Hurricane Harvey slammed into the Texas Gulf Coast on August 25 – the first Category 4 hurricane to make landfall in the U.S. since 2004. Harvey, now a tropical storm, continues to cause torrential rain in Texas and Louisiana.
The storm resulted in catastrophic flooding and wind gusts up to 132 miles per hour throughout the region, including Houston, the country’s fourth largest city. Thousands of people were rescued from the flood waters by responders in boats and high water vehicles, as continued severe weather has prevented air rescues. Much of Houston remains underwater.
Prior to Hurricane Harvey’s landfall, AbbVie medicines were pre-positioned in 11 clinics in the affected area through partner Direct Relief. Since Harvey hit southeast Texas, AbbVie and the AbbVie Foundation have been working with our nonprofit partners throughout the affected region on a multitude of relief activities.
To address the dire needs left in the storm’s wake, the AbbVie Foundation has committed $1 million in grant funding, which includes:
- American Red Cross: Providing shelters, ready-to-eat meals, hygiene kits, medical supplies and cleaning products; deploying more than 150 emergency response vehicles; and mobilizing personnel to affected areas.
- AmeriCares: Shipping and procurement of medicines and medical supplies.
- Direct Relief: Supporting affected partner health clinics; preparation, procurement and packing of emergency shipments.
- Feeding America: Enabling disaster operations, including procurement and distribution of food and water.
- Heart to Heart International: Enabling the operation of their mobile medical unit (MMU) that provides basic emergency triage, wound care, tetanus vaccinations, lab testing and helping to fill lost medications/prescriptions.
- Texas Children’s Hospital: Providing short-term lodging, transportation, clothing and food assistance for impacted families, including faculty, staff and pediatric patients.
The AbbVie Foundation is also matching employee donations made to many relief organizations, including those listed above.
“Our hearts are with those affected by this disaster, as well as those contributing to relief efforts,” says Tracie Haas, president, AbbVie Foundation. “We’re grateful to have ongoing relationships with trusted partners who can swiftly bring much-needed care and supplies to the victims. We hope that this support will contribute to ensuring the health and safety of families in Texas as they begin to heal and rebuild.”
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Mary Kathryn Steel
Email: Mary Kathryn Steel
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