McKesson is committed to recognizing the amazing work of these “McKesson Heroes.”
Early in the pandemic, McKesson took many steps, in accordance with CDC guidelines, to help protect team members working in the company’s distribution centers. Measures taken included practicing social distancing, additional regular disinfecting and sanitizing of work areas and making masks and hand sanitizer available. Additionally, they introduced new COVID-19 medical benefits, established a PTO donation program to support team members and provided additional compensation. McKesson employees also have access to its “Taking Care of Our Own” fund — an in-house donation program that provides team members in need with monetary support.
The support doesn’t just stop at a company level. Fellow employees are taking the time to recognize their colleagues and most recently, the McKesson team in Cary, North Carolina surprised distribution center employees with a pop-up event to thank them for their efforts. The team rolled out a red carpet, brought balloons and created signs with encouraging words to get them excited for their day. These gestures are just a few ways that McKesson is celebrating employees’ continued dedication to their provider customers and ultimately, patients.
Empowering Independent Pharmacies
McKesson’s Health Mart franchise program, which works closely with independent pharmacies to help them serve patients and maintain a thriving business, also is providing a helping hand to local pharmacists during this unprecedented time. Through Health Mart, McKesson is working closely with local pharmacies, such as Hayat Pharmacy in Wisconsin and Delco Drugs in New York, to expand COVID-19 test collection sites. In partnership with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and eTrueNorth, these pharmacies, and many others across the country, are providing a vital service in their communities and enhancing our nationwide testing effort.
Protecting the Most Vulnerable
Supporting employees and pharmacies are just two examples of how McKesson is responding to this public health crisis. With the disproportionate impact COVID-19 has had on vulnerable populations and communities, the company also is addressing food shortages across the country.McKesson is providing $3 million in grants to local nonprofits, including Houston Food Bank, Food Bank of the Hudson Valley, Second Harvest Food Bank of Lehigh Valley, St. Mary’s Food Bank, Gleaners Community Food Bank, Southeast Tacoma Nourish Food Bank, Northern Illinois Food Bank, Mid-Ohio Foodbank, Mid-South Food Bank, North Texas Food Bank, Atlanta Community Food Bank, Feeding Northeast FL and Feed More. During a challenging situation, these funds are playing a critical role in supporting organizations working to do the most good by addressing hunger and food insecurity. To date, McKesson’s food bank donations during the pandemic have provided more than six million meals to individuals and families that need them the most.
Overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic is a monumental undertaking. Whether by supporting and protecting its employees, empowering local pharmacies, or helping the most vulnerable, McKesson is applying a comprehensive approach in its response to COVID-19.
For additional HDA materials and pandemic response resources, visit our website.