Healthcare Distributors Are Making a Difference in Local Communities
October 07, 2021
Long before the COVID-19 pandemic, HDA healthcare distributors recognized the vital role that philanthropy plays in building healthier communities — and the industry’s responsibility in leading these efforts. Our new three-part blog series will showcase how the distribution industry is making a difference in local communities by:
- Investing in physical and behavioral healthcare, community health and health equity;
- Fighting prescription drug misuse;
- Increasing food security;
- Supporting vulnerable children and families;
- Offering aid to cancer patients; and,
- Partnering on other local initiatives.
In part one, we will explore how HDA’s distributor members are leaving their imprint upon communities through corporate, foundation and employee support.
Reaching Those in Need Through Philanthropy
Across the country, HDA members are creating healthier communities through a range of philanthropic efforts. For example:- AmerisourceBergen donated over $2.7 million in over-the-counter products last year to organizations such as Americares, Feeding America and Direct Relief. These donations provided the opportunity for medical teams to dispense medications to critical populations while also providing resources to parts of the world impacted by the pandemic and natural disasters.
- Additionally, the AmerisourceBergen Foundation, an independent, not-for-profit charitable giving organization, works to improve the health and well-being of patient populations — both human and animal. In 2020, the AmerisourceBergen Foundation donated nearly $10 million to over 100 nonprofit partners, and the organization has committed $1 million to support communities impacted by COVID-19.
- Cardinal Health supports its employees’ passion for giving back. In addition to supporting employee volunteerism, the Cardinal Health Foundation provides matching gifts to more than $2 million of employee donations to nonprofit organizations each year.
- Henry Schein seamlessly adapted their signature Back to School and Holiday Cheer for Children programs to the COVID-19 environment and continues to engage their “Team Schein Members.” In lieu of in-person events, Henry Schein provided gift cards to families with children in need around the world to purchase school supplies, clothing and other items.
- McKesson, through its corporate foundation, supported local communities by disbursing nearly $7 million in the U.S. and Canada to support charitable initiatives, including a total of $3 million to 13 food banks across the U.S. in response to increased need relating to the COVID-19 pandemic and a $1 million contribution to support racial justice programs. The McKesson Foundation also distributed approximately $1.7 million in matching gifts, including nearly $1 million as part of International Giving Tuesday. In fiscal year 2021, McKesson’s annual Community Days event went virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and employees volunteered more than 2,200 hours supporting more than 160 nonprofit/charity organizations.
- Medline donated $1 million to four organizations working to advance racial justice in the United States last year, including Black Lives Matter, the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, National Urban League and the United Negro College Fund. In addition to the donation, the company offered an employee gift-matching campaign, committing to match up to a total of $250,000 to the four charities.
Check back for part two to learn more about how distributors are working in local communities to address health disparities and support patients in need.