Healthcare workers are facing challenges in just about every aspect of their lives right now. They put in countless hours of work at their hospitals or clinics taking care of sick patients. Many of them face shortages of necessary supplies such as masks, scrubs and gloves. Some hospitals even have a shortage of actual personnel and have put out the call for practitioners from less affected areas to help ease the strain.
Also, by being on the front lines of caring for the ill, these brave workers are also putting themselves at risk for catching the coronavirus through prolonged exposure. And, at the end of the day, many of these healthcare workers can’t or don’t want to go home to expose their families to the virus.
Both of these scenarios have caused an unexpected need for extra shelter during the pandemic. Hilton hotels and American Express have teamed up to provide 1 million hotel rooms free to medical personnel in need of a place to stay. This program is slated to cover stays from April 13 through May 31 at Hilton properties across the U.S. They announced the program over social media:
More than ever the power of hospitality is needed. We’re partnering with @AmericanExpress to provide 1 million hotel room nights across the U.S. to our frontline heroes. #HotelsForHeroes https://t.co/PPdeQ98UGE pic.twitter.com/OH4MZEbXvR
— Hilton Newsroom (@HiltonNewsroom) April 6, 2020
“During this crisis, we have seen so many examples of medical professionals working in the most challenging circumstances, sacrificing their own needs for the greater good. They truly are heroes,” said Hilton President and CEO Christopher J. Nassetta in a statement. “We are honored to extend our Hilton hospitality to them during this difficult time.”
Hilton brands that are included in this initiative include Hampton by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn and DoubleTree by Hilton. The company says employees have been trained in health and safety procedures, and rooms and common areas will be sanitized with industrial cleaners and updated protocols.
Here’s an image of the New York Hilton Midtown from the Hilton’s press Instagram:
Hilton and American Express are connecting with 10 medical associations to set up the program. Officials within each association will then provide their professionals with information on how to book rooms. These organizations include:
- American Association of Critical Care Nurses
- American College of Emergency Physicians
- American Hospital Association
- American Nurses Association
- Emergency Medicine Residents’ Association
- Emergency Nurses Association
- National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians
- Society of Critical Care Medicine
- Society of Emergency Medicine Physician Assistants
- Society of Hospital Medicine
The president of the American College of Emergency Physicians, Dr. William Jaquis, confirmed the need for these accommodations for our nation’s healthcare workers and thanked Hilton and American Express for their contribution to the effort.
“Knowing that there is a safe, clean and comfortable hotel room waiting for you at the end of a long shift can make all the difference in the world right now,” he said in a statement. “The kind of compassion and caring that Hilton and American Express are offering has never been more welcome.”
This is a nice gesture that will definitely make things easier for those on the front lines!
About the Author
Marie is a freelance writer and content creator with more than 20 years of experience in journalism. She lives in southwest Ohio with her husband and is almost a full-fledged empty nest mom of two daughters. She loves music, reading, word games, and Walt Disney World. You can find her writing about her personal health journey at marierossiter.substack.com and connect with her at marierossiter@gmail.com More.
