The global COVID-19 pandemic created an unprecedented situation for everyone in Michigan and the city of Detroit was hit especially hard by the outbreak. AT&T Michigan launched the Believe Detroit initiative in 2019 to improve outcomes for the Detroit community and as the city suffered during the pandemic, it only made sense to step in and try to help.
As the virus spread across the state, first responders stepped up to take care of Detroiters, risking their own health to help those who were suffering. As hospitals filled up with COVID-19 patients, and field hospitals were opened to help additional residents, AT&T stepped in to help. In late April, AT&T teamed up with the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association (MRLA) to provide meals for first responders at Metro Detroit’s field hospitals.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted our entire state and country and AT&T Michigan wanted to do our part to ease some of the burden,” said AT&T Michigan President David Lewis. “Those on the front lines – doctors, nurses, paramedics and others are putting their health at risk to help Michiganders recover from this virus. AT&T Michigan is proud to feed the first responders who have stepped up to work at the field hospitals. It’s the least we can do to support the heroes of this crisis.”
AT&T proudly stepped up again in May, providing lunches for two weeks at the Henry Ford
Health System hospital in Detroit. This collaboration between AT&T, MRLA and World Central Kitchen, fed HFHS staff while supporting local restaurants and caterers in Detroit, struggling from closures and reductions due to the pandemic.
Other than suffering from the virus, the pandemic also caused problems and difficulties for Detroiters, who unexpectantly were laid off, working from home or trying to help children learn remotely. It quickly became more important than ever to ensure communities remain connected. AT&T committed to helping Detroiters remain connected during this difficult time.
During this time, AT&T has redirected resources to assist first responders, health care professionals, educators and other customers, as connectivity is more important than ever. We proudly offered frontline nurses and doctors nationwide with free wireless service for three months. To help our individual customers during this time, AT&T waived late payment fees and overage charges and did not terminate accounts for nonpayment due to COVID-19. To provide further relief, AT&T offered unlimited internet data for customers and continued the Access for AT&T program, offering low-income customers with internet for $10 a month.
We are all in this together and AT&T is here to help Detroiters, during the pandemic and into the future. The future is bright and AT&T BELIEVES in DETROIT.
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