Kaiser Permanente's 2010 charitable contributions top $35 million

Funding Focused on Scholarship Programs, Access to Healthy Foods, and Providing Access to Health Care to the Uninsured

Kaiser Permanente of the Mid-Atlantic States, the area's largest not-for-profit health plan and care provider, announced today that its 2010 charitable contributions topped $35 million.  Approximately $25 million was used for direct medical care and insurance coverage for uninsured and underserved residents of Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia, and another $10 million in grants, donations, and sponsorships went to organizations that support the health of the region.  For a list of Kaiser Permanente of the Mid-Atlantic State's key contributions for 2010, please visit www.kp.org/newscenter.

"Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to proactively helping people get and stay healthy," said Maritha Gay, senior director of external affairs for Kaiser Permanente of the Mid-Atlantic States.  "Our efforts take wellness initiatives beyond the doctor's office, bringing communities together so that everyone has the resources they need to get well and thrive."    

The grants and donations focused on expanding access to health care services for underserved and uninsured individuals throughout the region, supporting the education of future generations of health care professionals, and increasing access to fresh, nutritious food.  Approximately 120 organizations received funding in 2010.

"At Kaiser Permanente, we are committed to working with our community partners to invest in long-term, sustainable improvements to health and behavior throughout the region," said Carrie Harris-Muller, chief administrative officer for Kaiser Permanente of the Mid-Atlantic States.  "The number of large grants we awarded in 2010 speaks to that commitment and to our belief that many of our local nonprofits are implementing strong programs that, over time, can indeed contribute to making total health a reality for everyone."  

Additional information about Kaiser Permanente's Community Benefit programs can be found in the 2009 Community Benefit Annual Report at www.kp.org/communitybenefit/annualreport2009.