Montefiore News Releases
Home >  Newsroom >  Montefiore News Releases
Print

Newsroom

Montefiore News Releases

January 15, 2010
Hospital Institutes Internal Fundraising Campaign in Partnership with the American Red Cross in Greater New York

New York City, NY (January 14, 2010) - Montefiore Medical Center announced today the mobilization of doctors and staff to create a relief team in preparation for possible deployment to Haiti. Supplies and equipment are also being assembled for shipment. Montefiore officials are communicating with governmental relief agencies to facilitate the most effective response. While it is unclear whether such assistance will be permitted or required, the hospital recognizes the crucial importance of utilizing its resources and being ready to help. Additionally, Montefiore instituted today an internal fundraising campaign and support services for employees.

"The reports coming out of Haiti are heartbreaking. As Montefiore's family includes multiple associates and patients from Haiti, we are especially struck with sadness and concern. This is a human tragedy that touches all of us, which is why we feel it is our responsibility to do everything in our power to help," said Steven M. Safyer, MD., President and CEO of Montefiore Medical Center.

In addition to coordinating staff clinicians to assist in Haiti relief efforts, Montefiore instituted an internal program that outlines three options for employees who wish to make monetary contributions. Montefiore introduced a payroll deduction program and pointed employees to the American Red Cross in Greater New York and the Office of Mayor Bloomberg to support efforts and organizations to raise funds for aid. Further, Montefiore is committed to providing emotional assistance, counseling and additional resources to those employees affected by this disaster. 

Montefiore is providing regular updates to staff and will continue to present information as it becomes available for donating other resources such as canned food, clothing and medical supplies. This tragedy has shaken the hospital to its core, as many of the Montefiore employees have deep ties to Haiti.

###

Donate Now to the Haitian Relief Effort

Montefiore has partnered with the American Red Cross in Greater New York to establish a pathway in which you can contribute donations. These monies will be used to assist disaster victims. Donations can be made at http://www.redcross.org/en/ by clicking on the "donate now" tab, by phone at 1-800-REDCROSS or you can contribute a one time donation of $10 by texting the word "Haiti" to 90999.

To contribute to other organizations through a fund organized by the Office of Mayor Michael Bloomberg, visit https://www.nyc.gov/html/fund/html/donate/donate.shtml, call 212-788-7794, or mail a check with "Haiti Earthquake Relief" written in the memo to Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City, One Centre Street, 23rd Fl, New York, NY 10007.