RELEASE: Gottheimer Visits BD Thanks Workers, Discusses COVID19 Diagnostic Development, Injection Devices, and Vaccinations

Above: Gottheimer with CEO and President Tom Polen.

FRANKLIN LAKES, NJ – On June 16, 2020, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) visited Becton, Dickinson and Company, commonly known as BD, to thank workers, discuss the development of COVID19 assays, view injection and testing devices, and talk about supply chain disruptions. 

“I want to thank everyone at BD for having me here today and commend them on the critical role they play during this pandemic by providing vital resources to our hospitals, laboratories, and health departments,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “It’s no question that our supply chains have been severely impacted by this pandemic and it’s companies like BD that will help us beat the virus by providing these important supplies to our communities.” 

“As one of the world’s leading medical technology companies, BD has been working with urgency to deploy our capabilities, expertise, and scale to equip healthcare providers and governments with solutions that are essential to addressing the COVID-19 crisis, from supporting research to developing rapid diagnostic tests that can help determine who has—and who had—the virus,” said CEO and President Tom Polen. “We have ramped up production of critical-to-COVID products that touch virtually every patient in a critical care setting, and BD stands ready to support a future global vaccination campaign by ensuring a supply of high quality injection devices. We are thankful for Congressman Gottheimer’s ongoing support and partnership as our associates work to help solve the most significant healthcare challenge in generations, making a positive impact on millions of lives around the world.”

Recently, Gottheimer led a bipartisan letter signed by 25 Members of Congress to House Leadership to address the shortage of needles and syringes needed to deploy a COVID-19 vaccine nationwide. To produce a single dose of a vaccine for every person in the U.S., more than 300 million syringes and needles are needed. If a vaccine requires more than one dose for deployment, our country could require much more. 

Last week, BD took part in a “Day of Thanks” to thank their associates for the work they have been doing during the pandemic and pledge their continued support to employees. 

Below: Gottheimer viewing BD Swabs

Below: Gottheimer viewing BD medical device

Below: Gottheimer viewing BD needles