$25,000 donation will aid American Red Cross efforts
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — The BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Health Foundation has donated $25,000 to support American Red Cross relief efforts in Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria.
“Our thoughts are with residents of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands who have been affected by the devastation of Hurricane Maria,” said Roy Vaughn, executive director of the Foundation. “We are proud to support the more than 600 American Red Cross workers on the ground helping citizens recover.”
Hurricane Maria, a Category 4 storm, made landfall in September. The storm’s winds raged at 155 mph, causing power outages across the island, which were coupled with widespread flooding. Most of the island is still without electricity, making recovery efforts difficult.
In addition to Red Cross volunteers, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has more than 2,000 personnel providing assistance to citizens in need. They are working alongside federal civilian personnel and military service members to ensure the safety of the island’s residents and to rebuild its infrastructure.
About the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Health Foundation, Inc.
The BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Health Foundation, Inc. (THF) 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. THF awards grants focused on high-impact initiatives across the state that promote better health.