Funds will support American Red Cross efforts
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — The BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation has donated $25,000 to the American Red Cross to support its relief efforts in response to Hurricane Laura.
“Our thoughts are with the residents of the Gulf Coast region who have been impacted by this storm,” said Roy Vaughn, executive director of the BlueCross Foundation. “We realize there will be a long road to recovery, especially with COVID-19 precautions in place, but we hope these funds will help to quickly improve the safety and wellbeing of those affected.”
Last week, the Category 4 storm quickly intensified before making landfall in southwestern Louisiana with 150 mph peak winds. It caused tremendous damage as far inland as central Louisiana and dropped up to 18 inches of rain as far north as Mississippi and Arkansas. Laura weakened to a tropical storm by Thursday afternoon, but it will be remembered as one of the strongest hurricanes to hit the Gulf Coast in decades. It has claimed at least six lives, left hundreds of thousands without power and has destroyed many homes and businesses, including those in the hard-hit city of Lake Charles, LA.
“With this gift from the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation, the American Red Cross is making an impact for those affected by the destruction caused by Hurricane Laura,” said Lori Marsh, regional philanthropy officer with the American Red Cross.
The Red Cross has directed more than 800 trained disaster workers to support the affected areas both on the ground and virtually. In light of COVID-19, they are also working to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) to local shelters. Along with the Red Cross, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and other federal, state and local agencies are working to ensure the safety of affected residents.
About BlueCross®
BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee is a taxpaying, not-for-profit health plan serving more than 3.5 million members in Tennessee and around the country. The Chattanooga-based company was founded in 1945 and is celebrating its 75th anniversary of bringing peace of mind to its members and local communities. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Inc. is an independent licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association. For more information, visit the company’s news center at bcbstnews.com.
About BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation, Inc.
The BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation, Inc. was established in December 2003 as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation organized to promote the philanthropic mission of BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee. The foundation provides funding for the BlueCross Healthy Place program, which creates active, healthy spaces across Tennessee.