GE Foundation and AmeriCares Expand Aid for Uninsured Americans

Stamford, Conn. – Feb. 8, 2012 – AmeriCares is expanding access to health care for thousands of low-income and uninsured Americans with support from the GE Foundation. A $700,000 grant from the foundation, the philanthropic organization of the General Electric Company, will enable AmeriCares to expand its aid deliveries and support for free clinics nationwide. These safety net clinics are often the primary source of health care for poor and uninsured Americans, providing the care and medicines patients need to manage chronic conditions and avoid costly trips to hospital emergency rooms.

The new grant is expected to expand the number of clinics receiving donated medicines and supplies from AmeriCares from 400 to 550 – a 37 percent increase. The number of participating clinics has already tripled from 139 to 400 since the GE Foundation began supporting AmeriCares U.S. Medical Assistance Program two years ago. AmeriCares also plans to double participation in its new Chronic Disease Initiative as a direct result of the new funding. The program provides computer software that assists clinics with enrolling patients in patient assistance programs, patient education materials and donated medicines and supplies. This latest grant brings the Fairfield, Conn.-based foundation’s support for AmeriCares domestic work to $1.3 million.

“With its renewed support for AmeriCares domestic aid programs, the GE Foundation is demonstrating its commitment to improve access to care for the poor and uninsured,” said AmeriCares President and CEO Curt Welling. “Patients with diabetes, hypertension and other debilitating illnesses need more than medical exams to manage their health conditions; we make sure they have the medicines they need to start treatment immediately.”