Bayer Healthcare, Diagnostics (Tarrytown, NY) Announces New Charitable Giving Campaign
TARRYTOWN, N.Y., Oct. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Arthur Higgins, Chairman of Bayer HealthCare's Executive Committee announced today that Bayer HealthCare is revitalizing its charitable giving by focusing more closely and directly on organizations benefiting people afflicted by cancer, diabetes, hemophilia and cardiovascular disease. In line with this new policy, $400,000 will be awarded in single $100,000, one-time commitments, to the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS), Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), National Hemophilia Foundation (NHF) and the American Heart Association (AHA). These funds will be provided by Bayer Healthcare's portion of the Bayer Foundation's annual gifts.
"Over the past few years, Bayer HealthCare has increasingly aligned its focus to concentrate on specific public health issues and areas of great medical need where we can and are making a difference. As we focus our business strategies on key therapeutic areas, we want to ensure that we're also doing our part to support the non-profit organizations working in these areas," said Arthur Higgins. "The funding announced today reflects this focused commitment."
Diabetes, a key therapeutic area for Bayer HealthCare, is a devastating disease that results in medical and lost productivity costs of more than $132 billion annually. "Finding a cure for diabetes is of paramount interest to all of us as we seek to help preserve lives and reduce healthcare costs. Generous donations such as that given by the Bayer Foundation to support diabetes management and education initiatives help us provide important programs and events on a grassroots level that enable us to reach disease management objectives," said Peter Van Etten, President and CEO of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
Cardiovascular disease is another area in which Bayer is making a difference. "We're thrilled that Bayer is a national supporter of our 'Go Red for Women' Campaign. Additionally, they have also agreed to become the 'Proud Tri-State Education Sponsor' for our 'Go Red for Women' Luncheons," said M. Cass Wheeler, CEO of the American Heart Association. "The goal of the AHA is to reduce coronary heart disease and stroke 25% by the year 2010 -- but we can't do this alone. Donations by companies like Bayer are crucial to our continuing efforts as we strive to reach our goals."
Bayer's donations will also contribute to programs that support cancer survivors. NCCS is the oldest survivor-lead cancer advocacy organization in the country, working on behalf of people with various types of cancer. Two- time cancer survivor and President and CEO of NCCS Ellen Stovall knows first hand how difficult and trying it is when patients are first diagnosed with cancer. "Bayer's donation will support the launch of a new cancer survival education initiative and help to broaden dissemination of essential resources that give cancer survivors the skills to better meet and understand the challenges of their illness," said Stovall.
People with bleeding disorders will also benefit from Bayer's support. "We have been working together with Bayer for several years to enhance the quality of life for people and families living with bleeding disorders. In the past, Bayer donations have enabled the National Hemophilia Foundation to provide training and education to service providers, to improve and expand our Annual Meeting that brings together consumers, providers and industry leaders, and to enhance fundraising and community building activities," said Alan Kinniburgh, CEO of the National Hemophilia Foundation. "This year, the funds will be used to support the National Youth Leadership Institute to help build the next generation of leaders within the bleeding disorders community."
About Bayer HealthCare AG
Bayer HealthCare AG, a subsidiary of Bayer AG , is one of the world's leading, innovative companies in the health care and medical products industry. In 2004, the Bayer HealthCare subgroup generated sales amounting to some 8.5 billion Euro.
The company combines the global activities of the divisions Animal Health, Biological Products, Consumer Care, Diabetes Care, Diagnostics and Pharmaceuticals. Bayer HealthCare employed 35,300 people worldwide in 2004.
Bayer HealthCare's aim is to discover and manufacture innovative products that will improve human and animal health worldwide. The products enhance well-being and quality of life by diagnosing, preventing and treating disease.
About The Bayer Foundation
In 1953, Bayer created the first of three foundations, which later all merged to become the Bayer Foundation. As the single source for Bayer's philanthropic giving throughout the United States, the Bayer Foundation supports programs that enhance the quality of life, provide unique and enriching opportunities that connect diverse groups and ensure the preparedness of tomorrow's leaders. This long standing commitment of partnering with community leaders and providing philanthropic support result in continually improving communities in which our employees live and work.
Bayer HealthCare PharmaceuticalsCONTACT: Meredith Fischer, +1-203-812-6485, meredith.fischer.b@bayer.com,for Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals