Nashville, TN, January 15, 2010 -- The impact of the tragic earthquake in Haiti is still unfolding as relief organizations work to meet the immediate and longer term needs of hundreds of thousands of Haitians. In response, HCA has committed $1 million in cash and in-kind donations for direct relief to the stricken area. Cash donations will go to the Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders.
As always in times of great need, many HCA employees have asked what they can do to help. Both the Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders have advised that money is far more helpful than sending volunteers at this point. There are concerns for personal safety as the country struggles to rebuild infrastructure and flights are still restricted. All About Staffing is taking names for a possible future deployment at 800 737-8661 x1612, but financial resources are what matter most in this immediate time frame.
To facilitate cash donations, the company has established the ability for employees, physicians, facility volunteers or others associated with the company to give directly to a special relief fund, The HCA Haiti Relief Fund, administered through the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. The company will match employee gifts to this fund dollar for dollar through the end of January. Tax-deductible donations to this fund may be made by credit card at www.cfmt.org/HCAHaitiReliefFund or by sending a personal check to:
HCA Haiti Relief Fund
PO Box 440225
Nashville, TN 37244
Our HCA family includes many employees with relatives and friends who live and work in Haiti. Employees who are directly affected by this tragedy and need assistance should contact their facility Hope Fund Leader or Human Resources Director. The Hope Fund is exploring options to provide assistance with costs related to travel for sick/injured relatives and if needed, assist with burial expenses. For employees who would like to make a donation to benefit their colleagues, the Hope Fund also accepts tax deductible contributions online via credit card or through payroll deduction or check at www.hcahopefund.org.
The HCA East Florida Division has taken the lead in coordinating supply donations and will continue to coordinate medical supply donations from HCA facilities. They are working with Food For the Poor, a South Florida based relief organization, to collect and distribute appropriate supplies. Facility supply chain directors will receive detailed information on what supplies are most needed and how to process their facility donations.
The compassion and caring spirit that is the hallmark of HCA is never more evident than in times of great need. As Haiti struggles to recover, we will continue to monitor needs and available resources. For now, these efforts provide us all a means to help in the best way we can.
Produced by HCA Corporate Communications. Send your comments or questions regarding this article by e-mail (P.Staff@hcahealthcare.com) or by writing us at HCA Corporate Communications, Building One, Park Plaza, Nashville, TN 37203.