New Sanofi US Product Disaster Preparedness Donation Program Helps Speed Delivery to Patients in Times of Disasters

(3BL Media / theCSRfeed) - December 12, 2011 - Sanofi US donated products will reach patients sooner following natural disasters under a new program with Direct Relief International, one of our humanitarian aid partners.

With the new process, certain products will be stored at Direct Relief’s California warehouse so they are immediately available to partner health facilities when a disaster strikes in the U.S.  “In the past, we responded to product requests from Direct Relief  after the disaster struck, meaning it could take several days for medicines and supplies to reach patients,” said Amy Dupuis, Sr. Manager, North America Corporate Social Responsibility. “With this proactive program in place, valuable time can be saved.” In addition to products, Sanofi US also recently gave $10,000 to support the Direct Relief program. Sanofi US has partnered with Direct Relief, a global, non-profit aid organization since 2006, providing more than $21 million in product contributions. Direct Relief has distributed more than $9 million of the products internationally to clinics and hospitals affected by disasters so patients can receive the medical treatment and care they need.   A Heartfelt Thank You
Another global, non-profit humanitarian aid organization, Heart to Heart International, recently recognized Sanofi US for our generosity this year. With Sanofi US’ financial assistance and product donations, Heart to Heart provided medical assistance to thousands of Americans in the aftermath of tornadoes and supported ongoing healthcare programs in the U.S., Haiti and Guatemala. Sanofi US gave of its most valuable resource – its people – as well. After tornadoes struck Missouri and Kansas last spring, dozens of Sanofi US sales representatives helped Heart to Heart by assembling personal care kits, which contain enough hygiene supplies to protect individuals from harmful germs for up to two weeks. These kits are especially helpful when large numbers of people have been displaced and are living in crowded temporary shelters. In October, more than 150 Kansas City colleagues assembled and donated about 3,000 additional personal care kits during Sanofi Volunteer Week.  The company also gave $10,000 to support Heart to Heart’s care kit program. "Sanofi US has helped Heart to Heart International deliver hope and healing to millions of people around the world for nearly two decades,” said Andre T. Butler, CEO, Heart to Heart International. “This year, Sanofi employees went above and beyond to help others in need through volunteering with Heart to Heart, demonstrating that caring people are at the core of Sanofi's commitment."   SAN19492