Mayo Clinic Responds in Flood Relief Effort

Thursday, October 07, 2010

ROCHESTER, Minn. — Today, Mayo Clinic pledged $300,000 to the clean-up and recovery efforts for recent flood damage in southeast Minnesota.

"This flood is a dramatic example of how quickly lives can change. This natural disaster has substantially affected the communities in which we live and work," says John Noseworthy, M.D., president and CEO, Mayo Clinic. "Many people, including our colleagues, our patients and our neighbors suffered losses and property damage. It's important that we do everything we can to help these individuals and communities recover as quickly as possible."

"Once again, Mayo has provided considerable and valuable support to the effort throughout the region. We are greatly appreciative," says Karen Erlenbush, president, United Way of Olmsted County.

Mayo Clinic is working closely with the American Red Cross, The Salvation Army and the United Way in response efforts.

Mayo's response includes:

• An immediate donation of $300,000 distributed equally to the SE Minnesota Chapter of the American Red Cross, The Salvation Army Rochester and the United Way of Olmsted County for flood relief efforts.
• A call for Mayo employees to volunteer for clean up and recovery efforts.
• Grants and employee assistance programs to help employees affected by the flooding.

"We value our local communities, and we are compelled to act any time we see the scope of destruction we've witnessed in recent weeks," says Shirley Weis, chief administrative officer, Mayo Clinic. "We are always impressed by our community's sense of concern and caring and hope this donation will encourage others to volunteer and contribute."

###

About Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit worldwide leader in medical care, research and education for people from all walks of life. For more information, visit MayoClinic.com or MayoClinic.org/news.

Journalists can become a member of the Mayo Clinic News Network for the latest health, science and research news and access to video, audio, text and graphic elements that can be downloaded or embedded.