PMP encourages colleagues to donate PPE, service

PHOTO: NINUNS/ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS/GETTY IMAGES

Bill Hoffman, ACE, is encouraging his fellow pest management professionals (PMPs) to take action during the COVID-19 pandemic. The president and CEO of Hoffman’s Exterminating in Mantua Township, N.J., is urging PMPs nationwide to not only donate personal protective equipment (PPE) and sanitizing products and services to healthcare facilities, but to also waive all fees associated with service for any facility or customer in healthcare until May 1.

In a post on the National Pest Management Association’s online member forum, Hoffman noted that “we are lucky to have such a great and strong industry that is keeping a lot of us working, and we need to give back like never before.” Hoffman pointed out the generosity of PMPs in other times of need, such as on Sept. 11, 2001, and again in 2012 when Hurricane Sandy essentially shut down New Jersey and New York.

“We always say we are the protectors of health, food and property, and [these are] unprecedented times, and we will all be put to the test,” he wrote. “I’m a small company, but will put forth all efforts in keeping my family, employees, community and our health care workers safe. Join me and do all you can.”

Bill Hoffman, Hoffman’s Exterminating

In a followup interview with PMP Magazine, Hoffman expressed hope that PMPs who do heat treatments could band together in a task force and find a way to either set up or assist a mobile site to sterilize surgical tools and PPE at local hospitals.

“There are some precautions we need to take,” he said, “but the benefits far outweigh the risk of not having enough PPE and equipment for healthcare.”

Hoffman Exterminating counts three large healthcare facilities among its accounts, along with hundreds of local healthcare workers residentially. Hoffman says he plans to donate service to them not only ’til May 1, but beyond. He created a leave-behind piece for customers (click here to view as a PDF).

Let us know how your company is giving back in the comment below or by emailing pmpeditor@northcoastmedia.net.