Kaiser Permanente pledges $1 million for Puerto Rico relief efforts

Credit: defense.gov

Kaiser Permanente will kick-in $1 million to help Puerto Rico recover from the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria, the system announced.

They have made the donation to the CDC Foundation, an offshoot of the federal agency that extends its reach by helping to mobilize philanthropic and private-sector resources to stricken areas that need help imminently.

[Also: Low government reimbursement rates, crushing national debt fuels physician shortage in Puerto Rico]

Specifically, the foundation is working with the CDC in U.S. territories struggling in the aftermath of the current hurricane season, both on immediate needs and long-term healthcare threats.

"Given widespread damage in Puerto Rico, ongoing lack of power and other challenging conditions, it is anticipated that public health needs will continue to be identified," Kaiser Permanente said in a statement.

[Also: Hurricane Irma will have lasting impact on hospital finances, Moody's says]

The foundation's Emergency Response Fund will be used to support and fortify public health infrastructure in states and territories. Kaiser Permanente's donation will be used to help get Puerto Rico's public health and health care clinics and facilities up and running again, as well as reestablishing communications systems and devices so that health professionals can address health challenges from mold in homes and buildings to mental health challenges arising from the life-altering destruction from the disastrous weather events.

Kaiser Permanente has also pledged $1 million to support first responders' efforts in Mexico following multiple recent destructive earthquakes.

The funds will go to International Medical Corps, a global humanitarian nonprofit organization established by volunteer physicians in 1984, to help them conduct an on-the-ground assessment of needs and bolster local relief and recovery efforts.

Twitter: @BethJSanborn
Email the writer: beth.sandborn@himssmedia.com