Today, Mayo Clinic pledged $325,000 to the clean-up and recovery efforts for recent Southeast Minnesota flood damage and continues to commit equipment, goods and services, medical supplies and staff to help with the ongoing work.
“This flood has dramatically affected the communities in which we live and work,” says Glenn Forbes, M.D., CEO, Mayo Clinic Rochester. “Many people, including our colleagues, our patients and our neighbors suffered losses and property damage. It’s important that we do everything we can to help these areas recover as quickly as possible.”
“Once again, Mayo has provided considerable and valuable support to the effort throughout the region. We are greatly appreciative,” says Karen Erlenbush, president, United Way of Olmsted County.
Mayo Clinic is working closely with the American Red Cross, The Salvation Army and the United Way in response efforts.
Mayo’s response includes:
An immediate donation of $300,000 distributed equally to the American Red Cross, The Salvation Army and the United Way for flood relief efforts.
A donation of $25,000 to the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation’s Business Recovery Fund.
Medical supplies including insulin syringes, blood pressure cuffs, gloves, masks, stethoscopes and sharps containers.
Pharmaceutical supplies including tetanus vaccines, Benadryl and EpiPens.
Ambulance support and Emergency Medical Staff.
Mayo Clinic health professionals trained in disaster response and recovery. Staff included nurse practioners, physician assistants, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, psychiatric nursing staff and chaplains.
Buses to transport community members and Mayo Clinic volunteers to clean up flood-stricken areas.
Office equipment, tables and chairs to replace items destroyed by the flood.
Grants and employee assistance programs to help employees affected by the flooding.
Computer equipment and expertise have also been provided to help with local management of the relief efforts.
“We feel compelled to act any time we see destruction of the sort we’ve witnessed in recent days. Even more so when it is in our own backyard,” says Jeff Korsmo, chief administrative officer, Mayo Clinic Rochester. “It’s times like these when the true spirit of caring in our communities is so clearly demonstrated.”