Kaiser Permanente Contributes $1 Million to Aid Puerto Rico

In recent weeks, the island of Puerto Rico has endured Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Puerto Rican governor Ricardo Rosselló has described Hurricane Maria as the “biggest catastrophe in the history of Puerto Rico in terms of natural disasters.”

In the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, millions of Puerto Ricans are without power, running water and other basic needs. The CDC Foundation is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to support our friends, neighbors and fellow American citizens in U.S. territories affected by this extreme hurricane season, tackling immediate and long-term health threats. Given widespread damage on the island, it is anticipated that public health needs will continue to be identified.

To provide public health support in Puerto Rico following the devastation caused by recent hurricanes, Kaiser Permanente today announced a $1 million contribution to the CDC Foundation. While many organizations respond with aid during a disaster, the CDC Foundation’s role is unique because it supports CDC’s team as it tackles health threats that arise in the days, weeks, months and even years after an emergency. This generous contribution will support relief, recovery and rebuilding of public health infrastructure and longer-term emergency preparedness.

We appreciate the bold action of Kaiser Permanente for seeing the need and then working with CDC and the CDC Foundation to help rebuild and strengthen the health infrastructure in Puerto Rico. Their strong response is an important catalyst. Looking ahead, we must continue to marshal the resources and expertise of partners, like Kaiser Permanente, to boost response efforts aimed at saving and improving lives on the mainland and in U.S. territories. I hope you will follow Kaiser Permanente’s example. The time to act is now. Give today.