GlaxoSmithKline Aids California Fire Relief Efforts

Main Category: Aid / Disasters
Also Included In: Pharma Industry / Biotech Industry
Article Date: 27 Oct 2007 - 0:00 PDT

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GlaxoSmithKline (NYSE: GSK) shares the nation's concern for residents and communities of California's San Diego region that are being ravaged by widespread fires. As a demonstration of support, GSK has offered to the people impacted more than $1 million dollars worth of respiratory medicines and $100,000 worth of consumer products, including Aquafresh products and Tums.

"GSK is committed to helping the relief effort by providing the State of California and its state-based, disaster-response organizations with medicines and other healthcare products that are needed by those whose lives have been turned upside down by this tragedy," said Christopher Viehbacher, President, US Pharmaceuticals, GlaxoSmithKline.

GSK has already shipped $300,000 worth of asthma medicine to Direct Relief International, a Santa Barbara-based relief organization with expertise in fast delivery of medicines in times of disaster. Direct Relief's close proximity to the regions affected by the fires means they have been able to provide immediate emergency relief to those in need.

GSK has also reached out to other relief organizations - AmeriCares, MAP International, Project HOPE and Interchurch (IMA) - to assess the ongoing needs of residents and communities throughout San Diego county. If these organizations ask for additional medicines, GSK will seek to fulfill the requests.

GSK is also helping its employees and their families based in the San Diego region recover from the fires. A disaster relief fund is available to provide employees with up to $5,000 grants to cover emergency needs, such as temporary housing, food and transportation.

GlaxoSmithKline - one of the world's leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies - is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer.

GlaxoSmithKline
http://www.glaxosmithkline.com

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