CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — The BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Health Foundation has donated $25,000 to support American Red Cross relief efforts in the Carolinas following Hurricane Florence.
“Hurricane Florence was a catastrophic event for the Carolinas, and the region is continuing to feel its effects,” said Roy Vaughn, executive director of the foundation. “We know the victims of this storm face a long road ahead, and we hope these funds will help them begin to recover.”
Hurricane Florence, which was downgraded to a category 2 before making landfall last week, was still powerful enough to create hazardous storm surges and flooding. The storm forced more than 17,000 residents to evacuate their homes and head to Red Cross community shelters, including some in locations across Tennessee. The organization currently has 2,200 disaster workers from across the country on the ground assisting with relief efforts.
“With this generous gift from the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Health Foundation, the American Red Cross is helping people in North Carolina and multiple states impacted by Hurricane Florence,” said Lori Marsh, regional philanthropy officer with the American Red Cross. “By providing food and shelter to the thousands who have had to flee their homes due to this massive storm, we are making an impact.”
Along with the Red Cross, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and other federal, state and local agencies, are working to ensure the safety and wellbeing of affected residents.
About BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Health Foundation, Inc.
The BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Health 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 Places program, which creates active, healthy spaces across Tennessee.