Sutter Health Donates $300,000 to Help Fire Relief Efforts in Northern California

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Sept. 15, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Sutter Health made a $300,000 donation today to support fire relief efforts across several Northern California communities.

The donations will go to several organizations helping bring food, shelter and other resources to those affected by the massive Valley Fire still raging in Lake County and the Butte Fire still burning in Amador and Calaveras counties. 

• $250,000 to the American Red Cross California Wildfires Fund to help bring food, water and emergency shelter to the families in need.
• $25,000 to support local mental health services, including grievance counselors, peer support and others to individuals impacted by the fire in Amador and Calaveras counties.
• $25,000 to additional local agencies supporting fire relief in Lake County.

"Northern California is our home and I'm overwhelmed by the massive damage caused in our communities by the Valley and Butte fires," said Pat Fry, president and CEO of Sutter Health. "Our hearts go out to our patients, co-workers and all those struggling to cope with the turmoil and loss these wildfires have caused. I hope our donation helps bring relief to those most in need, and we offer our heartfelt thanks to all the firefighters and volunteers working to help keep our communities safe."

In just the past week, the two fires combined to burn more than 100,000 acres, displacing thousands of residents and damaging hundreds of homes.

"Right after a disaster, we focus on providing safe shelter, feeding people, offering emotional support and health services, and distributing emergency relief supplies such as comfort kits and cleaning supplies. But our work doesn't end there; the Red Cross also plays a critical role in helping families and communities get back on their feet," said Teresa Caver, Interim CEO of American Red Cross Gold Country Region.

Sutter Health has long partnered the Red Cross and other organizations to help people close to home and worldwide. Our contributions helped support relief efforts during many disasters including the earthquake that struck Nepal this past July, and relief efforts to help families affected by the King and Boles fires in 2014 and the Rim fire in 2013. Last year, Sutter Health invested $767 million in care and services for the poor and underserved.

For information on how you can help support relief efforts, visit the American Red Cross at www.redcross.org.

About Sutter Health

Serving patients and their families in more than 100 Northern California cities and towns, Sutter Health doctors, not-for-profit hospitals and other healthcare service providers share resources and expertise to advance health care quality and access. The Sutter Medical Network includes many of California's top-performing, highest-quality physician organizations as measured annually by the Integrated Healthcare Association. Sutter-affiliated hospitals are regional leaders in cardiac care, women's and children's services, cancer care, orthopedics and advanced patient-safety technology. For more information about the not-for-profit Sutter Health network visit: sutterhealth.org | facebook.com/sutterhealth | youtube.com/sutterhealth | twitter.com/sutterhealth

SOURCE Sutter Health

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