ALEXANDRIA, VA (November 17, 2020) – COVID-19 is on the rise, now reaching over 50 million confirmed cases worldwide. As countries move to slow the spread of the virus, Cardinal Health, a multinational health care services company, is ramping up its global response effort by helping United Way protect the most vulnerable communities.
Today, Cardinal Health is committing $475,000 USD to support United Way’s on-the-ground COVID-19 response, recovery and rebuilding work in France, Mexico, Philippines, Japan, Canada and Ireland. From personal protective equipment (PPE) to nutrition and hygiene kits, Cardinal Health’s contribution will provide wholistic support for those most in need, including young children, single-parent families, and refugee, migrant and indigenous communities.
For example, many migrant and refugee communities in Mexico lack access to essential health services. That makes early detection, testing, contact tracing and receiving care difficult for an already vulnerable population. To combat this issue, United Way Mexico (Fondo Unido) is partnering with The UN Refugee Agency to provide PPE and medical equipment to help improve hygiene and sanitation in shelters and reduce the spread of the virus.
“The fight against COVID-19 is far from over, and United Way’s work supporting vulnerable populations is more important than ever,” said José Pedro Ferrão, International Network President, United Way Worldwide. “Cardinal Health is helping us deliver targeted relief that meets the unique and most-pressing needs facing these communities right now.”
Cardinal Health’s support will also provide critical aid in several other countries:
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In France, it will provide PPE for school children and staff.
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In the Philippines, it will provide nutrition and education assistance to hundreds of young children.
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In Japan, it will support low-wage families, especially those with young children and single-parent households.
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In Canada, it will help expand homeless relief services for indigenous communities.
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In Ireland, it will bring wellness support to older people in rural communities.
“We are grateful to partner with United Way Worldwide whose vast global network allows us to provide COVID-19 relief efforts in areas our employees call home around the world,” said Jessie Cannon, Vice President of Community Relations.
About United Way
United Way fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community. With global reach and local impact, we’re making life better for 48 million people annually. United Way is the world's largest privately funded nonprofit, working in 95% of U.S. communities and 40 countries and territories. That’s why we’re the mission of choice for 2.5 million volunteers, 7.7 million donors and 45,000 corporate partners. In the wake of COVID-19, we’re helping people stay in their homes, stock their pantries, and protect their lives and livelihoods. And we’re working to build resilient, equitable communities. Learn more at UnitedWay.org. Follow us: @United Way and #LiveUnited.
Media Contact
Southerlyn Reisig
Director of Public Relations
703-683-7882
Southerlyn.Reisig@uww.unitedway.org