Oakland, Calif.-based Kaiser Permanente donated $1 million to help Puerto Ricans affected by recent hurricanes.
The donation will go to the CDC Foundation, an independent nonprofit that mobilizes philanthropic and private-sector resources to support work by the CDC.
Kaiser Permanente said the $1 million donation "will support relief, recovery and rebuilding of public health infrastructure, and longer-term emergency preparedness." The healthcare giant also supported the CDC Foundation following Hurricane Katrina and following the 2010 earthquake in Haiti.
"People are struggling," said Bechara Choucair, MD, senior vice president and chief community health officer for Kaiser Permanente. "They face a dangerous lack of water, food and power. If not addressed promptly, these are the conditions that create public health crises. It is vital to offer these communities support as they take their first steps on a long road to recovery."
Kaiser Permanente has also pledged $1 million in Mexico earthquake relief and recovery funding, as well as $1 million to relief and recovery efforts for Hurricane Harvey victims.