COVID-19 is dramatically impacting the health and wellbeing of people and families living in our communities and the conduct of our daily lives. We are witnessing rapid change and experiencing great disruption. Even so, one thing is clear: we are all in this together.
As a strategic philanthropic investor, Cambia Health Solutions and the Cambia Health Foundation are addressing urgent and immediate community needs with an eye toward being there for our partners to address future demands that may result from long-term health and socio-economic impacts. We are allowing our grantees the utmost flexibility in repurposing grant funds, delayed reporting deadlines and expedited payments.
Mindful that marginalized populations may be first to be impacted and last to recover from this unprecedented crisis, we have initiated new investments of $500,000 to care for the people and families as well as the front-line health care workforce in our communities impacted by COVID-19.
- In response to the significant increase in barriers to food access caused by efforts to prevent the spread of the virus, we have donated $50,000 to the Oregon Food Bank. In addition, Cambia Health Foundation will match employee donations at 100% (up to $100,000) to designated nonprofits (Oregon Food Bank, Feeding America, Food Lifeline (WA), Idaho Foodbank, Second Harvest (ID/WA), and the Utah Food Bank), working to ensure all Americans can stay healthy and fed during this unprecedented crisis. Those interested in joining Cambia in supporting this cause can find and donate to their local food bank by visiting FeedingAmerica.org.
- In support of our health care and support service providers on the front lines, we have provided approximately $50,000 in funding to address urgent and immediate needs identified by our partners Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, Ride Connection and NeighborCare Health.
- In addition, we are making initial donations totaling $300,000 into shared COVID-19 Emergency Relief Funds in Idaho, Oregon, Utah and Washington. These community-based organizations, including the Oregon Community Foundation (statewide Oregon Community Recovery Fund); Seattle Foundation (COVID-19 Response Fund, Seattle Metro); Philanthropy Northwest (COVID-19 Equity Fund, Washington State outside of Seattle Metro); Idaho Community Foundation (Emergency Relief Fund in partnership with statewide United Way agencies and Idaho Nonprofit Center); and United Way of Salt Lake (statewide response in partnership with United Way of Utah County and United Way of Northern Utah), have the ability leverage pooled funds to rapidly deploy directly to those most in need and combat health and safety issues as they emerge.
“We are proud to support the work of organizations on the front lines, and to evolve our grant-making in relationship with our partners as new needs become clear,” said Peggy Maguire, President Cambia Health Foundation and Corporate Responsibility, “I want to recognize and thank the health care and support services providers who are providing essential services during these challenging and uncertain times. Now is the time for all of us to lean in and take care of one another.”
This is just the beginning. We are in continuous contact with our community partners to assess evolving needs while planning for additional supports. During this challenging time, we must come together and do our part; working from home, staying connected while social distancing and stepping up to help those in need. We invite you to learn more about the organizations highlighted above and give back in the ways you feel most compelled.
