CVS Pharmacy commits $100,000 to Baton Rouge relief efforts
CVS Health and the CVS Health Foundation on Thursday announced a $100,000 donation in cash and in-kind support to organizations providing relief efforts to flood victims in central Louisiana, including the Salvation Army USA Southern Territory and the American Red Cross.
"We are deeply saddened by the devastating floods in Louisiana and the catastrophic effect it's having on our customers and colleagues in the community," stated Eileen Howard Boone, senior VP of corporate social responsibility and philanthropy at CVS Health, and president of the CVS Health Foundation. "We're committed to ensuring that residents hit hard by the historic flooding have continued access to critical pharmacy care services and the support they need to recover and rebuild."
The CVS Health Foundation made a $50,000 to the Salvation Army USA Southern Territory, which reported that more than 11,000 people remained in shelters this week after flooding forced rescues and evacuations in southern Louisiana. They are providing meals, water, hygiene kits, clean-up kits and other much-needed items to help those who have been affected by the floods.
In addition, CVS Health is donating $50,000 worth of products including infant care, personal hygiene and over-the-counter items to the American Red Cross, Direct Relief and the Office of Baton Rouge Mayor Kip Holden. These donated goods will be distributed to Baton Rouge locations that are supporting displaced residents and first responders and their families including Bethany Church South, East Baton Rouge Parish Emergency Medical Services, Care South and Southeast Community Health Systems.
The CVS Health Employee Relief Fund will also be providing support to colleagues who have been affected by the disaster.
As a result of the flooding, CVS Pharmacy is also deploying a mobile pharmacy in the parking lot of the Denham Springs location, which is currently closed due to water damage. Beginning Saturday, Aug. 20, customers will be able to pick up their prescription medications at the mobile pharmacy as well as purchase a variety of over-the-counter medications.
Nearby CVS Pharmacy store locations at 29881 Walker Road South in Walker, as well as 15255 George O'Neal Road and 11430 Florida Boulevard in Baton Rouge remain open and ready to serve patients whose pharmacies were impacted by the storms.
CVS Health has a longstanding commitment to Louisiana and a tradition of providing financial support and other services to communities nationwide affected by natural disasters and other tragedies. In May,CVS Pharmacy opened its New Orleans Lower Ninth Ward location, becoming the first major retailer to build in the neighborhood since Hurricane Katrina.