How Palm Is Helping To Keep People Connected During The COVID-19 Crisis
It doesn’t seem like that long ago when we were still making our New Year’s Resolutions and setting our goals for the new year, excited about entering a new decade. Now, as the world faces yet another challenge that’s disrupting life around the globe, we know it’s more important than ever for people to come together and stay connected and informed with the latest information and recommendations from authorities and health experts alike.
Between working from home, keeping safe, playing teacher and keeping in touch with those who matter most, it’s important that we all find a way to stay connected to each other and society while staying inside and safe. Palm wants to do its part to help however possible and is committed to keeping our #PalmCrew connected and secure. At our core, we are a connection company, and recognize that we have a product that can be used as an important tool in our world’s greatest time of need, and we are here to help in any way we can.
Keeping Our Front-Line Connected
Palm has worked hard to identify a range of healthcare and medical professionals - from nurses to doctors to first responders - to donate Palm smartphones so they can stay connected at all times. These medical professionals are the front line of defense for our communities and they need all the help and support that they can get.
In fact, Dr. Divakar Joshi who is a Physician Anesthesiologist and Physician Operating Room Director in the Bay Area told us, "Given the increased demands in healthcare, my work days have lengthened, and my normal contact with family members has been limited. Because of this, effective, easy communication (phone, text, video) has become an even more important part of our lives while I'm at work.” He went on to explain how Palm specifically helps him stay connected while at work, especially during this crazy time: "I have found that the size, functionality and design of the Palm phone to be highly useful in my line of work. With my Palm phone hanging from my neck, I can easily grab it - no searching through pockets around the other phones, pagers, or stethoscopes I have, or trying to figure out what desk or nurse station I may have left it at."
With this in mind, we also teamed up with US Mobile to provide 60 days of free cellular service and data to use with their unlocked Palm, so paying their bills is the last thing they have to worry about. These Medical and Emergency Responders are now able to stay connected to patients, staff and their own families by slipping our small three-inch device in their lab coats, scrubs and uniforms without hindrance. Those chosen include hospitals, clinics and government facilities all around the country in cities severely impacted by COVID-19, such as Chicago, Houston, Tampa, Jacksonville and Minneapolis. We want to honor and thank these brave individuals for their hard work and dedication to keeping our communities safe and healthy, and make it easier for them to stay connected to work and family.
Donating to Those in Need
We are also announcing today a social donation open to anyone in the U.S.. We know that there are tons of people across the country today who don’t have a way of staying connected and we want to help out. However, we need YOUR help to do this!
Each week, we will be giving away unlocked Palms as well as 30 days of free service through our network partner US Mobile to those in need. Whether you are a medical professional and don’t have time or resources to replace a lost or broken phone, a grandparent without access to a smart device, or a teacher who needs to stay connected to students, we want to help you! Or maybe you know someone that could benefit from this and want to submit a nomination for them. Either way, you can submit your story on behalf of yourself, or on behalf of a friend, family member or even a colleague that you know is in real need right now.
Here’s what you need to do: Simply email us at hello@palm.com to tell us why you, your loved one, friend or colleague needs a Palm and how it can help them in their current situation. Make sure to include your name and contact information, or the name and contact information for the person you are nominating. We will be donating Palms each week to those who we have determined to be the most in need of connection and assistance during this time.*
Connect With What Matters
We know that the best way to help people right now is to stay inside and follow all shelter in place orders. But we also know how important it is to stay connected with those who matter most. We are grateful to US Mobile for stepping up and providing a free service across all these initiatives.
Palm is uniquely positioned to help people stay connected during this time, and we want to ensure that ordering a new Palm is quick and affordable. Palm can help people stay in touch, and quickly, with features like full voice integration, gesture pad and quick actions, Palm is uniquely situated for fast accessibility and ease of use.
If you’re a Verizon customer, you can save $100 on a standalone or companion Palm with no activation fees AND your first month’s service fee waived on Verizon.com. If you’re not a Verizon customer, we are currently offering $50 off an unlocked Palm on our Palm.com website with great financing options (you can secure payments as low as $27/month). We also have extremely affordable service plans through our partnership with US Mobile, with plans starting at just $5 per month. You can find all this information and more here.
We want to hear from you! How are you staying safe and connected during these times? Share with us how you’re getting in your #LifeMode moments.
*Please review the terms of participation for our social donation program here.