Kaiser Permanente commits $1.65 million to California wildfire relief efforts
The money will be paid out through multiple gifts to various charitable organizations; system also has dispatched medical staff to assist victims.
Adventist Feather River Hospital was badly damaged in the Camp Fire, but still stands..
Kaiser Permanente has committed roughly $1.65 million to support relief and recovery efforts in communities impacted by the recent California wildfires. The money will be paid out through multiple gifts to various organizations.
First, Kaiser Permanente will give up to $1 million to the American Red Cross and other organizations to help Camp Fire victims in Northern California. It has also deployed medical and nursing volunteers to help care for displaced families and seniors who are now living in shelters.
Another $500,000 will go to the United Way of Greater Los Angeles for both immediate relief and longer-term recovery efforts in support of organizations serving low-income residents.
Ventura County Community Foundation will receive $150,000, with $50,000 specifically going towards organizational capacity support and the balance to provide shelter and long-term housing, financial and rental assistance, legal services, healthcare and other services for those impacted by the Woolsey and Hill fires in Southern California.
Kaiser Permanente is also providing crisis support groups to those affected by the Thousand Oaks shooting and the fires for the next eight weeks.
The Camp Fire, which ignited on November 8, killed 85 people and burned more than 150,000 acres and 14,000 structures. Roughly 25 people are still missing, a USA Today report said. It was officially contained as of November 25. In Southern California the Woolsey Fire also wreaked havoc, killing three people and incinerating 97,000 acres and 1,500 structures in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, according to the L.A. Times.
ON THE RECORD
"We are deeply saddened to see how these fires have hurt our communities across California," said Dr. Bechara Choucair, senior vice president and chief community health officer for Kaiser Permanente. "It is times like these when Kaiser Permanente leans in to fulfill our commitment to the health of our communities we serve, leveraging our resources, expertise and leadership in community health."
"We are grateful for the fast response and generous aid Kaiser Permanente provided to United Way of Greater Los Angeles' Disaster Relief Fund," said Elise Buik, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Los Angeles. "This is a critical time, and this contribution will help vulnerable individuals and families rebuild their lives."
"The Red Cross is grateful for the commitment of Kaiser Permanente whose generosity helps provide shelter, food and comfort for people affected by the devastating wildfires in California," said Don Herring, chief development officer at the American Red Cross.
Twitter: @BethJSanborn
Email the writer: beth.sanborn@himssmedia.com
