NFID Joins #GivingTuesdayNow and Celebrates World Hand Hygiene Day

Efforts in Response to Urgent COVID-19 Need

Bethesda, MD (May 5, 2020)—The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) is honoring healthcare professionals on the frontlines of the COVID-19 response and encouraging everyone to wash their hands to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

NFID is taking part in #GivingTuesdayNow, a new global day of giving and unity organized as an emergency response to the unprecedented need caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and World Hand Hygiene Day, an annual observance to encourage handwashing—one of the most import steps all individuals can take to help prevent the spread of disease. This year, both observances fall on May 5, 2020, and both campaigns present opportunities to give back in safe ways that allow for social connection even while practicing physical distancing.

“If everyone routinely washed their hands, an estimated one million deaths per year could be prevented around the world,” said NFID Executive Director and CEO Marla Dalton, PE, CAE. “At a time when we are all facing the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, generosity can bring us together and make us feel good—and handwashing can help save lives. May 5 is a day for everyone around the world to stand together, give generously, and practice proper handwashing.”

NFID is responding by creating educational resources for consumers and healthcare professionals about the rapidly evolving COVID-19 pandemic, as information and guidance changes frequently and misinformation spreads. NFID has released a new animated #WashYourHands public service announcement video—available in English and in Spanish—to raise awareness about the importance of handwashing and five key steps to proper handwashing techniques. The NFID COVID-19 response also includes traditional and social media outreach, frequently updated content on the NFID website, and a series of complimentary COVID-19 webinars to reach healthcare professionals during this challenging time.

“As a global community, we can mourn this moment of extreme crisis while also finding the opportunity to support one another. We each have the power to make an impact with acts of generosity, no matter how small, and to ensure the sustainability of organizations and services that are crucial to the care and support of our communities,” said Asha Curran, CEO of GivingTuesday.

Those interested in joining the NFID #GivingTuesdayNow and World Hand Hygiene Day efforts can donate to NFID online, visit www.nfid.org/infectious-disease/coronaviruses/ to learn more and share resources, and follow NFID on Twitter using the hashtag #WashYourHands.

About the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases
Founded in 1973, the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to educating the public and healthcare professionals about the burden, causes, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of infectious diseases across the lifespan. Visit www.nfid.org for more information about NFID.

Contact: Diana Olson, dolson@nfid.org, 301-656-0003 x140