American Kidney Fund uses emergency funds to aid patients after Hurricane Ida
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The American Kidney Fund has provided more than $150,000 in emergency grants to low-income dialysis and kidney transplant patients affected by Hurricane Ida, the organization said in a press release.
Patients used the financial assistance to pay for lost or spoiled food, temporary housing, transportation to and from dialysis, home repairs and to replace clothing and personal essentials lost due to the disaster or because they had to evacuate with short notice.
“Disaster relief grants from the American Kidney Fund (AKF) help kidney patients to cope with the devastating aftermath of a storm like Hurricane Ida,” LaVarne A. Burton, AKF president and CEO, said in the release. Burton said close to 750 patients benefited from receipt of the disaster funds.
Ida hit Louisiana first on Sept. 5, causing serious property damage along coastal towns and knocking out electricity to thousands of residents. The storm then moved north, flooding the subway tunnels in New York City and damaging towns with heavy rain and winds. Officials estimate damages close to $95 billion.
The AKF said the emergency fund received donations from public and corporate supporters, including Horizon Therapeutics plc and Otsuka America Pharmaceutical Inc.
References:
www.cnbc.com/2021/09/08/hurricane-idas-damage-tally-could-top-95-billion-making-it-7th-costliest-hurricane-since-2000-.html. Published Sept. 8, 2021. Accessed Oct. 7, 2021.
www.kidneyfund.org/news/akf-provided-more-than-150000-to-kidney-patients-impacted-by-hurricane-ida.html. Published Oct. 6, 2021. Accessed Oct. 7, 2021.