DALLAS, April 29, 2020 — As the shortage of many goods, resources and services grows during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the American Heart Association, the leading nonprofit organization focused on a world of healthier lives for all, has launched an online platform to connect organizations in need with companies that have resources to give.
“We built the Beneficial Business Exchange because we know making connections in times of crisis is more important than ever,” said Bertram L. Scott, chair of the American Heart Association Board of Directors. “When a community organization has an urgent need for goods or services, a nearby company might be able to help — if only that need was shared.”
The Association’s online platform is a virtual goods, services and solutions community exchange where organizations and companies can post and view needs; offer available resources, goods or services; and make connections to meet those needs. The platform is for broad-scaled exchanges between businesses and organizations, not individuals, and everything must be offered at no charge. Donors provide the items or services directly to the recipients, not to the American Heart Association.
There is no charge for joining or posting on the exchange. Those interested in joining the platform to request or provide goods or services, can go to https://theexchange.heart.org/.
Examples of the types of exchanges the Association hopes to foster include:
- A hospital and a hotel might work together to provide rooms for nurses flown in to help during a health crisis like COVID-19.
- A regional food bank could take advantage of a shipping company’s idle trucks to refrigerate extra meals for schools who are feeding entire families now, not just students.
- A Legal Aid organization could offer free consulting services to small businesses to help navigate benefits provided during COVID-19.
- A communications company might provide hotspots to communities with under-resourced schools so students without internet access at home can keep learning.
- A company may offer to have their employees volunteer to assemble food and care packets for a national not-for-profit.
“The mission-driven work of the American Heart Association has long led us to serve as a trusted convener in our communities, as well as across the globe, and these current uncertain times are no different,” Scott said. “Leveraging our deep-rooted and diverse relationships in communities across the country, we want to ensure that the needs are first and foremost being heard and then quickly being met through connections that will ultimately make us all stronger.”
Companies and organizations interested in learning more about the exchange can join one of a series of free webinars being held in May, visit https://theexchange.heart.org/ for a schedule and more information.
Scott said while the exchange was built out of the immediate need during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Association plans to maintain and grow it beyond the current crisis.
Additional Resources
- View this release in Spanish.
- American Heart Association coronavirus (COVID-19) resources
- American Heart Association COVID-19 newsroom
- The American Heart Association outlines its role in the global COVID-19 pandemic
- Follow AHA/ASA news on Twitter @HeartNews
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The American Heart Association receives funding primarily from individuals; foundations and corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations and fund specific association programs and events. The Association has strict policies to prevent these relationships from influencing the science content. Revenues from pharmaceutical and device corporations and health insurance providers are available at https://www.heart.org/en/about-us/aha-financial-information.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a leading force for a world of longer, healthier lives. With nearly a century of lifesaving work, the Dallas-based association is dedicated to ensuring equitable health for all. We are a trustworthy source empowering people to improve their heart health, brain health and well-being. We collaborate with numerous organizations and millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, advocate for stronger public health policies, and share lifesaving resources and information. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1173
Cathy Lewis: 214-706-1324; cathy.lewis@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)