Essence Healthcare announced on Tuesday it will match employee and community contributions to United Way of Greater St. Louis for tornado relief efforts, up to a total of $100,000.
Our hearts and thoughts continue to be with our neighbors impacted by the severe weather across our region” said Michelle D. Tucker, president and CEO of United Way of Greater St. Louis.
“We are incredibly grateful for Essence Healthcare’s generous matching challenge during this critical time. Their leadership helps amplify the impact of every individual gift and ensures more families receive the help they need to recover.
“When disaster strikes, it’s local partnerships like this that strengthen our region’s resilience.”
The donation will go to the United Way of Greater St. Louis Storm Relief Fund to provide immediate aid and long-term recovery for impacted communities across the bi-state region.
Funds will support access to food, shelter, medical care and case management services for individuals and families affected by the tornadoes. United Way 2-1-1 continues to serve as a vital link to local resources and emergency support. To donate or seek help, visit https://helpingpeople.org.
Essence Healthcare and its parent company, Lumeris, employ more than 450 people in the Greater St. Louis area and serves thousands of Medicare beneficiaries across the region.
In addition to financial contributions, the company will encourage and organize employee volunteer efforts to support United Way-led relief activities throughout the region. Essence is also encouraging its medical community partners, broker network, and vendor partners to contribute to the recovery mission and stand alongside local families in need.
“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the tornadoes,” said Jordan Reigel, president of Essence Healthcare.
“For more than 20 years, we’ve had the privilege of serving the Medicare community in Greater St. Louis. By matching financial contributions and supporting our employees to volunteer, we hope to help expand the reach of United Way’s critical work and provide a tangible boost to families as they begin the long road to recovery.”
Red Cross opens shelters
The Greater St. Louis chapter of the American Red Cross is operating three shelters in the city at the following locations:
Friendly Temple Outreach Center
6356 Dr. Martin Luther King Dr.
12th & Park Recreation Center
1410 S. Tucker Blvd.
Refresh Community Church
829 N. Hanley Rd.
The Red Cross had to close a shelter at Grace United Methodist Church at 6199 Waterman Blvd. because of a water main break and has moved residents from that shelter to the Refresh Community Church.
Red Cross shelters do not require ID or proof of residency.
The shelters will meet immediate needs such as food, water and basic medical assistance, said LaKricia Cox, executive director of the American Red Cross Greater St. Louis chapter.
“At one of our locations, we have 75 people,” Cox said. “But from what we’re hearing from the community, as I’ve been talking to people, we know we can expect much more people coming in.”
The shelters also provide health and mental health services. People can call 1-800-RED CROSS for assistance.
The Deaconess Foundation has also announced that the Deaconess Shelter is open at 100 N. Vandeventer.
Personal hygiene items, water and snacks and Wi-Fi are available to residents displaced by the May 16 tornado.
Affinia provided free diapers
Affinia Healthcare is providing free diapers to residents impacted by the recent tornado from noon to 4 p.m. Thursday May 22 at the 1717 Biddle Street location. Affinia supplied diapers on Wednesday at the Ferguson and 3930 S. Broadway locations.
“This is our city and our community, and we are here to support,” said Dr. Kendra Holmes, Affinia Healthcare president and CEO.
“We are working with our community and industry partners to secure needed items for those who need help at this extremely difficult time. We are committed to St. Louis and will be here for those who need help.”