American Red Cross receives $150,000 for wildfire relief

This year has proven to be one of the worst years on record for fires raging in Colorado. These fires threaten communities across Colorado, and the American Red Cross has been working nonstop providing shelter, food, emotional support, health services, and recovery supplies to thousands of Coloradans in need. To assist with those efforts Kaiser Permanente recently announced a $150,000 contribution to the American Red Cross.

There have been more than 1,000 wildfires reported in Colorado. Major fires have been burning since mid-August, including the 2 largest fires in state history: the Cameron Peak and East Troublesome fires. This widespread destruction has forced more than 20,000 Coloradans to evacuate. Coupled with those challenges, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced adjustments to the ways Red Cross aids families in need.

The $150,000 contribution will go directly to Red Cross efforts to deliver services while following health orders and guidelines for mask-wearing, social distancing, and sanitizing. This includes providing additional PPE and supplies to volunteers working to secure shelter and emergency hotel lodging, and supporting temporary evacuation points ensuring volunteers follow local, state, and federal COVID-19 health orders. 

“We are truly grateful for the support from Kaiser Permanente for helping contribute to our wildfire relief efforts in Colorado,” said Gino Greco, CEO for the American Red Cross of Colorado and Wyoming. “The $150,000 gift will help provide emergency needs including additional support for families impacted by our devastating wildfires.”

“Our hearts are with every Coloradan impacted by these fires. We hope this contribution will ensure they can receive supplies and support quickly and that the tireless Red Cross staff and volunteers can remain healthy in the process,” said Michael Ramseier, regional president for Kaiser Permanente in Colorado.

This contribution from Kaiser Permanente is part of its ongoing commitment to improve the health of the communities it serves. Kaiser Permanente has invested more than $6 million in community health programs and philanthropy in 2020 alone, including $800,000 to the Colorado COVID-19 Relief Fund, $1 million to the Denver Housing and Homeless Services Fund, and $1.5 million to local Colorado school districts to improve the mental health of students, teachers, and staff.

Learn more by visiting redcross.org, or calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.

For 75 years, Kaiser Permanente has been committed to shaping the future of health and health care — and helping our members, patients, and communities experience more healthy years. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Since July 21, 1945, Kaiser Permanente’s mission has been to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.4 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health.