Updated Abbott Statement: To Help Respond to Growing Health Crisis, Abbott Increases Aid to $2.5 Million for Haiti Relief and Recovery Efforts

ABBOTT PARK, Ill., Jan. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Working directly with humanitarian partners to help address the growing health care crisis, Abbott (NYSE: ABT) is expanding its support for relief efforts in Haiti.  The company will provide $2.5 million in grant funding and donations of critical pharmaceutical and nutritional products to humanitarian aid organizations.  

An initial quantity of Abbott pharmaceutical and nutritional products are already in use in several locations in Haiti as a result of prior work with Direct Relief International to strategically pre-position essential health care products in preparation for potential natural disasters.  These products include antibiotics, rehydration solutions and additional nutritional products that are in critical need following the earthquake in Haiti.  Abbott will continue to work with relief partners to assess and respond to ongoing needs for longer-term recovery efforts.

Video of Abbott products being packed by Direct Relief International for use in Haiti is available at http://agendanyc.com/clients/abbott/preparedness.htm.  Shot in mid-2009, this footage highlights ongoing efforts to pre-position aid.

Background on Abbott's Existing Philanthropic Work in Haiti

Haiti relief efforts build on Abbott's existing philanthropic partnerships to expand access to health care in the country.  Since 2007, Abbott and the Abbott Fund have provided more than $34 million in grants and product donations to help address health needs in Haiti, including maternal and child health, diabetes, HIV/AIDS and malnutrition.

Additional Information on Abbott's Relief Efforts in Haiti

"The recent earthquake has had a devastating impact on Haiti's limited health care system, which was already facing significant challenges," said Catherine V. Babington, president, the Abbott Fund.  "Building on our existing partnerships with humanitarian organizations in Haiti, we are providing funding and product donations to help address the immense and immediate health needs."

Initial support from the Abbott Fund for earthquake recovery efforts includes $150,000 in grants to four of Abbott's trusted humanitarian aid partners: American Red Cross, CARE, Catholic Medical Mission Board and Partners In Health.  All of these organizations have an established presence in Haiti, and are already mobilizing relief efforts in the country.

Abbott also is actively working with AmeriCares, Catholic Medical Mission Board, Direct Relief International, Heart to Heart International, MAP International, Project Hope and additional organizations to identify and distribute critical nutritional and pharmaceutical products that will provide immediate relief for people affected by the earthquake in Haiti.

In addition, Abbott volunteers in the Dallas area are planning to support the efforts of the American Red Cross to respond to the disaster in Haiti.  Through the American Red Cross program, "Ready When the Time Comes," nearly 30 Abbott volunteers have received training over the past year, and are ready to assist with fundraising and other activities in Dallas to support American Red Cross relief efforts.

About Abbott and Abbott Fund

Abbott is a global, broad-based health care company devoted to the discovery, development, manufacturing and marketing of pharmaceuticals and medical products, including nutritionals, devices and diagnostics.  The company employs more than 72,000 people and markets its products in more than 130 countries. Abbott's news releases and other information are available on the company's Web site at www.abbott.com.

The Abbott Fund is a philanthropic foundation established by Abbott in 1951.  The Abbott Fund's mission is to create healthier global communities by investing in creative ideas that promote science, expand access to health care and strengthen communities worldwide.  For more information on the Abbott Fund, visit www.abbottfund.org.

SOURCE Abbott