Dignity Health Donates $450,000 To Deliver Medical Supplies to Sierra Leone in Fight Against Ebola

SAN FRANCISCO – Dec. 4, 2014 – Dignity Health, one of the largest health systems in the nation, is continuing its 17-year partnership with Project C.U.R.E by donating $450,000 to send medical supplies to Sierra Leone, one of the hardest hit countries by the Ebola outbreak.

As part of Dignity Health’s healing ministry, Dignity Health believes it is its inherent responsibility to advocate both near and far for those in need. Today, more than a dozen Dignity Health volunteers from St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix packed a 40-foot shipping container with nearly a half a million dollars worth of supplies including goggles, masks, syringes, scrubs, bed linens, disinfectant, and more to help the medical community in Sierra Leone combat Ebola.

“We believe in the power of humankindness and are dedicated to doing what we can to help those in need across the globe,” said Linda Hunt, President and CEO of Dignity Health, Arizona service area. “This fiscal year alone, Dignity Health has provided nearly $2 billion in charitable care and services, supporting Project C.U.R.E. and others who are making a positive impact on community health and well-being.”

In Sierra Leone, the battle against Ebola remains a challenge as the country doesn’t have sufficient medical supplies to adequately combat the spread of the virus. Ebola has killed nearly 4,500 people in West Africa, according to the World Health Organization, and Sierra Leone is currently experiencing an increase in outbreaks with 533 confirmed new cases the week of Nov. 16 alone.

“We are monitoring the supply needs of West Africa and are seeing first-hand the increase in Ebola outbreaks in Sierra Leone. As such, this generous donation will have a significant impact on the country’s ability to help those affected by this virus,” said Katie Mabardy, executive director of Project C.U.R.E., Phoenix. “We are proud to have a longstanding relationship with Dignity Health and its caring employees who have been instrumental in helping Project C.U.R.E not only launch, but sustain efforts around the globe over the past 17 years.”

Project C.U.R.E. is working around the clock to collect and package items to send to West Africa. As the largest provider of donated medical supplies and equipment to developing countries around the world, the organization has already sent seven containers and two airlifts of critical supplies to West Africa.

To donate to this cause, please visit https://dignityhealthfoundation.org/stop-ebola