A public health worker is pictured outside during a COVID-19 mass vaccination clinic. Honda has donated dozens of EG2800i portable generators, pictured at center, to help power vaccine clinics in seven different states, including the drive-thru clinic at the Union County Fairgrounds. (Photo submitted)
Honda is working to help power COVID-19 mass vaccinations sites throughout the U.S., including those in Union County.
The company is donating dozens of EG2800i portable electric generators to state and county health departments to provide on-site power to vaccination clinics.
The generators provide reliable power for lighting and computer usage, as well as refrigerators and freezers critical for maintaining COVID-19 vaccines within the temperature ranges recommended by manufacturers.
Union County Emergency Management Director Brad Gilbert said the size and power of the generators allow for the flexibility necessary at vaccine clinics.
“While we have access to a couple of larger generators, they are big, heavy and loud,” Gilbert said. “These Honda generators are perfect because they are easy to move, load and use, which is very important when we have to use and move them multiple times.”
Honda representatives said the EG2800i is known for its quiet operation, high-quality power, fuel efficiency and long run times.
They added that it weighs less than 67 pounds, but provides sufficient power to run multiple devices at once, including a refrigerator, freezer, furnace blower motor, lights, microwaves and TVs.
Gilbert said the portable nature of the generators is crucial in adapting to the circumstances surrounding vaccination efforts.
“We are also adding these to our plans for use in the event that we have to relocate or open additional clinics in large parking areas that have no access to power,” he said.
Honda is working with state and county officials to provide each state where the company has major operations – Alabama, California, Georgia, Indiana, Ohio, North Carolina and South Carolina – with 10 EG2800i generators.
The portable generators are also being used to provide essential power for mobile vaccination centers that help get shots to hard-to-reach areas and vulnerable populations.
Officials in Alabama said the generators have allowed public health officials to expand the clinics to underserved and rural communities.
“We greatly appreciate Honda’s generous donation of portable generators that will be used in public health response efforts throughout the state,” said Andy Mullins, director of the Alabama Department of Public Health Center for Emergency Preparedness.
“In addition to supporting needs such as powering refrigerators and freezers that hold COVID-19 vaccine during power outages, these new units will allow more vaccination clinics to be held in non-traditional settings,” he added. “For example, these generators may be used for clinics held outdoors in rural and underserved areas to provide broader vaccine coverage for people at high risk.”
Honda officials said the donation of generators to vaccination sites is part of the company’s ongoing efforts to support communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Honda is committed to supporting our communities in defeating COVID-19 by assisting the important efforts to vaccinate local residents in clinics close to home,” said Rick Schostek, executive vice president, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “We’re all in this together and Honda associates across America are proud to support front-line workers who are working to protect our communities.”
Honda has also donated $1 million and implemented an associate matching gift program to address food insecurity in communities across North America, donated face shields to healthcare workers in 45 states, modified Honda Odyssey minivans to transport healthcare workers and potentially infected people in Detroit and produced diaphragm compressors, a component of ventilators used to help those affected by the virus.